CAPT Smith enlisted in the Naval Reserve from Waterbury, Vermont under the Delayed Entry Program and completed boot camp at NETC Orlando. He was selected for his NROTC scholarship and graduated from Norwich University and commissioned in May of 1996.
Afloat CAPT Smith served in USS SAMUEL B ROBERTS (FFG 58) and USS STUMP (DD 978) as a division officer. He reported to USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54) as Operations Officer, deploying for the first BMD patrol in September 2004. He transferred to USS PRINCETON (CG 59) and served as Operations Officer. He reported to USS LASSEN (DDG 82) in April 2012 as Executive Officer and assumed command in December 2013, completing his tour in May 2015. He reported to Commander, SEVENTHFLT on board USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19) as Director, Task Force IAMD and CTG 710.5 (Theater Integrated Air and Missile Defense Commander) from July 2018 to September 2020.
Ashore CAPT Smith reported to Commander, Naval Surface Forces as AAW/BMD/SUW officer. He volunteered for an Individual Augmentation to Iraq. He served 10 months as Brigade Electronic Warfare Officer for the 35th Engineer Brigade of the Missouri National Guard, the route clearance formation for Multi-National Division-Baghdad. He completed his TYCOM tour, and reported to Commander, THIRD FLEET as BMD Officer. He reported to the Joint Staff J-5 in 2015 and served as Missile Defense Branch Chief until 2017. He graduated Naval War College in 2018. He was the Vaccine Coordinator for CNSP from January to November 2021. He commanded Naval Support Facility REDZIKOWO Poland from December 2021 to December 2022.
CAPT Smith has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a MBA from Norwich University, a Masters of Science in Information System Operations from Naval Postgraduate School, and a Masters of Art in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. CAPT Smith’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and various personal, campaign and unit awards. During his tour as CO and that of his relief, CAPT Robert Francis, LASSEN won the Spokane Trophy for most combat ready ship in the Pacific Fleet. He is married to a native of Guam.
Last Updated: 1 February 2023