Lt. Molly Swiger, a native of Johns Creek, Georgia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC-21) at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California. Swiger graduated from Chattahoochee High School in 2017 and the U.S. Naval Academy in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in cyber operations.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Johns Creek.
Image Courtesy of: U.S. Navy
“I grew up in a strong, supportive community, which taught me how to be a great teammate and about the foundations of leadership,” Swiger said. “I’m grateful to all of my soccer teammates as well.”
Swiger joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Swiger serves as a pilot.
“I joined because I was recruited to play soccer at the Naval Academy and couldn’t say no to that immense opportunity,” Swiger said.
The “Blackjacks” of HSC 21 fly and maintain the MH60-S Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime platform. Their missions include Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM), Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), Combat Logistics and Medevac. The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Swiger has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was earning my ‘Wings,’” Swiger said. “It’s a long process, about three years, and earning that designation was a great feeling.
“Serving in the Navy is my opportunity to give back,” Swiger said. “I have four siblings, and the opportunity to support and defend their freedom is why I do what I do.”
Swiger is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my family for always supporting me and visiting me when they can,” Swiger said. “They are my backbone.”
