Executive Officer
Capt. Gerald N. Smith
Capt. Gerald Smith hails from Ronan, Montana and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1997 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
Designated a naval aviator in Corpus Christi, Texas on June 18th 1999, Smith then completed P-3C flight training at Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 30 in Jacksonville, FL. His first operational tour was with VP-40 in Whidbey Island, Washington where he deployed to the 5th Fleet and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR).
In April of 2003, Smith joined VP-30 as a sleet replacement squadron instructor pilot. While there, he served in the weapons tactics unit as a survivability systems subject matter expert and fleet standardization officer.
Smith then qualified as a catapult and arresting gear officer (Shooter) onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), Norfolk, Virginia, and completed a deployment in the 5th Fleet AOR supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He was selected for department head and joined VP-45 where he served as the safety/ Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) officer and operations officer. He deployed to the 4th Fleet AOR, serving as officer in charge of P-3C Detachment, Comalapa, El Salvador and again to the 7th Fleet AOR.
In October 2010, Smith joined United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in Tampa, Florida where he served as an action officer in the Directorate of Force Structure, Requirements, Resources and Strategic Assessments (J-8).
On 19 September 2014, he assumed command of the fledgling Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School (MPRWS) in Jacksonville, FL. Under his command, MPRWS experienced rapid growth as it transitioned into a separate and distinct organization responsible for advanced tactical development for our deployable Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Forces.
Subsequent to his time at MPRWS, Smith served as a Deputy Director within the N-5 at 5th Fleet in Manama, Bahrain and Director of Plans at 5th Fleet in Mayport, FL. In December of 2018, Smith assumed duties as executive officer, VP-30.
His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various Campaign, Service, and Unit awards.