Lt. Cmdr. Shaun Swartz is a native of Lima, Ohio, and was raised in Leawood, Kan. He graduated from Blue Valley North High School in 1991, after spending a year abroad studying in Chambery, France. Shaun lettered in football, was on the ski team, and was captain of the wrestling team. He graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University in 1995, while participating on the varsity wrestling squad. He earned his commission as an ensign through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in December 1995.

Shaun reported to flight school at NAS Pensacola, Fla., in January 1997. He received his wings of gold in May 1998.

Shaun then reported to Fighter Squadron 101 (VF 101) at NAS Oceana, Va., for training as a radar intercept officer in the F-14 Tomcat.

In August 1999, Shaun reported to VF 211 also at NAS Oceana where he completed two Western Pacific deployments aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). He was designated one of four Carrier Air Group 9 (CAG 9) forward air controllers (airborne). While with the "Checkmates," he served as first lieutenant, maintenance branch officer, schedules officer, and air-ground/TARPS/ FAC(A) training officer. Shaun participated in Operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom, flying more than 40 combat missions.

In August 2002, Shaun returned to VF 101 as an instructor RIO teaching newly winged pilots how to effectively fight and employ the F-14. He also served as public affairs officer, F-14 A/B/D program manager, AV/ARM division officer, and was selected to the 2004 F-14 demonstration team.