U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet Three-day visit to NZ

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.

ENDS

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