A native of Eagan, Minnesota, Commander Smith graduated from Iowa State University in 2005, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. CDR Smith was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in July 2005. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in August 2007. In October 2007, CDR Smith reported to the VAW-120 “Greyhawks” for initial fleet training as an E-2C Hawkeye Pilot.

CDR Smith began his operational flying in September 2008 with the “Liberty Bells” of VAW-115.  He made three FDNF deployments with the Liberty Bells aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), participating in Exercises COPE NORTH, COPE TIGER, ANNUALEX, FOAL EAGLE, TALISMAN SABER, and Operation TOMODACHI.  During this tour CDR Smith graduated from Landing Signals Officer (LSO) School at NAS Oceana.

CDR Smith reported back to VAW-120 in November 2011.  He conducted flight instruction in the E-2C and E-2D, waving and flying a combined 15 Field Carrier Landing Practice and Carrier Qualification evolutions.  Following his instructor tour, he returned to the fleet, joining CVW-2 as a staff LSO.  While with team BROADSWORD he conducted workups on USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76), and one deployment on USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73).

CDR Smith returned to VAW-115 as a Department Head in February 2016.  While with the Liberty Bells, he completed one FDNF deployment aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76), and conducted a homeport change aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), bringing the Liberty Bells to CONUS for the first time, serving as both Safety Officer and Maintenance Officer.

Following his department head tour, CDR Smith served on the UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND staff, J2 Directorate.  While at EUCOM he oversaw Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations in the European theater.  He selected for squadron command in March 2020 and will report for a three-peat at VAW-115 as Executive Officer in October 2021.

CDR Smith has been accompanied on this journey by his wife, Kelly, and three children, Lincoln, Maya, and Layla.  He has accumulated over 2,800 flight hours in the E-2 and 286 carrier arrested landings. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various service awards and ribbons.

Last Updated: 13 February 2023