A native of Pennsylvania, Cmdr. Brenna Schnars 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 aboard USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), where she served as the communications officer and 2nd Division officer, deploying to the U.S. 5th (C5F) and 6th Fleet (C6F) area of responsibilities (AORs).  Cmdr. Schnars then reported aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) as the fire control officer and surge deployed in support of Joint Task Force (JTF) Lebanon.  Her department head tours were in USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) as the 1st lieutenant and Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 6 as the N3 department head. While aboard 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 C5F and C6F AORs as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. 

Cmdr. Schnars reported to Beachmaster Unit (BMU) 2 as the executive officer in April 2020.

Cmdr. Schnars completed her shore duty assignments at Navy Personnel Command as a junior officer detailer, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 as the flag secretary and N1, and on the Joint Staff, J35 South as the naval forces lead planner and the emergent operations officer.  

Cmdr. Schnars earned a Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Security Studies from the Naval Post Graduate School.

Her personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various campaign and unit awards.