LCDR MARVIN P. KINGSLEY USN, the first commanding officer. Served as C.O. from 29 May 1941 to 24 July 1942 and was a graduate of the U..S. Naval Academy, class of 1923.

LCDR LEWIS M. MARKHAM USN, the second commanding officer . Served as C.O. from 24 July 1942 to 1 December 1942 and was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, class of 1925.

CDR EDWARD L. ROBERTSON , Jr. USN, the third commanding officer. Served as C.O. from 1 December 1942 to 16 May 1944. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, class of 1931. He was the Swanson's first Engineering Officer, second Executive officer, prior to assuming command. He served longer as C.O. than any other officer who commanded the Swanson.

LCDR WILLIAM K. RATLIFF, USN, the fourth commanding officer. Served as C.O. from 16 May 1944 to 19 July 1945 and was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, class of 1938.

CDR W. G. COLLAR, USNR., the fifth commanding officer. Served as C.O. from 19 July 1945 to 6 March 1946. He placed the ship out of commission in Charleston South Carolina.