LtCol Frank A. Machniak Jr. is a native of Attica, New York. He graduated from Attica High School in June 2000 and attended the United States Naval Academy. In May 2004, he graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Quantitative Economics and was commissioned a 2ndLt in the United States Marine Corps.

In January 2005, LtCol Machniak reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training. He subsequently reported to VT-6 at NAS Whiting Field, FL for Primary Flight Training and VT-9 at NAS Meridian, MS for Advanced Flight Training. In February 2007, LtCol Machniak was designated a Naval Aviator. In April 2007, LtCol Machniak reported to NAS Lemoore, CA for F/A-18 Fleet Replacement Training, In March 2008, LtCol Machniak reported to VMFA-312 at MCAS Beaufort, SC. In January 2009 he attended Aviation Safety Officer Course. In May 2010, LtCol Machniak deployed aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Following deployment, LtCol Machniak attended Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course 2-11. In 2012. he attended Navy Fighter Weapons School Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (TOPGUN) Course 3-12. While with VMFA-312, LtCol Machniak served as the Administration Officer, Airframes Division Officer, Aviation Safety Officer, Landing Signals Officer, and Pilot Training Officer.

In July 2012, LtCol Machniak reported to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-I) at MCAS Yuma, AZ for duty as an F/A-18 Instructor. While at MA WTS-I, LtCol Machniak served as the F/A-18 Operations Representative. Additionally, he was the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Global Positioning System (GPS), GPS Guided Weapons, Air Interdiction, and Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM).

In July 2015, LtCol Machniak reported to Fort Leavenworth, KS to attend the United States Army Command and General Staff College. He graduated in June 2016.

In July 2016 LtCol Machniak reported to MAG-11 at MCAS Miramar, CA for duty as the MAG WTI. In January 2017, he was assigned to VMFA-232 for duty as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer. In March 2017, LtCol Machniak deployed to the Western Pacific in support of the Unit Deployment Program. Following deployment, he assumed duties as the VMFA-232 Operations Officer and Executive Officer.

In May 2019, LtCol Machniak reported to The Office of the Vice President, The White House, Washington, DC for duty as the Marine Corps Military Aide to the Vice President.

In June 2021, LtCol Machniak reported to MAG-11 at MCAS Miramar, CA for F/A-18 refresher training and subsequent duty as Commanding Officer, VMFA-232.

LtCol Machniak is married to the former Anna Katherine Shales of St. Charles, IL. They have two children: Lillian and Timothy. His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike Flight Award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2nd Award), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.