Captain Smith, a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, graduated from the University of Iowa in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in August 1998. He attended basic flight training in Pensacola, Florida where he earned his wings of gold as a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) in January 2000 and reported to VS-41 in Coronado, California for flight training in the S-3B Viking.
In February 2001, he reported to the “Maulers” of VS-32 in Jacksonville, Florida. He deployed with Carrier Air Wing One in 2001 on the USS Theodore Roosevelt and in 2003 on the USS Enterprise. He qualified as a Viking Tactics Instructor and was named the Sea Control Wing Atlantic NFO of the Year for 2003.
Captain Smith transitioned to the P-3C Orion and in December 2004, he reported to the “Lancers” of VP-10 in Brunswick, Maine. He deployed in 2005 to Italy and El Salvador, in 2006 to Qatar, and in 2007 to Japan, Philippines, Thailand, and India. He qualified and served as an Orion Weapons and Tactics Instructor.
In February 2008, he reported to the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island where he earned a Master’s degree in national security and strategic studies. In 2009, he was selected as a U.S. representative to the Naval Staff College where he joined a distinguished group of international officers from 35 countries to develop global maritime partnerships and promote maritime security cooperation.
In October 2009, he reported to the “Wizards” of VPU-2 in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii for his Department Head tour. He deployed worldwide conducting high priority missions in response to operational tasking.
In February 2012, he reported to United States Strategic Command in Omaha, Nebraska where he served as an Action Officer and Executive Officer in the J5 Plans and Policy Directorate.
Captain Smith transitioned to the P-8 Poseidon and in December 2016 he assumed command of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School in Jacksonville, Florida. As Commanding Officer he was responsible for development and standardization of postgraduate training in mission planning, tactics, and weapons employment for the entire Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force.
In June 2018, he reported to the USS Harry S. Truman as Navigator. He deployed with Carrier Strike Group Eight in 2018 and 2019 and was part of the first Carrier Strike Group to conduct operations in the Arctic Circle in almost 30 years as part of the Secretary of Defense's Dynamic Force Employment.
In September 2000, he reported to Joint Staff J7 in Suffolk, Virginia. He served as Desk Officer for North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) training and exercise programs.
In April, 2023, he assumed duty as Commanding Officer, Naval Weapons Station Earle.
His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various campaign, service, and unit awards.
Last Updated: 21 April 2023