CDR Oswalt joined the Navy in October 1995, serving as a Radioman on USS CUSHING (DD985) in Pearl Harbor.  He was commissioned, as an Honors Graduate, in January 1997 and designated a Naval Aviator in July 1999.
 

Completing the S-3B Fleet Replacement Squadron, in October 2000, he reported to the Fighting Redtails of VS-21 aboard NAF Atsugi, Japan.  He served as Maintenance Division, Assistant Administrative and Tactic Development Officer and qualified as Landing Signals Officer, NATOPs Pilot/Copilot Instructor, Instrument Ground School Instructor/Checker and Division Lead.  He completed five deployments aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) and the initial missions of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. 

In July 2003, CDR Oswalt reported to the Tigers of VT-9 at NAS Meridian as an Instructor in the T-45C. He served as Carrier Qualification Detachment Officer in Charge and Standardization Instructor in Instruments, Fams, Section/Division Form, Low Levels and Weapons.

The “Sundown” plan of the S-3B provided CDR Oswalt with a transition to the P-3C.  After the FRS, in January 2006, he reported to VP-40 aboard NAS Whidbey Island.  He qualified as Plane Commander/Mission Commander and served the Fighting Marlins as Assistant Operations, Command Services and Current Operations Officer.  With his crew, he deployed twice to FIFTH Fleet in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM and once to fly counter narcotics missions from El Salvador. 

CDR Oswalt was assigned to VP-46 as a Department Head in February 2009.  He served the Grey Knights as Command Services, Assistant Operations and Maintenance Officer and qualified as an IUT Instructor Pilot.  He deployed to SEVENTH and FIFTH Fleet, serving as Officer in Charge for Task Group 57.2 in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN.  He led his crew to recognition as CPRW-10 Crew of the Year for 2010. 

In September 2011, he reported to the Joint Staff J7.  He qualified as an Observer/Trainer for the Joint and Coalition Warfighting Deployable Training Team.  He worked with Combatant Command and Joint Task Force staffs around the world on Joint Doctrine and Best Practices.

CDR Oswalt completed a six month Individual Augmentee training pipeline, which included language training in Pashto, to support reconstruction efforts in Paktika Province Afghanistan in April 2013.  In May 2013 he reported for duty with Navy Recruiting District Minneapolis in May 2013 as the Executive Officer.

CDR Oswalt proudly wears the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (sixth award), Navy/Marine Corp Commendation Medal (second award and Combat V), Navy/Marine Corp Achievement Medal (fourth award), Battle “E” (fourth award) and various campaign and unit awards.  He has logged over 3,200 flight hours, 374 traps and 141 combat missions.