A native of Gallatin, Tennessee, Commander Schnabel graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2009, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.  CDR Schnabel was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in July 2010.  He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in March 2012 and remained in Kingsville, TX as a Selectively Retained Graduate Instructor for the VT-21 “Redhawks”.  In July 2013, CDR Schnabel reported to the VAQ-129 “Vikings” for initial fleet training as an EA-18G Growler Pilot.  Following initial fleet training, CDR Schnabel was selected as the Fleet Replacement Student Pilot of the year for 2015.

CDR Schnabel began his operational flying in February 2015 with the “Patriots” of VAQ-140.  While a “Patriot”, he made one deployment aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75), participating in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE.  During this tour, CDR Schnabel earned his Wing Landing Signal Officer (LSO) qualification and was selected as the Lieutenant Commander Jim Dee Memorial Award recipient for 2016.

CDR Schnabel reported back to the VAQ-129 “Vikings” as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot in February 2017.  During this brief 14 month tour he earned his LSO Training qualification and volunteered to fulfill a critical Forward Deployed Naval Forces billet.  He was selected as the Carrier Air Wing Five LSO aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) in April 2018.  While stationed out of Iwakuni, Japan, CDR Schnabel deployed on 4 patrols throughout the Pacific theater.

CDR Schnabel returned stateside in November 2019 as a Department Head in the VAQ-132 “Scorpions”.  While with the “Scorpions”, he completed an expeditionary deployment to Guam and Misawa, Japan.  During his time at VAQ-132, CDR Schnabel became the first Growler Red Flag Strike Lead.

Following his department head tour, CDR Schnabel reported to the Naval War College in Newport, RI in February 2022.  There he was chosen for the Halsey Alfa Advanced Research Project and earned a Masters of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies.  He selected for squadron command in March of 2023 and is scheduled to report to VAQ-142 as Executive Officer in July 2024.

CDR Schnabel has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours in 8 aircraft and over 400 carrier arrested landings, including over 30 combat missions.  His awards include Strike/Flight Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medals, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various service awards and ribbons.

Last Updated: 28 August 2024