COMMANDER
EXECUTIVE OFFICER BRENNA L. SCHNARS, USN
CDR Brenna Schnars from Williamsport, Pennsylvania was commissioned upon graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 2003 where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
For her first Division Officer tour, she reported onboard USS CARTER HALL (LSD 50), where she served as the Communications Officer and 2nd Division Officer, deploying to the Fifth and Sixth Fleet AORs. CDR Schnars then reported aboard USS WASP (LHD 1) as the Fire Control Officer and surge deployed in support of JTF Lebanon. Her Department Head tours were in USS FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43) as the First Lieutenant and Amphibious Squadron SIX (CPR 6) as the Operations Officer. While onboard FORT MCHENRY, she deployed in support of Africa Partnership Station and Security Cooperation Task Force operations followed by a deployment with CPR 6 to the Fifth and Sixth Fleet AORs as part of the BATAAN Amphibious Ready Group. CDR Schnars reported to Beachmaster Unit TWO as Executive Officer in April 2020 and took Command in December 2021. After Command, she reported to Amphibious Squadron FOUR (CPR 4) as the Chief Staff Officer. She is currently the Senior Amphibious Warfare Officer Course (SAWOC) Course Manager at Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Atlantic.
CDR Schnars completed her shore duty assignments at Navy Personnel Command as a Junior Officer Detailer, Expeditionary Strike Group TWO (ESG 2) as the Flag Secretary and Administrative Officer, and on the Joint Staff, J35 South as the Naval Forces Lead Planner and the Emergent Operations Officer. She also earned a Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Security Studies from the Naval Post Graduate School.
CDR Schnars’ personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various campaign and unit awards.