Rear Adm. Smith is a native of Long Island, New York, and a 1997 graduate of U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering.
His sea assignments include USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723), Engineer Officer onboard USS Maine (SSBN 741) (GOLD Crew), Executive Officer onboard USS Annapolis (SSN 760), Commanding Officer of USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23), and Commanding Officer, Submarine Squadron 1.
Ashore, Smith’s assignments include duty as the Commandant’s staff (Company Officer) at the United States Naval Academy, Principal Assistant to the Director Naval Reactors, Submarine Assignments Branch Head and Executive Officer Detailer at Naval Personnel Command, Division Chief for Nuclear Policy and Strategic Deterrence under the J5 Policy Directorate on the Joint Staff, Deputy Commander Submarine Development Squadron 5, and Executive Assistant to the Commander US Indo-Pacific Command. He most recently served as Deputy J3 at US Strategic Command.
Smith assumed his current duties in June 2025 as commander, Submarine Group TWO. He is the theater undersea warfare lead in the Atlantic and is responsible for leading innovation and testing of new undersea warfare tactics and equipment, and training and certifying Theater Undersea Warfare Commands (TUSWC) across the globe.
Smith’s personal awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit, as well as various service and campaign awards.