Rear Adm. Smith was raised in Green's Farms, Conn., until entering the Naval Academy Preparatory School in 1978. Receiving his commission from the United States Naval Academy in 1983, he was designated a surface warfare officer in 1985.

His first sea tour was aboard USS Miller (FF 1091), serving as first lieutenant and damage control assistant. In March 1990, Smith assumed responsibilities as operations officer aboard USS Jarrett (FFG 33), participating in Operation Desert Storm providing air cover for USS Missouri (BB 63) and escort duties off the coast of Kuwait. Follow-on orders as operations officer aboard USS Gridley (CG 21) included participating in the establishment of Operation Southern Watch over Southern Iraq. From April 1997 to June 1998, Smith served as executive officer aboard USS Antietam (CG 54). As commanding officer, USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) from July 2001 to March 2003, he deployed with the John F. Kennedy Battle Group in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Shore assignments include duty at Naval Education and Training Center, Newport, R.I., as seamanship instructor, and service as aide to the Naval Inspector General, Washington, D.C. Duties in Naples, Italy, as deputy executive assistant to Commander in Chief, Allied Forces, Southern Europe/Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe, included service in support of the Joint Force Commander, Operation Allied Force, and Commander, Joint Task Force Noble Anvil during NATO’s operations in Kosovo. Following service as the 4th battalion officer and plebe summer officer-in-charge at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. Smith commanded Naval Base San Diego. Smith’s most recent assignment, prior to assuming his duties as commander, Navy Region Southwest, was as commander, Navy Region Hawaii/Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific.

Smith holds a master’s degree in Business from Webster University and is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.