WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has nominated Navy Vice Adm. Scott Swift to become a four-star and be the next commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, the Defense Department announced Thursday.

Swift is currently serving as Navy Staff director within the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon.

If confirmed by the Senate, he will have to deal with a number of challenges, including a rising Chinese navy and the U.S. military rebalance to Asia.

Swift has served as commander of U.S. 7th Fleet and deputy commander of Naval Forces within U.S. Central Command, according to his Navy biography.

He comes from an aviation background, having been commander of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron 97; commander of Carrier Air Wing 14; and commander of Carrier Strike Group Nine.

Swift has seen combat and participated in operations Praying Mantis, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Over the course of his career he has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Medal with Combat V.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and a master’s degree from the Naval War College. He received his commission in 1979 through the Aviation Reserve Officer Candidate Program.

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