Mojave Air and Space Port welcomes new CEO

Provided.

Dr. David G. Smith.

As of July 15, 2024, Doctor David G. Smith is the Chief Executive Officer of the Mojave Air and Space Port, a world-renowned flight research center spanning 3300+ acres, hosting the latest and most advanced aeronautical designs. Here more than 60 companies are engaged in light industrial to highly advanced aerospace design, production, flight test and research to heavy rail industrial operations. Flight Research activities include endo- and exo- atmospheric craft supporting private sector and government-funded projects. The National Test Pilot School is also located here, training more test pilots than any other site in the world. Previously he was the Director of the Production and Flight Test Facility, Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California where he supported over 16,000 contract and government personnel on a 5,600-acre Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated business campus and industrial complex.

Doctor Smith entered the Air Force in 1982, commissioned through Officers Training School. He received his flight training at Mather Air Force Base, California. Selected for B-52s, he moved to Castle Air Force Base, California, attending the first Navigator Offensive Avionics Systems class graduating with top honors. His first formal tour was at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota as a Navigator and Instructor Navigator.

Closure of B-52 operations there prompted a move to Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, as a Navigator, Instructor Navigator, Radar Navigator, Instructor Radar Navigator, Flying Safety Officer, and Assistant Flight Commander. There he was the lead navigator for the Wing's record setting performance in SAC's 1986 Bombing and Navigation Competition, winning 9 of 11 awards – including the coveted Fairchild Trophy; an achievement recognized by President Reagan. He was hand-picked from all B-52, B-1 and FB-111 crews to accompany General Chain, CINCSAC, to represent the SAC alert force receiving the David C. Schilling Award for the year's most outstanding contribution to flight.

Doctor Smith then moved to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as an Instructor, Flight Examiner and Standardization and Evaluation branch chief. There he completed the elite PAC ACES (Pacific Air Forces Advanced Combat Employment School) strike force course in the Philippines.

Closing B-52 operations there Doctor Smith moved back to Castle Air Force Base as a Combat Crew Training School Instructor Radar Navigator, Flight Examiner, Branch Chief, and Executive Officer. Doctor Smith was instrumental in the complete revision of the B-52 curriculum shifting the focus from nuclear to conventional war fighting.

As Castle closed he transferred to Beale Air Force Base where he served as the Assistant Chief Wing Planning Staff, Chief Wing Inspections and Chief Wing Command Post, directly impacting the critical worldwide U-2 and SR-71 reconnaissance mission. He was then individually selected for the unique National Training Center serving as a Regimental Air Liaison Officer attached to the elite 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, instructing and evaluating the close air support mission in joint operations with the United States Army. Following this assignment he was by-name selected to support the experimental B-52 mission at Edwards Air Force Base, and then became the Deputy Director of the 412th Test Management Group with oversight over all of Edward's flight test and evaluation efforts. He retired from active duty as the Edwards Inspector General.

Transitioning to Civilian Service he became the Edwards AFB Government Flight Representative overseeing all contractor flight and ground operations at Edwards until his appointment to the position of Senior Installation Support Director for Edwards AFB. There he championed essential infrastructure and support capabilities directly influencing the flight test mission, until selected as the Director of Plant 42.

Doctor Smith is a master navigator with over 3000 flying hours and a private pilot. He also serves as a Brigadier General in the Cal Guard. Doctor Smith was born a military dependent in Camp Zama, Japan, and calls Hawaii home. He is married to the former Denise Cook, and they share six children, a son Damien, and daughters, Daira, Darcie, Avalon, Bailee, and Madyson, and eight grandchildren.

To read about Doctor Smith's education, flight information, awards, decorations and effective dates of promotion, visit the Mojave Air & Space Port's website at http://www.mojaveairport.com/ceo-bio.html/.