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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Sponsor

Honored by:
Ms. P. J. Whitson

Captain Frank Sweigart was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert L. Sweigart. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Class of 1974, he was designated a Naval Flight Officer in June 1975.

Following A-6 replacement training with the "Golden Intruders" of Attack Squadron 128, Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, WA Captain Sweigart reported to the "Milestones" of Attack Squadron 196 for his first operational fleet tour. After completing two Western Pacific deployments aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), he was assigned to the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, where he served as Company Officer and then Flag Lieutenant to the Superintendent. During this assignment he also earned a Master's Degree in Personnel Management from Central Michigan University. In March 1982 Captain Sweigart reported aboard USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62), where he served as Assistant Navigator, deploying twice to the Caribbean and Mediterranean theaters in support of Grenada operations and the Multinational Force, Lebanon.

Returning to Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island in March 1984, Captain Sweigart joined Attack Squadron 128 for refresher training and flight instructor duty while serving as FRAMP and Administrative Officer. In August 1985 he was assigned to Staff, Commander, Medium Attack Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, serving as Flag Secretary. Captain Sweigart's next assignment was with the "Knightriders" of Attack Squadron 52, where he served as Administrative and Maintenance Department Head, deploying twice aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean.

In January 1989, Captain Sweigart reported to the "Silver Foxes" of Attack Squadron 155 as Executive Officer, where he served until assuming command in June 1990. In December 1990, the "Silver Foxes" made their first extended deployment on board USS RANGER (CV 61) to the North Arabian Gulf, as part of Carrier Air Wing 2, in support of Operation DESERT STORM.

His next assignment brought him back to the RANGER as Combat Direction Center Officer and Operations Officer. During this tour, the RANGER returned to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, until tasked to reposition off the coast of Somalia for the initial phase of Operation RESTORE HOPE.

In March 1993, Captain Sweigart reported to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he earned a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. From April 1994 to March 1996, Captain Sweigart served as Chief, Force Assignment Branch in the Force Structure, Resources and Assessment Directorate, J-8, Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Captain Sweigart assumed command of U.S. Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan in August 1996 and held that post until June 1999. His next assignment took him to Pensacola, FL, where he served as Director, Installations and Logistics, on the staff of the Chief of Naval Education and Training, until May 2002.

Transferring back to his hometown, CAPT Sweigart served as Business Management Program Director, Ashore Readiness Division, OPNAV N46, then Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff for the standup of Commander, Navy Installations Command until his retirement from active duty in June 2004.

Captain Sweigart has accumulated over 3000 flight hours and 640 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include the Legion of Merit (2), Distinguished Flying Cross (2), Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Medal (1 individual w/Combat Distinguishing Device and 3 Strike/Flight), Navy Commendation Medal (4), Navy Achievement Medal and various Campaign, Unit and Service Awards.

Captain Sweigart is married to the former Annette Marie Strickland of Vero Beach, Florida and has a daughter, Stephanie.