Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Kevin Swift
A native of New Market, Maryland, Cmdr. Kevin Swift graduated from SUNY Maritime College in 2006, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Facilities Engineering, a 3rd Assistant Engineering License in the USCG, and a commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy. He also holds a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from Air University in Montgomery, Alabama. Designated a Naval Flight Officer in 2008, Swift reported to the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana for initial fleet training in the FA-18F Super Hornet.
Cmdr. Swift’s operational assignments include tours with the “Fighting Redcocks” of VFA-22, the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, and the “Fighting Swordsmen” of VFA-32. He has completed deployments onboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in support of Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF), New Dawn (OND), Inherent Resolve (OIR), and Freedom's Sentinel (OFS).
His shore assignments include the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) as an Instructor and U.S. Navy subject matter expert for Targeting Pods and Laser Guided Weapons. Additionally, Cmdr. Swift served as the VFA junior officer and lieutenant commander detailer while assigned to Navy Personnel Command, PERS-43 division in Millington, Tennessee. Cmdr. Swift was selected for Aviation Commander Command in 2020 and reported to the “Fighting Blacklions" as Executive Officer in September 2023 during USS Gerald R. Ford's maiden deployment in support of 5th and 6th operations. As of Dec. 18, 2024, he has assumed the role and responsibility of Commanding Officer of VFA-213.
Cmdr. Swift has flown over 80 combat missions while accruing over 2,900 flight hours and 550 carrier arrested landings. In 2016, he was recognized as the Commander Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic Weapon System Officer of the year.
His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (5 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (3 Awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit awards.