Admiral Scott Swift Retiring from U.S. Pacific Fleet

U.S. Pacific Fleet commander Admiral Scott Swift said he will be retiring. In an emailed statement, he revealed, “I have been informed by the Chief of Naval Operations that I will not be his nominee to replace Admiral Harry Harris as the Commander, U.S. Pacific Command.” This news comes in the wake of two deadly collisions involving U.S. warships. Swift will be the most senior naval officer to step down after the June and August collisions in which a total of 17 U.S. sailors were killed.

Adm. Scott Swift was promoted to Admiral and assumed command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet on May 27, 2015. He is the 35th commander since the Fleet was established in February 1941 with headquarters at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.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, Rhode Island.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 9; and commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. During those tours he participated in combat Operations Praying Mantis, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.His shore tour assignments include VA-122; Naval War College; commander of Strike Fighter Weapons School, Pacific; F/A-18 requirements officer, OPNAV; commander, VFA-122; officer of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics staff; and director of Operations, U.S. Pacific Command.Prior to assuming command at U.S. Pacific Fleet, he was assigned to the Pentagon as the director, Navy Staff.Swift has been recognized as the commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet Landing Signal Officer of the Year; was 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, and Air Medal with Combat V, along with various other personal, unit and service awards.Read more news articles here.