Major Molly E. Smith

Command Biography

2d LAAD Bn Executive Officer

Major Smith is a native of South Korea and grew up in New Providence, NJ. Upon graduation from the University of Delaware, Lieutenant Smith reported to The Basic School in August 2011 as a member of Golf Company 7-11 and was selected as an Air Support Control Officer (7208). In March 2012, Lieutenant Smith reported to Twentynine Palms, CA for the Air Support Control Officer Course.

Upon completion of MOS school, Lieutenant Smith reported to Marine Air Support Squadron 1 in Cherry Point, North Carolina. She was assigned as the Data Platoon Commander for Communication and Electronics Company.

In July 2013, Lieutenant Smith deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 13.1. Upon arrival to Afghanistan, Marine Air Support Squadron 1 (fwd) operated out of the Regional Command Southwest’s Combat Operations Center. Returning from deployment, she was assigned as the 2nd Platoon Commander for Air Support Company.

In July of 2015, reported to Marine Air Support Squadron 2 in Okinawa, Japan. Lieutenant Smith assumed the duties as the Squadron training Officer until she attended Weapons Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) in March 2016 as a student. Upon graduation, Captain Smith executed a Permanent Change of Assignment to Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 18 and assumed the duties as the Adjutant and Legal Officer.

In July of 2017 Captain Smith reported to Marine Corps Recruiting Command Headquarters to the Marketing and Communications department as the Lead Generation Officer.

In July of 2019 Captain Smith executed a Permanent Change of Assignment and reported to The Basic School. Captain Smith served as a Warfighting Instructor and a Staff Platoon Commander for Basic Officer Course and Warrant Officer Basic Course.

In July of 2021 Captain Smith reported to Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic to the Amphibious Warfare Department. During her time there she promoted to her current rank and educated Marines and Sailors on amphibious air operations as a Course manager and primary instructor of Aviation Command and Control.

Major Smith assumed her duties as 2d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion’s Executive Officer in June 2023.

Major Smith’s personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4th award) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3rd award).