MAYPORT, Fla. - Ensign Bjorn Swaby, a native of Brooklyn, New York, is serving aboard USS Winston S. Churchill, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Swaby, a 2018 graduate of High School for Public Service, joined the Navy one year ago. Additionally, Swaby graduated from The City College of New York with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
“Watching the movie ‘Greyhound,’ had a big influence on me joining the Navy because I was inspired by how the surface warfare officer community was showcased in their ability to drive ships and work with combat systems,” said Swaby.
Today, Swaby relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Brooklyn to succeed in the military.
“I learned to be focused and to limit distractions,” said Swaby. “New York City is full of distractions, so you need to surround yourself with people who are like-minded as you are.”
These lessons have helped Swaby while serving in the Navy.
Winston S. Churchill is a guided-missile destroyer that provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities. The destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Winston S. Churchill. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Serving in the Navy means Swaby is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to our national defense because we secure and protect our assets, such as cyber security, and our country’s values and beliefs,” said Swaby.
Swaby and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is becoming the conning officer for my first sea and anchor detail,” said Swaby. “I was initially nervous at first, but with the guidance of my captain, I was able to successfully pull the ship off the pier.”
As Swaby and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means assisting not only sailors but representing the people's ideals of democracy and freedoms,” said Swaby.
Swaby is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother, Carol Gordon, and my brother, Stephon Swaby,” added Swaby. “My mother was against me going into the Navy at first but after I spoke to her, I influenced her that this was the right decision. My brother taught me a lot of life lessons, and he helped me come up with a plan to come into the Navy as an officer. I would also like to thank my Navy recruiter, Chief Davis, who introduced me to the Navy and went more in-depth as to what a surface warfare officer is.”