CDR Taylor “Swift” Hesse is a native of Collierville, Tennessee. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2006 with a BS in History and a commission as an Ensign. He reported to primary flight training in May 2007, flying the mighty T‑34C with the VT-27 Boomers. He then winged in June 2009 after advanced training with the VT-21 Redhawks, flying the venerable T‑45A. In September 2009, he reported to the Gladiators of VFA‑106 for replacement training in the F/A-18C Hornet.

Following initial training, CDR Hesse reported to VFA‑25, the Fist of the Fleet. While a Fist, CDR Hesse deployed twice to the Seventh and Fifth Fleet AORs, in support of Operations NEW DAWN and ENDURING FREEDOM. Upon returning in June 2012, he transitioned with team Fist from the F/A‑18C to the F/A‑18E. In June 2013, CDR Hesse then reported to VFA‑122 as an instructor pilot. While a Flying Eagle, he was the F‑18E/F NATOPS and CRM Program Manager.

CDR Hesse returned to the fleet in December 2015 with the VFA‑97 Warhawks. At VFA‑97, he completed two deployments, one to the Western Pacific and a second in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL.

CDR Hesse left VFA‑97 in December 2019 and reported to the United States Naval War College and Russian Military Studies Institute in Newport, Rhode Island. In March 2021, he graduated with an MA in Defense and Strategic Studies and JPME Phase I certification.
In July 2021, CDR Hesse returned to VFA‑122 for recurrency training in the F/A‑18E. He then returned to team Fist as Executive Officer in September 2022.

CDR Hesse has accumulated over 2500 flight hours and has over 450 carrier arrested landings.