A native of Kingwood, Texas, CDR Steve "SteveO" Smith graduated from the University of Texas-Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He holds a Master of Science degree in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego. He received his commissioning through Officer Candidate School in February 2003.
A career naval aviator, CDR Smith's operational assignments include tours with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron ELEVEN (HS-11) in Jacksonville, Florida; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC-84) in Norfolk, Virginia; department head with HS-11 in Jacksonville, Florida; and as a member of Commander, 7th Fleet Staff aboard USS BLUE RIDGE in Yokosuka, Japan.
Ashore, CDR Smith's assignments include instructor duty with the "Fleet Angels" of HSC-2 in Norfolk, Virginia; Current Operations Director for Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S) in Key West, Florida; and Operations Officer of Naval Support Activity in Naples, Italy.
CDR Smith assumed his current role as Executive Officer of Naval Air Station Key West in May 2024.
CDR Smith accumulated nearly 3,000 flight hours. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4), Navy Achievement Medal, as well as numerous unit commendations and awards.
Last Updated: 1 August 2024