Episode 139- Flying the Presidential Seal: Bobby Swartz's HMX-1 Legacy Part I

The Hangar Z Podcast

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts.

In this two-part series, we are honored to sit down with Bobby Swartz to discuss his remarkable aviation career. Swartz’s military aviation story began with Naval Aviation Flight training from 2009 to 2011.

In 2012, he completed the MV-22B Initial Pilot Qualification and underwent rigorous flight training, laying the foundation for a career filled with notable achievements.

Swartz’s career trajectory led him through various impactful roles within the Marine Corps, showcasing expertise and flight leadership at every step. He initially served as a Ground Safety Officer in VMM-561 in Miramar and VMM-265 in Okinawa, Japan while continuing to learn the Osprey. His dedication to safety and excellence has been a consistent thread throughout his career.

The majority of Swartz’s career was spent at VMM-161, in San Diego at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, where he held key positions such as Director of Safety & Standardization and Aviation Safety Officer while attaining Night Systems Instructor and Flight Lead designations in the Osprey.

Swartz’s dedication and excellence led him to Washington, D.C., where he was assigned to the prestigious Marine Helicopter Squadron One a.k.a. HMX 1, which is in charge of transportation of the U.S. President, Presidential Staff, and dignitaries worldwide.

Since leaving active duty in 2021 Swartz has earned the title of first officer at a major U.S. airline flying the 737 and continues to serve the United States as a Marine Corps reservist flying the Osprey out of Miramar.

Thank you to our sponsors Bell, Dallas Avionics, and SHOTOVER