VT-2 Leadership

Executive Officer

A native of Torrance, California, Commander Schaff earned her commission in 2009 from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. CDR Schaff reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in June 2009 and earned her wings in June 2011. In July 2011, CDR Schaff reported to the HSM-41 "Seahawks" in San Diego, CA for initial fleet training as an MH-60R pilot.

CDR Schaff began her operational flying in June 2012 with the "Battlecats" of HSM-73. As a "Battlecat," she deployed aboard USS FREEDOM (LCS 1) to South East Asia on its first operational deployment, where she participated in Disaster Relief operations with Operation DAMAYAN. She then deployed aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) to the Middle East to support Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. During this tour, CDR Schaff served as Combat Element Operations Officer and squadron NATOPS officer.

CDR Schaff reported to the "Factoryhands" of HT-18 as an advanced helicopter flight instructor in June 2015. While there she served as Assistant Safety Officer, Flight Leader, and Flight Operations Officer. She was recognized as the squadron's Lions Club Flight Instructor of the Year in 2018.

CDR Schaff reported to the USS TRIPOLI (LHA-7) Pre-Commissioning Unit in February 2018 as the ship's first Assistant Air Officer (MINI BOSS). There, she helped create TRIPOLI's Air Department in preparation for the ship's commissioning.

She then returned to operational flying as a Department Head in HSM-35, the "Magicians". While at HSM-35, she completed a deployment as the Air Detachment Officer in Charge aboard USS STERETT (DDG-104) in support of Operation SENTINEL and Operation OCTAVE QUARTZ. Upon return, she served as the squadron Safety Officer and Maintenance Officer. While she was assigned to the Magicians, the squadron earned the Golden Wrench Maintenance Excellence Award for outstanding maintenance practices.

Following her department head tour, CDR Schaff reported to the Naval War College to attend the Maritime Advanced Warfighting School. She was awarded a Masters of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies and designated as an Operational Planner in 2023. She then reported to Tampa, FL to serve as a Joint Operations Planner for Future Operations, CENTCOM J-3 Directorate. While on the CENTCOM Staff, she directly supported military posture and campaign planning across the Arabian Peninsula, Levant, and Central Asia. She was selected for squadron command in March 2024 and is scheduled to report to VT-2 as Executive Officer in December 2025.

CDR Navy has accumulated over 2,400 flight hours in naval aircraft. Her awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various service awards and ribbons.