Courtesy Photo | Lt. Michael Swinney, a construction manager with NAVFAC Pacific’s Resident Officer...... read more read more
CANBERRA, Australia — A construction manager assigned to Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Pacific has been recognized for exceptional leadership and program execution supporting U.S. and allied defense priorities in Australia.
Lt. Michael Swinney, a construction manager with NAVFAC Pacific’s Resident Officer in Charge of Construction (ROICC) Australia, was named the Company Grade Officer of the Quarter for all U.S. Forces in Australia. The award was presented by the U.S. Embassy in Canberra on behalf of Col. Brooks, the Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché.
Swinney was honored for his leadership and management of a $225 million U.S. Air Force–funded construction portfolio at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, a strategically significant installation supporting the U.S. Force Posture Initiative.
“Mike’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in driving a very significant project load forward under the challenging and austere conditions of the outback,” said Lt. Cmdr. Bradford Garrigues, ROICC Australia. “This award is a testament to both his professionalism and the professionalism of the team he leads. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Entrusted to lead a remote construction office, Swinney demonstrated sound judgment and reliability while managing complex contractor relationships and maintaining rigorous performance standards.
Under his direct leadership, the $16 million Squadron Operations Facility reached substantial completion, and construction began on the $15 million Aircraft Maintenance Facility. At the same time, the $130 million Bomber Parking Apron project continues to progress and, once complete, will be the largest aircraft parking apron in Australia’s Northern Territory.
Swinney’s efforts directly enhance operational resilience and strengthen the strategic partnership between the United States and Australia, reinforcing NAVFAC Pacific’s role in delivering critical infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific region.
| Date Taken: | 01.30.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 02.05.2026 13:49 |
| Story ID: | 557226 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 643 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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