Executive Officer
Cmdr. Kevin "RD" Swift
A native of New Market, Maryland, Cmdr. Kevin “RD” Swift graduated from SUNY Maritime College in 2006, earning a Bachelor of Science in Facilities Engineering, a United States Coast Guard 3rd Assistant Engineering License and a commission in the United States Navy through the school’s NROTC program. He also holds a Master of Arts in Military Operational Art and Science from Air University.
Designated a naval flight officer in 2008, Swift reported to the “Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana for initial fleet training in the F/A-18 Super Hornet. His 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, New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, and Freedom’s Sentinel.
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, Swift served as the VFA junior officer and lieutenant commander detailer while assigned to Navy Personnel Command, PERS-43 division in Millington, Tennessee. Swift was selected for Aviation Commander Command in 2020 and reported as the executive officer of the “Fighting Blacklions” in September of 2023.
Swift has flown more than 80 combat missions while accruing over 2,500 flight hours and 550 carrier arrested landings. He was recognized as the CSFWLANT Weapons System Officer of the year in 2016. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (5 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (3 Awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit, and campaign awards.