Col Randy D. Schwinler is the Commander, 18th Maintenance Group, Kadena Air Base, Japan. The 2,400 group supports all 18th Wing taskings as directed by the Commander Pacific Air Forces throughout PACAF and Fifth Air Force. The group maintains combat capability for 80 assigned F-15, KC-135, E-3 and HH-60 aircraft. The group includes two Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons that provide the only combined air refueling, combat rescue, air battle management and F-15 air superiority assets in the Asian and Western Pacific theater of operations and two maintenance squadrons directly responsible for flightline and in-shop support. Additionally, the group is responsible for the largest munitions maintenance and storage area in PACAF hosting a stockpile valued at over $787 million.
Col Schwinler was born in Denver, CO on 16 February 1968. He attended Winner High School in Winner, SD and graduated in May 1986. Col Schwinler enlisted under the Delayed Entry Program in October 1985 as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist and entered the Air Force in August 1986 as an EC-135C “Looking Glass” Crew Chief. He went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics Degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Bachelor of Science in Management/Human Resource Degree from Park College and was commissioned in July 2000.
He had worked in numerous leadership positions at the squadron, group, wing, MAJCOM, and Joint level.
Col Schwinler is a Master Aircraft/Munitions Maintenance Officer with experience on the B-1B, B-2A, B-52G/H, C-130, C-17, EC/KC/OC/RC/TC/WC-135s, E-3A, E-4B, F-15C/D/E, F-35, HH-60, and the U-2 weapon systems. His operational deployments include Operations: Restore Democracy, Deny Flight, Constant Vigil, Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Allied Force, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Renewal of Hope, Enduring Sentinel, Inherent Resolve, and Spartan Shield.
EDUCATION
1989 Noncommissioned Officer Preparatory School, Ellsworth AFB, SD
1992 Airmen Leadership School, Ellsworth AFB, SD
1998 Associate in Applied Science Degree in Aircraft Systems Maintenance Technology, CCAF
1999 Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
1999 Bachelor of Science Degree in Management/Human Resources (with distinction), Park College
2001 Aerospace Basic Course (in-residence)
2002 Master of Aeronautical Science in Aviation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
2002 Master of Science in Administration/Human Resources, Central Michigan University
2005 Squadron Officer School (correspondence/in-residence)
2007 Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Officer School (AMMOS)
2011 Air Command and Staff College (correspondence)
2014 Air Command and Staff College (in-residence)
2014 Master of Military Operational Art and Science, Air University
2019 Air War College (correspondence)
ASSIGNMENTS
1. 1986, Student, Aircraft Maintenance Specialist for Tactical / Strategic / General Aircraft, 362d Training Squadron, Sheppard Air Force Base, TX
2. 1986–1994, EC-135C Looking Glass Crew Chief, Aircraft Readiness Center Weapons System Controller, KC-135R/T Phase Team Supervisor, 28th Bomb Wing (Heavy) Strategic Air Command, Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD
3. 1994–2000, KC-135R/T Phase Team Supervisor, KC-135R/T Crew Chief, Assistant Element Chief, 319th Air Refueling Wing, Grand Forks AFB, ND
4. 2000, Student, Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course, 362d Training Squadron, Sheppard Air Force Base, TX
5. 2000–2003, Fabrication Flight Commander, Operations Program Officer, Assistant AMU Officer-in-Charge, and Programs & Resources Flight Commander, 55th Wing, Offutt AFB, NE
6. 2003--2008, Maintenance Operations Flight Commander, Maintenance Operations Officer, AMU Officer-in-Charge, Operations Officer, 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, ND
7. 2008–2009, Operations Officer, 9th Reconnaissance Wing; Osan AB, South Korea
8. 2009–2011, Chief, Maintenance Analysis Branch, HQ ACC; Langley AFB, VA
9. 2011–2012, Commander, 509th Maintenance Operations Squadron, 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, MO
10. 2012–2013, Commander, 509th Maintenance Squadron, 509th Bomb Wing; Whiteman AFB, MO
11. 2013–2014, Student, Air Command and Staff College, Air University; Maxwell AFB, AL
12. 2014–2017, Commander, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 5th Bomb Wing; Minot AFB, ND
13. 2017–2021, Deputy Commander, 28th Maintenance Group, 28th Bomb Wing; Ellsworth AFB, SD
14. 2021–2022, Command Inspector General, Ohio National Guard, Columbus, OH
15. 2022–2023, Commander, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Group, Al Udeid AB, Qatar
16. 2023-Present, Commander, 18th Maintenance Group, Kadena AB, Japan
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Legion of Merit Medal
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (4 oak leaf clusters)
Air Force Commendation Medal (5 oak leaf clusters)
Air Force Achievement Medal
Air Force Good Conduct Medal (3 oak leaf clusters)
National Defense Service Medal (1 Service Star)
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal (1 Service Star)
Iraq Campaign Medal (2 Service Stars)
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Korean Defense Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with “N” Device (4 oak leaf clusters)
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant July 7, 2000
First Lieutenant July 7, 2002
Captain July 7, 2004
Major June 1, 2010
Lieutenant Colonel October 1, 2015
Colonel September 1, 2021
(Current as of August 2023)