Commander Matthew Schnappauf
Executive Officer, HSM-70
Commander Schnappauf is a 1996 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and he holds a master's degree in International Relations from the Naval War College in Newport RI.
Upon commissioning, he reported to flight school in Pensacola, Florida and was designated a Naval Aviator in May 1998. Commander Schnappauf then reported to HSL-40 for training as a Fleet Replacement Pilot in June 1998, where he received the HSL-40 "Seahawk" award for excellence in flight and graduated first in his class.
His operational flying assignments include tours in both HSL-44 and HSL-46, where he deployed in USS JOHN HANCOCK, USS NICHOLSON, and USS PHILIPPINE SEA. During those tours, he flew in support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, including missions flown during the initial response to the attacks of September 11, 2001. He served as the HSL-46 Maintenance Officer from September 2008 to October 2009, when the squadron was awarded the Battle "E", Sikorsky "golden Wrench" and Safety "S".
Ashore, Commander Schnappauf served in the Navy's Office of Legislative Executive Affairs, Senate Liaison, from June 2002 through August 2003. He served as Deputy Executive Assistant and Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Command from October 2004 to July 2005 and Aide to the Commander, U.S. Pacific fleet from July 2005 to October 2005. Commander Schnappauf also served as the Training Department Head at HSL-40 from October 2005 to March 2007 when the Airwolves earned the Theodore Ellyson Award as the top East Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron. His previous assignment was at Naval Personnel Command in Millington TN, where he served as the HSM/CNAF/CNAL Placement Officer. He has approximately 2500 total flight hours.
Commander Schnappauf''s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Joint Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and numerous campaign and unit awards.