PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Ensign Samuel Swift, a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, serves aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Bougainville, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning. As one of the Secretary of the Navy’s priorities, America’s shipbuilding industry is a national security asset that strengthens deterrence, enhances global readiness, and keeps the fleet forward. Modernization efforts are creating American jobs, revitalizing communities, and fueling innovation.
Swift graduated from Forrest Hills Northern High School in 2019. He earned an associate’s degree in mathematics from Grand Rapids Community College in 2021 and bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Albion College in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Grand Rapids.
“Growing up in my hometown taught me that hard work and a good attitude can get you far in life,” Swift said. “That work ethic and attitude has helped me succeed in the Navy.”
Swift joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Swift serves as a supply officer.
“I joined the Navy to grow as a leader and a person, and to make my grandma proud,” Swift said.
This is the second ship named in honor of the Bougainville World War II campaign. As a large-deck amphibious assault ship, Bougainville is nearly three football fields long, with a crew of more than 1,200 that can support up to 1,800 troops and their equipment.
Swift has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of commissioning as an officer and helping my sailors realize their goals,” Swift said.
As Swift and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means serving a higher purpose in defending my country and family,” Swift said.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
With 90% 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.
Swift is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my grandma and uncle for supporting me throughout my life and journey to becoming a naval officer,” added Swift.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning. As one of the Secretary of the Navy’s priorities, America’s shipbuilding industry is a national security asset that strengthens deterrence, enhances global readiness, and keeps the fleet forward. Modernization efforts are creating American jobs, revitalizing communities, and fueling innovation.
Swift graduated from Forrest Hills Northern High School in 2019. He earned an associate’s degree in mathematics from Grand Rapids Community College in 2021 and bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Albion College in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Grand Rapids.
“Growing up in my hometown taught me that hard work and a good attitude can get you far in life,” Swift said. “That work ethic and attitude has helped me succeed in the Navy.”
Swift joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Swift serves as a supply officer.
“I joined the Navy to grow as a leader and a person, and to make my grandma proud,” Swift said.
This is the second ship named in honor of the Bougainville World War II campaign. As a large-deck amphibious assault ship, Bougainville is nearly three football fields long, with a crew of more than 1,200 that can support up to 1,800 troops and their equipment.
Swift has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of commissioning as an officer and helping my sailors realize their goals,” Swift said.
As Swift and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means serving a higher purpose in defending my country and family,” Swift said.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
With 90% 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.
Swift is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my grandma and uncle for supporting me throughout my life and journey to becoming a naval officer,” added Swift.