His operational assignments included Attack Squadron 94 (VA-94); Attack Squadron 97 (VA-97); Attack Squadron 122 (VA-122); Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) staff; commanding officer, Strike Fighter Squadron 97 (VFA-97); commanding officer, Strike Fighter Squadron 122 (VFA-122); commander, Carrier Air Wing 14; deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet; 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. He became director of the Navy Staff in September 2013.
His shore tour assignments included the Naval War College; commanding officer, Strike Fighter Weapons School, Pacific; F/A-18 requirements officer on the OPNAV staff; Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics staff; and director of operations, U.S. Pacific Command.
Swift has been recognized as the Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet landing signal officer of the Year, and was presented the Commander Michael G. Hoff Award as the U.S. Pacific Fleet attack aviator of the year.[4]
In December 2015, Swift warned of a possible South China Sea arms race increase.[6]
On March 1, 2017, Swift received the Gray Eagle Award as the Naval Aviator on continuous active duty in U.S. Navy or Marine Corps who has held that designation for the longest period of time.[7]
On September 25, 2017, Swift announced that he would retire after he was notified by then-Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. John Richardson, that Swift would not be nominated to take over leadership of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, the inter-branch theater command for the Pacific region. Swift is among several flag officers to be removed or announce an early retirement following deadly accidents involving Navy vessels USS John S. McCain and USS Fitzgerald in the Pacific Fleet in 2017.[9]
Admiral Swift was relieved by Admiral John C. Aquilino and officially retired from the Navy on May 17, 2018.[10][11]
