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Commander Reid "Biebs" Smith

A native of wherever his Dad was stationed at the time, Commander Smith graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance.  Commander Smith commissioned in May of 2008 and after initial flight training in Pensacola, he earned his wings of gold as a Naval Aviator in Kingsville, Texas in September 2010.  Following his winging, Commander Smith remained on the staff at VT-21 as a Selectively Retained Graduate (SERGRAD) instructor pilot until December 2011, when he reported to Electronic Attack Squadron ONE TWO NINE for initial EA-18G pilot training.

Following his graduation from the fleet replacement squadron, Commander Smith reported in January 2013 to the “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron ONE THREE ZERO where he deployed on the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Commander Smith then reported to Electronic Attack Squadron ONE TWO NINE for duties as an EA-18G Instructor Pilot in January 2016.  Responding to a need for fleet training officers, Commander Smith applied to attend the Growler Tactics Instructor Course and graduated in June 2017.  Shortly after, he detached from the FRS and reported to the “Wizards” of Electronic Attack Squadron ONE THREE THREE in September 2017.  While with the Wizards he deployed on the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) in support of Operations FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, RESOLUTE SUPPORT, and INHERENT RESOLVE.  During this tour, he was recognized as the Electronic Attack Wing Pacific Growler Tactics Instructor of the year.

Following his training officer tour, Commander Smith reported to the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron ONE THREE SEVEN in August 2019, as a department head and served as the Administrative Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer.  During this tour, he deployed on the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) and again flew in support of Operations FREEDOM’S SENTINEL and RESOLUTE SUPPORT.  After detaching in September 2021, Commander Smith reported back to Electronic Attack Squadron ONE TWO NINE for a second department head tour where he served as the Training Officer.

Commander Smith has accumulated over 2500 flight hours and over 450 carrier arrested landings.  His decorations include the Air Medal Strike/Flight, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit, service, and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 16 February 2023


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