Yeoman First Class (Surface Warfare) Jonathan A. Swager, assigned to the Office of the Judge Advocate General (OJAG), was selected for the Secretary of the Navy Secretariat Staff Senior Sailor of the Quarter for the 2nd Quarter, Fiscal Year 2021 (FY-21).
As the only enlisted person in an OJAG UIC which happens to fall directly under the Secretary of the Navy Office, he competed within the Office of the Secretary of the Navy Secretariat Staff Sailor of the Quarter Program. The program includes HQ staff from SECNAV Office, OJAG, NCIS, IG, Navy Comptroller, Navy CIO, Navy Auditor, Council Review Board, Office of Naval Research, and the Naval Records Office.
Although not a rated Flag Writer, Swager provided direct administrative support to two Flag Officers, the Judge Advocate General of the Navy (JAG), and the Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Navy (0-9 and 0-8). Often dual-hatted as Administrative Officer, he was the linchpin of the JAG’s front office staff, ensuring hundreds of pieces of correspondence, both internal and external, meet Flag review standards.
Swager, who is from Sacramento, California, graduated high school from Wheatland Union High School in 2012 and enlisted in the Navy in March 2014 under the PACT Seaman program. Upon completion of Recruit Training, he attended "A" school in Great Lakes, Illinois.
Swager was recognized for his service and dedication by Vice Adm. John Hannink, Judge Advocate General of the Navy. “YN1 Swager performed admirably on my headquarters administrative team. Over the quarter, he supported five officers and a civilian office administrator in the completion of more than 35 awards, 25 executive-level legal packages headed to the Chief of Naval Operations and the Secretariat.”
Swager knows how important his role is and works diligently to earn the respect of his subordinates, peers, and his entire chain of command. Swager credits his work ethic in his selection for the award.
“When you feel like quitting, think about why you started,” said Swager.
In July 2014, Petty Officer Swager reported to his first command, USS CHUNGHOON (DDG 93) homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After six months in Operations Department as a Deck Seaman, he struck the Yeoman rate and in July 2015 advanced to Third Class Petty Officer. He deployed to the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility in 2016 and participated in the 2016 Rim of the Pacific Exercise. He was selected as the Blue Jacket of the Quarter 2nd quarter 2015 and Sailor of the Quarter 1st quarter 2018. His noteworthy qualifications include Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Master Helmsman, Anti-Terrorism Tactical Watch Officer, and served on the Anti-Terrorism and Seamanship Training Teams. In July 2017, he advanced to Second Class Petty Officer.
Vice Adm. Hannink also noted the high standards that Swager has set for himself and others. “YN1 Swager sets the standard for Yeomen and First Class Petty Officers. His dedication to the three-star JAG staff, his Sailors, the U.S. Navy, and the community are unparalleled. He is both an exemplary leader and Sailor, and the administrative backbone of OJAG. He is relied upon for his proven leadership abilities, concern for fellow Sailors, and rating expertise on a daily basis”.
“It’s incredible knowing that people take notice of the work you are doing. I heard once early in my career, “take care of the Navy and the Navy takes care of you”. I’ve been in seven years and to achieve this recognition shows that if I can do it, anybody can do it.”
And he demonstrates that as indicated by his involvement in performing multiple demanding collateral duties for a headquarters office of an organization of more than 350 personnel and multiple subordinate
units. He has served as the OJAG Fire Marshal, Security Assistant, Command Personnel Pay Administrator, Mail Manager, Assistant Casualty Assistance Coordinator, Command Resilience Team member, Assistant Command Fitness Leader, and an Assistant Urinalysis Program Coordinator for
OPNAV.
Swager is also committed to continuous personal and professional development. During 2nd quarter FY-21, he completed numerous courses on Navy Knowledge Online (NKO)/Navy e-learning, to include Public Speaking, Joint Warfighter—U.S. Navy Ships, and Joint Warfighter—U.S. Navy Aircrafts. And always leading by example, Swager volunteered seven hours with his community church, picking up trash along highways. Swager is a humble leader who always looks for a way to foster the community/Navy alliance.
“If you want something done, ask a busy person” said Swager.
Congratulations to YN1 Swager on this tremendous accomplishment!