Lieutenant Colonel Swift, a native of Chicago, Illinois, graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology, specializing in polymers and manufacturing processes. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in December 1996 via the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) program.
Upon completion of The Basic School in October 1997, LtCol Swift reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola for Naval Aviation Training. LtCol Swift was designated a Naval Aviator in September 1999. Transferring to Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, LtCol Swift reported to HMT-303 “Atlas”, for initial training in the AH-1W.
In December 1999, LtCol Swift reported to his first fleet squadron, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 (HMLA-169), the “Vipers”, at Camp Pendleton where he was initially assigned as an assistant logistics officer. In February 2001, he attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163, Reinforced (HMM-163 (REIN), the “Evil Eyes”, as part of HMLA-169, Detachment A for an August 2001 deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU). While deployed with 15th MEU, the events of 11 Sep 2001 led to the MEU’s assignment to Task Force 58 and participation in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Forward Operating Base Rhino, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.
In March 2002, LtCol Swift returned to HMLA-169 and was assigned to the Maintenance Department as the Flightline Officer in Charge (OIC). In January 2003, LtCol Swift deployed with HMLA-169 to Ali-Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait as part of OEF, and the subsequent actions into Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).
In July 2003, LtCol Swift returned from OIF and attended the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, graduating in October 2003. Upon returning to HMLA-169, LtCol Swift was assigned to Future Operations.
In March 2004, LtCol Swift was assigned as the AH-1W WTI to HMM-166, the “Sea Elk”, and deployed to OIF II.2 in July 2004 initially to Al Asad, Iraq and then to FOB Najaf as the senior AH-1W pilot and Future Operations Officer for the detachment participating in the Battle of Najaf in August 2004. In September 2004, LtCol Swift returned to HMLA-169 in Al Asad, Iraq and completed the squadron’s OIF II.2 deployment until April 2005.
In May 2005, LtCol Swift was assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9), at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, CA. There, he served as Operational Test Director for numerous AH-1W and AH-1Z projects, including Operational Evaluation 1 and 2 for the AH-1Z, AGM-114N HELLFIRE missile, Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II), Cobra Dos Software, and the AH-1W Night Targeting System (Upgrade).
Upon completion of his tour at VX-9 in August 2008, LtCol Swift returned to the Fleet and was assigned to the HMLA-267 “Stingers”, where he served as the Tactics Officer and the Operations Officer until July 2010.
In July 2010, LtCol Swift transferred to HMLA-367, “Scarface”, and was assigned as the 11th MEU HMLA-367 Detachment OIC for the AH-1Z’s first operational deployment. Deploying with HMM-268 (REIN), the “Red Dragons”, LtCol Swift served as the Director of Safety and Standardization from November 2011 to June 2012.
Upon completion of the 11th MEU deployment, LtCol Swift reported to I Marine Expeditionary Force in July 2012, where he was initially assigned to the G-3 as the Fires Officer and then as the Deputy Force Effects Coordinator.
In May 2014, LtCol Swift reported to MCAS Yuma for assignment to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron.
LtCol Swift has accumulated over 2900 flight hours in Naval Aircraft. LtCol Swift’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (5 individual Action and 16 Strike/Flight awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.