CDR Nicholas J. Schnettler

Deputy Commodore, Tactical Air Control Group ONE (CTG 1)

03 January 2024 A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Commander Nicholas “TRON” Schnettler is a graduate of Purdue University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. Commissioned through the Purdue University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in May 2004, he remained at Purdue to complete his Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He graduated from the U.S. Navy Rotary Wing Weapons School (SEAWOLF) in 2012 and completed Master’s Certificates in Cyber Security and Data Science from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2021 and 2025, respectively.

Schnettler’s operational flying assignments include tours with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO TWO (HSC-22), HSC-28, and HSC-5. He completed deployments on USS Bataan (LHD 5), USS Freedom (LCS 1), USS Wasp (LHD 1), and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

His shore assignments include a flight instructor tour with Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Atlantic (HSCWSL) and a staff tour on the Joint Staff where he served as Assistant Deputy Director for Operations and Presidential Strike Advisor for National Military Command Center (NMCC) Operations Team FOUR.

Most recently, Schnettler commanded Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Pacific (HSCWSP). He began serving as Chief Staff Officer for Commander, Tactical Air Control Group ONE (CTG-1) in January 2024 and assumed the role of Deputy Commodore in January 2026.

Schnettler has accumulated more than 2,700 flight hours in six different aircraft. He was recognized as the 2014 Instructor Pilot of the Year by National Helicopter Association Region Four and the 2018 Pilot of the Year by HSC-5. His decorations include the Sikorsky Rescue Award, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and multiple joint, unit, and campaign awards.