Swarz assumes command of 452nd Security Forces Squadron

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(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Russell S. McMillan)

The 452nd Security Forces Squadron held an Assumption of Command ceremony at the Cultural Resource Center here on Saturday, July 25, 2015.

During the ceremony Lt. Col. Arthur J. Rodi, deputy commander, 452nd Mission Support Group, March Air Reserve Base, passed the guidon to Lt. Col. Shawn M. Swarz, who accepted as the new 452 SFS commander.

“I’m pretty excited to have Col. Swarz join our team and lead our defenders,” said Rodi. “He comes with a breadth of experience…I’m astounded by the skillsets that he brings to the table.”

Swarz has served more than 30 years in the military including the U.S. Army, Connecticut Army National Guard and most recently with the U.S. Air Force Reserve as an action officer assigned to Integrated Base Defense, Headquarters Air Force, Pentagon. Additionally, he served four years as commander of the 315th Security Forces Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, S.C.

Rodi spoke of the numerous accolades Swarz earned throughout his career, such as the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and others. Swarz also deployed in support of Operations DESERT STORM, IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM.

When it was Swarz’s turn to speak, he explained how any success or medals he had achieved thus far were a direct result from the excellence of his teams he led or served with.

“I didn’t get it alone,” Swarz said as he referred to his Bronze Star. “Everything I [received] was from the backs of the people I served with.”

He also highlighted the importance of being able to perform at a high capacity with less resources, and looked forward to fielding great ideas from his new team to accomplish this aim.

“His skillset and his leadership I think fit well to the lead the organization of our security forces,” said Rodi.

Swarz’s appointment as commander of the 452 SFS, was effective June 29.