Embassy of the U.S., New Zealand –
This weekend, Admiral Scott Swift, Commander of the U.S.
Navy’s Pacific Fleet, will begin a three-day visit to New Zealand to meet with
New Zealand Navy leadership.
The
Commander’s visit is part of a regional tour and he says that routine meetings
of this nature are invaluable.
“The U.S. and New Zealand Navies team up in a number of
areas, including disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and maritime security
in the Pacific,” says Admiral Swift. “Preparing for crisis conditions and
enhancing relationships are priorities for PacFleet. When we share ideas and
experience by participating in multi-lateral missions and exercises, we are all
more effective. This makes us all better prepared to work together to help out
our regional neighbors when they need us.”
Admiral Swift’s visit follows last month’s visit by the
Commander of United States Pacific Command, Admiral Harry B. Harris.
Admiral 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.
Admiral Swift is being hosted by New Zealand’s Chief of
Navy, Rear Admiral Jack Steer, ONZM.
BIOGRAPHY
Admiral 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.