Lieutenant (LT) Nicholas Smith was born and raised in Quincy, Illinois. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science from Saint Louis University in 2011. Following his studies, he attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI and commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy in September 2013. LT Smith earned his “Wings of Gold” in May 2015.
After completing Fleet Replacement Training in the Boeing P-8A “Poseidon” at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Lieutenant Smith reported to Patrol Squadron FIVE (VP-5). During his time with the VP-5 Mad Foxes he was designated as a Patrol Plane Aircraft Commander and Mission Commander. His additional ground duty assignments included Assistant Operations Officer, Aircrewman Division Officer, and Assistant Pilot Training Officer.
LT Smith has deployed to the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Fleet Area of Operations and has been a part of several major antisubmarine warfare operations. LT Smith has detached with the P-8A aircraft out of Misawa Air Base, Kadena Air Base, Andersen Air Force Base, Isa Air Base, NAS Sigonella, Naval Station Rota, Royal Air Force Lossiemouth, Keflavik Air Base, and Naval Support Activity Souda Bay.
Lieutenant Smith is married to Captain (USAF) Kileigh Rousey of Marion, Illinois. They reside in Manhattan Beach, California. LT Smith’s personal decorations include the Navy Achievement Medal.