Cmdr. Laura Smith, a native of Broomfield, Colorado, received a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. She also earned Master of Arts degrees from the Naval War College and Arizona State University.
 
Her operational tours include deployments with SEAL Team 5 and Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division while assigned to Kennedy Irregular Warfare Center at Office of Naval Intelligence, targeting officer at Naval Special Warfare Development Group and assistant intelligence officer embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). During these tours, she served with teams that deployed to the Middle East and Afghanistan in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve.
 
Ashore, Smith served as intelligence director at Maritime Civil Affairs Squadron 2 and for Plans and Exercises at U.S. Strategic Command’s Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense, Maritime Intelligence Operations Center director for Office of Naval Intelligence’s Nimitz Warfare Analysis Center and assistant officer in charge at ONI Detachment Newport, Rhode Island.
 
Smith assumed command of Information Warfare Training Command Virginia Beach, Virginia, in June 2024.
 
Her decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), Army Commendation Medal (two awards), and various unit commendations and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 8 October 2024