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Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 144 “Main Battery”

Commander Brant H. Schmall

Executive Officer, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 144

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VIRIN: 230607-N-VV554-1001

A native of Mitchell, Nebraska, Commander Schmall graduated from the University of Nebraska in 2006, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanized Systems Management.  CDR Schmall enlisted in 2000 directly out of high school.  His first command was with the AIRWOLVES of HSL-40 at NS Mayport, Florida following Aviation Electrician’s Mate (AE) A school in Pensacola, Florida where he was meritoriously advanced. 

With the AIRWOLVES, he supported SH-60B operations at the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS).  While at HSL-40, he was selected to Seaman to Admiral (STA-21) in FY 2003 at the Naval Science Institute (NSI) in Newport, Rhode Island.  He was commissioned in 2006 at the University of Nebraska’s NROTC unit.  Initial flight training began at VT-2 and he earned his Aviator wings at VT-21 in Kingsville, Texas in July, 2009.  He reported to VAQ-129 onboard NAS Whidbey Island, Washington for EA-6B pilot training and graduated the FRS in 2010.

Back to the fleet, CDR Schmall joined the PATRIOTS of VAQ-140.  While there, he deployed to Aviano AB, Italy in support of Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR in Libya.  He also completed two subsequent deployments supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) and transitioned to the EA-18G. 

In 2014, CDR Schmall reported to VAQ-129 as an Instructor Pilot (IP) at the FRS.  He became fully qualified, served as the EA-18G NATOPS Program Manager, and earned a Transition Qualification as a Landing Signal Officer (LSO). 

He left the FRS early to become a Carrier Air Wing Paddles with CVW-9 in 2016 at NAS Lemoore, California.  He met his new Air Wing underway on WESTPAC and completed the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise, 2016 aboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN-74). 

In December 2017, CDR Schmall was assigned as a Department Head to the GAUNTLETS of VAQ-136.  He immediately deployed on WESTPAC and completed RIMPAC, 2018 aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70).  He served as Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer with the GAUNTLETS and was also the senior pilot throughout his tour. 

In 2020, CDR Schmall was once again back with the VIKINGS of VAQ-129 as an Instructor Pilot.  He maintained highly qualified and served as the FRS Operations Officer supporting 11 detachments.

In March of 2023, CDR Schmall reported to the MAIN BATTERY of VAQ-144 as Executive Officer. 

CDR Schmall has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours and more than 350 carrier arrested landings.  His service includes 42 combat missions amassing over 275 combat flight hours.  His awards include Strike/Flight Air Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal (4), Navy Achievement Medal (3), and various other personal and service awards.  CDR Schmall has an amazing family and supporting cast in his wife, Lark, and their three children, Barrett, Macy, and Madelyn.
 

Leaders

Commander Jason “Murse” Windom

Commanding Officer, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 144

Commander Brant H. Schmall

Executive Officer, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 144

Command Master Chief Laura Blanco

Command Master Chief, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 144


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