Pentagon Taps Director of Navy Staff for Pacific Fleet Command

November 20, 2014 1:39 PM - Updated: November 22, 2014 3:11 PM
Vice Adm. Scott Swift, then commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington in 2012. US Navy Photo
Vice Adm. Scott Swift, then commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington in 2012. US Navy Photo

The Pentagon has nominated the current director of navy staff to take charge of the U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), according to a Thursday announcement from the Department of Defense.
Vice Adm. Scott Swift has been director, navy staff (N09B) since Sept. 2013 and was previously the commander of U.S. 7th Fleet based in Yokosuka, Japan.

Swift will replace Adm. Harry Harris, who was in turn nominated to take over U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM).

Swift is a 1979 graduate of San Diego State, commissioned through the ROTC program and has a master’s degree from the Naval War College.

He is a career aviator and commanded Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) VFA-122, Strike Fighter Attack Squadron VFA-97, Carrier Air Wing 14 and the Strike Fighter Weapons School, Pacific.

Swift’s ascension into the position is contingent on Senate approval.

The following is the complete Nov. 20, 2014 announcement from the DoD.
Navy Vice Adm. Scott H. Swift for appointment to the rank of admiral and for assignment as commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Swift is currently serving as director, Navy Staff, N09B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia.
The following is Swift’s official Navy bio.
Vice Adm. Swift attended San Diego State University and received his commission in 1979 through the Aviation Reserve Officer Candidate Program. He received his master’s degree from the Naval War College, Newport, R.I. His operational assignments include: Attack Squadron (VA) 94; VA-97; Carrier Air Wing 11 staff; commander Strike Fighter Attack Squadron 97; commander, Carrier Air Wing 14; deputy commander, Naval Forces; U.S. Central Command, commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine, and commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. During those tours he participated in combat Operations Praying Mantis, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He became director, Navy Staff in September 2013. His shore tour assignments include: VA-122; Naval War College; commander of Strike Fighter Weapons School, Pacific; F/A-18 requirements officer OPNAV staff; command of VFA-122; officer of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics staff; and, director of Operations U.S. Pacific Command. Swift has been recognized as the Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet Landing Signal Officer of the Year, presented the Commander Michael G. Hoff Award as the U.S. Pacific Fleet Attack Aviator of the Year, and is entitled to wear the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Combat V, along with various other personal, unit and service awards.

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
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