LT Eman Smith

Lieutenant Smith was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and commissioned in the U.S. Navy in 2018. Selected for flight training, he reported to Training Air Wing Four in Pensacola, Florida. He began at Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API), completing coursework in basic aerodynamics, aviation weather, air navigation, flight rules and regulations, and aircraft engines and systems. He also completed aviation physiology training through the Naval Operational Medical Institute, gaining a foundation in how flight impacts the human body. Lieutenant Smith graduated from API in 2019.

Lieutenant Smith was assigned to Patrol Squadron 30 (VP-30) at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. VP-30 is the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for the P-8A Poseidon, responsible for training all pilots, naval flight officers, and aircrew in maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations. At VP-30, Lieutenant Smith received advanced training in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

After completing FRS training, Lieutenant Smith reported to Patrol Squadron 45 (VP-45) “Pelicans,” where he has deployed twice to the Sixth and Seventh Fleet areas of responsibility. During these tours, he participated in multiple international exercises and operations, flying combat-ready missions worldwide in support of maritime security. 

Lieutenant Smith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation from Jacksonville University. He reported to the University of Arizona NROTC program in May and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity. He serves as the Junior Class (2/C) advisor, preparing midshipmen to commission as Ensigns in the United States Navy