A native of Springfield, Virginia, Commander Swartz graduated from Virginia Tech in July 2005, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology.  He was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, and reported to NAS Pensacola, Florida, for flight training in January 2009.  He earned his “Wings of Gold” and was designated a Naval Aviator in February 2011.
 
After initial training in the MH-60R, CDR Swartz reported to the “Saberhawks” of HSM-77 at NAS North Island, California. During his initial operational assignment, he deployed to 5th Fleet with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and USS Sterett (DDG 104).  After assisting with HSM-77’s homeport shift to NAF Atsugi, Japan, he deployed twice more to 7th Fleet with CVW 5.  He conducted the inaugural MH-60R Forward Deployed Naval Forces deployment aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) and executed humanitarian aid/disaster relief efforts in support of Operation DAMAYAN. His duties included Assistant Schedules Officer and Assistant Operations Officer.  During his time at HSM-77, the squadron was awarded the Battle “E” twice.
 
In March 2015, CDR Swartz reported to the “Airwolves” of HSM-40 as a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Instructor Pilot in the MH-60R.  His duties included Assistant Schedules Officer, Aircraft Division Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer.  As AOPS, CDR Swartz planned and executed a multi-squadron hurricane evacuation (HURREVAC) prior to hurricane Irma in September 2017.  CDR Swartz also received his Master of Business Administration from University of Florida in December 2017.
 
CDR Swartz then transferred to USS New York (LPD 21) in February 2018 to complete a tour in the Air Department as Assistant Air Officer (Mini Boss) and Air Officer (Air Boss).  He deployed once to 6th Fleet and once to 5th and 6th Fleet, in addition to supporting NATO Exercise TRIDENT JUNCTURE and the 2018 International Sea Power Symposium.  CDR Swartz also qualified as Officer of the Deck (OOD) while aboard.    
 
In October 2020, CDR Swartz reported to the “Griffins” of HSM-79 for his Department Head tour.  Sent directly to Rota, Spain, he was the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of HSM-79’s Rota detachment ahead of the squadron’s homeport shift from NAS North Island to NAVSTA Rota.  CDR Swartz spearheaded the squadron’s establishment in Rota by accepting HSM-79’s first five forward deployed MH-60Rs and developing local operating procedures in concert with US and Spanish authorities. After the squadron’s official standup in Rota, CDR Swartz took over as squadron Operations Officer for the remainder of his tour.
 
After his Department Head tour, CDR Swartz reported to NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, as a Watch Officer for NATO’s Situation Centre (SITCEN).  In addition to his duties there, he completed JPME I through the US Naval War College, where he was awarded a diploma with distinction.
 
CDR Swartz has completed more than 1,940 flight hours and has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and various campaign, unit, and service awards. He and his wife, Casey, have three children.
 

Last Updated: 1 April 2025