Major Zachary V. Smith is a native of Arcanum, Ohio. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Paris Island, SC in January 2010. Upon graduation of Recruit Training and the School of Infantry East’s, Infantry Training Battalion, he reported to Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment in Columbus, OH.
Maj Smith graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2013, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, and was commissioned on 22 March 2014. Following his graduation from The Basic School and Aircraft Maintenance Officers Course he was assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13, at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ. While assigned to the “Black Widows,” First Lieutenant Smith attended Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 1-17.
In January 2017, First Lieutenant Smith reported for duty at VMFA-211, MCAS Yuma, AZ where he began service as the Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer, and Material Control Officer. During the first 18 months of service with the squadron, he planned for and executed nine deployments for training. In July of 2018, he deployed with VMFA-211 as part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard USS Essex. During this deployment he served in the above capacities as well as the Maintenance Material Control Officer. After the successful completion of this inaugural F-35 deployment Captain Smith returned to MCAS Yuma where he immediately attended WTI course 2-19.
In the summer of 2019 Captain Smith relocated to MCB Quantico, VA for resident PME at Expeditionary Warfare School. He later graduated with the class of 2020 and subsequently served as an instructor at The Basic School. During this tour he served as an assistant instructor and staff platoon commander for two training companies.
In June of 2022, Captain Smith reported to MCAS New River for service as the CH-53K Fleet Introduction Team Officer In Charge. During this service his team assisted USMC CH-53E squadrons with their conversion to the new CH-53K. Additionally during this time he earned his Master of Aviation Maintenance degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
From MCAS New River, Major Smith reported back to MCB Quantico for resident PME at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. Graduating in 2025, he earned his Master of Military Studies degree.
Upon graduation from Command and Staff. Major Smith reported for duty at Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, in Beaufort, SC. During his first year of service here he served as the Operations Officer and he is currently serving as the executive officer.
Maj Smith’s personal awards include three Navy Commendation Medals, and he was the recipient of the 2019 Earle Hattaway Award for USMC Marine Aviation Ground Officer of the Year.