Do not log directly into the SEA arena after you launch the game. The skins list in the hangar will be completely empty if you do. Some error is causing the skins.res file that controls the skins list to delete itself when entering the SEA first.
Instead, go to the MA and enter the hangar to ensure that skin list is working. Only then can you safely go to the FSO.
If your list is empty in either the SEA or MA, you need to relaunch the game and go to the MA. In the hangar, the list will still appear empty, but it should refill once you change planes. This will create a new skins.res file. It may take several attempts, though.
Warn your squaddies to go to the MA first before the SEA.
