Theater Ballistic Missile Defense from the SeaCharles C. Swicker - Newport Paper 14
Theater Ballistic Missile Defense from the SeaAbout the Author
Commander Charles "Chip" Swicker graduated from Dartmouth College in 1977. He then went to sea for five years in large, oceangoing sailing ships, including the clipper schooner Pride of Baltimore and the research vessel Westward. After receiving his commission from Officer Candidate School in 1982, he served in the Kidd-class guided-missile destroyer Scott, the nuclear cruiser Virginia, and AEGIS cruisers Philippine Sea and Monterey. Commander Swicker completed his executive officer tour in Monterey in the fall of 1997.
In 1990, Commander Swicker received a master of science degree in Scientific and Technical Intelligence from the Naval Postgraduate School, where his pre-Desert Storm classified thesis, "Countering Nascent Nuclear Capability with Conventional SLCM: Intelligence Requirements" received the United States Naval Institute Award. In 1995, he earned a second master's degree at the Naval War College, graduating with Highest Distinction and receiving the J. William Middendorf II Award for his Advanced Research Project, "Theater Ballistic Missile Defense from the Sea: Issues for the Maritime Component Commander."
Commander Swicker is currently serving in a Joint Duty assignment as a Program Integrator for the Navy Theater Wide TBMD Program in the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization. He and his wife Gayle make their home in Vienna, Virginia.