Commander Theordore R. SWARTZ, USN (Ret),
Golden Eagle Emeritus
 

Gentlemen,
 
It is my sad duty to report that on Sunday, 31 May 2026, Golden Eagle Emeritus CDR Theodore R. “TR” SWARTZ, USN (Ret), made his Last Take Off at his residence in Poway, California.
 
TR started his Navy career with his enlistment as an ET Seaman on USS Bluegill (SSK 242) in April 1954. After a counselling session with the XO, TR was informed he wouldn’t be a very good “sewer pipe” sailor and so applied for the NAVCAD program. His submarine experience ended in September 1955 when he was accepted into the NAVCAD program and started flight training shortly thereafter. TR completed training in February 1957 and reported to VF-41 at NAS Oceana, Virginia. He served as a Division Officer and Landing Signal Officer (LSO) flying the F3H Demon on board USS Intrepid (CVA 11) until September 1959.
 
In October 1959 TR reported to VF-174 as a Tactics Instructor and LSO flying the F-8 Crusader on board NAS Cecil Field, Florida. Next came a CAG LSO job with CVW-3 on board USS Saratoga (CVA 60) in April 1964. TR qualified and flew the F-8, A-4 Skyhawk and F-4 Phantom II while there. Follow-on orders came in May 1966 to VA-76 flying the A-4 as Department Head and LSO on board USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31). This tour was a combat tour to Vietnam and was highlighted by TR’s downing of a MIG-17 with a Zuni rocket over Kep Airfield, NVN. He was also designated an Air Wing Major Strike Leader during this tour.
 
TR departed VA-76 In September 1967 and was assigned to VA-212 and CVW-5 as Operations Officer on board USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31))for another deployment to Vietnam.
 
In May 1969 TR reported to RCVW-12 as Staff VA Training Officer at NAS Miramar, California. He was there a year and then reported to the Naval War College where he earned a master’s degree. In 1972 he was accepted into the CNO Professional Development Program and completed it in 1973 at San Diego State University.
 
Completing his higher education TR was assigned to VF-121 as a Flight Instructor in the F-4 Phantom II. He was selected for command and reported to VF-161 as Executive Officer on board USS Midway (CVA 41) homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. This was the first overseas homeporting of a U.S. aircraft carrier. TR assumed command of VF-161 in March 1974 and successfully completed this tour in June 1975. His Command tour complete he reported to the Commander, U.S. Naval Air Force, Pacific as VF Training Officer in North Island, California. TR completed this tour in March 1977 and retired from Active Duty.
 
During his Navy career TR accumulated over 300 combat missions, 5,200 flight hours and 1,000 carrier landings. He was awarded the Silver Star, 6 Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star w/ Combat “V,” 7 Individual Air Medals, 27 Strike Flight Air Medals and 8 Navy Commendation Medals.
 
After retirement TR took a year off and then joined the Cubic Corporation as the Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation System Program Manager / Director in April 1978. He developed U.S., European and Far East customers so continued his world travels. In October 1997 TR retired from the defense industry world and settled in Poway, California.
 
TR was predeceased by his wife Bernadine. TR and Bernadine are survived by oldest daughter Nancy Weigens and her husband Jon; oldest son Richard Allen; Theodore Robert the second and his wife Barbara; and grandson Theodore Robert the third and his wife Ananta.
 
Interment services are currently scheduled for 23 June 2025 at 1130 at Miramar National Cemetery.

 
He will be missed.
 
In Sadness,
Matt MOFFIT
Pilot