TW2 R.C. Leadership

Commander

Capt. Shaun M. Steinbarger is a native of Austin, Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in May 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. Following graduation, he proceeded to NAS Pensacola, FL for Officer Candidate School and was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in March 2004. He commenced flight training as a Naval Aviator and earned his "Wings of Gold" in Kingsville, TX in May 2006. He was selected to pilot the EA-6B Prowler and graduated from the Fleet Replacement Squadron (VAQ-129) in August 2007 onboard NAS Whidbey Island, WA.

Following EA-6B type training, he was assigned to the "Gray Wolves" of VAQ-142 from 2007-2010, where he deployed three times in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. After he completed his Prowler tour, he was transferred to the "Gladiators" of VFA-106 stationed onboard NAS Oceana, VA to transition to the F/A-18 Super Hornet. Following his training syllabus, he continued as an instructor at VFA-106 for an additional nine months in the F/A-18 A/B/C/D/E/F Hornet/Super Hornet. After NAS Oceana, Capt. Steinbarger returned to NAS Whidbey Island to be an instructor in the EA-18G Growler attached to the "Vikings" of VAQ-129 from 2011-2014.

In September 2014, he transitioned to the Naval Reserves and joined the "Star Warriors" of VAQ-209 located onboard NAS Whidbey Island, WA. While attached to VAQ-209, he served as the Operations and Maintenance Officer and deployed two times to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, including the first ever Navy Reserve EA-18G combat deployment.

In July 2021, Capt. Steinbarger had the honor of assuming the duties of Commanding Officer of VAQ-209. While in command, the "Star Warriors" completed an entire Optimized Fleet Response Plan, culminating in a successful deployment to the USINDOPACOM Area of Responsibility – his fourth such deployment with VAQ-209.

In January 2023, Capt. Steinbarger assumed the duties of the Training Wing TWO, Reserve Component Commander located onboard NAS Kingsville, TX.

Capt. Steinbarger has accumulated over 2,900 military flight hours, 187 combat sorties, and 50 carrier-arrested landings. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (nine awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign, and personal awards.