Lieutenant Colonel Schwinghammer received his bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps shortly in December of 2005. After Commissioning, he was assigned to the Officer Selection Office in Orlando, Florida before reporting to The Basic School (TBS).
Second Lieutenant Schwinghammer reported to TBS in 2006, and upon Basic Officer Course graduation he moved to Pensacola, Florida. There he trained aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola and Naval Air Station Whiting Field for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination and Primary Flight Training with Training Squadron (VT) 2. He received orders to Naval Air Station Meridian for Basic and Advanced Jet flight training with Training Squadron (VT) 9 in November 2007. He received his Naval Aviator wings in 2009, was selected to fly the F/A-18 Hornet, and received Orders to Naval Air Station Leemore, California for training with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125.
In 2010 he was promoted to Captain and received an assignment to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 225. He deployed in support of two Unit Deployment Programs (UDP) to the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) area of responsibility (AOR) and supported the unit’s deployment to Bahrain. During this tour he held the billets of Assistant Logistics Officer, Airframes Officer in Charge, and Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer.
Captain Schwinghammer reported to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines in 2013. He served as a Forward Air Controller and attended the Infantry Company Small Boat Raid Course and Jungle Warfare Training Course. He held multiple billets within the unit and deployed in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
In 2014 Captain Schwinghammer received Orders to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 11 and worked in Operations. He received follow on Orders to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 225 and was promoted to the rank of Major in 2016. He deployed in support of two UDPs to the INDOPACOM AOR during this tour, and served as the Flight Officer, Pilot Training Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer.
In 2017 Major Schwinghammer reported to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1). He supported the advancement of Marine Aviation while serving in multiple capacities. He ended his tour as the Tactical Aviation Department Head. While assigned to MAWTS-1 he supported Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 during their deployment to Bahrain.
In 2020 he received orders to MAG-31 and was assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533. He executed a UDP to the INDOPACOM AOR and served as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer and Executive Officer. During this tour he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
In 2022 Lieutenant Colonel Schwinghammer assumed Command of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. In 2024 he relinquished Command and received Orders to Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One.