Major Katherine L. Smith is from Medford, Massachusetts. She graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Following graduation, she remained at the Academy until June 2015, supporting the Math and Science Department before attending The Basic School.
Upon completion of Air Traffic Control Officer training in December 2016, Major Smith was assigned to MACG-28, MACS-2, Detachment A in Beaufort, SC. During this tour, she served as the Detachment S-3, where she was responsible for the planning and execution of complex training exercises for air traffic controllers, maintainers, and METOC personnel.
In June 2018, Major Smith executed a lateral move to become an Air Defense Control Officer. Following her graduation from the Aviation Command and Control Commons and Air Defense Control Officers Courses, she returned to MACG-28, MACS-2, to join the Early Warning and Control (EW/C) Detachment. Throughout this assignment, she worked in high-tempo environments, dual-hatting as the S-3 and Detachment Executive Officer before assuming Command of the EW/C Detachment in May 2020.
An expert in Aviation Command and Control, Major Smith supported multiple iterations of Weapons and Tactics Instructor courses, Red Flag Nellis 2-20, and numerous F/A-18 and F-35 integrated exercises. Her technical proficiency is underscored by her qualifications as a Surveillance Director, Weapons Director, Senior Air Director, and Air Intercept Controller I, as well as her designation as a Senior Instructor.
Transitioning to the academic and technical arena in 2021, Major Smith attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, where she earned a Master of Science in Information Warfare Systems Engineering.
In July 2023, she reported to II MEF G-39, Camp Lejeune, NC, to coordinate Technical Information Effects for both global exercises and real-world operations. During this time, she spearheaded G-39 experimentation efforts, integrating new capabilities testing with other Marine Corps units and services to better provide joint capabilities for a Joint Force Capable staff. Major Smith was also designated at the Special Technical Operations Chief within II MEF for both exercise and real world integration.
In February 2026, Major Smith assumed the role as the II MEF Science, Technology, and Experimentation Officer. In this capacity, she oversaw the integration of emerging technologies and future capabilities across subordinate units to drive Force Design modernization.
Major Smith’s commitment to professional development is reflected in her completion of the Expeditionary Warfare School and Command and Staff College (non-resident). In 2026, she earned a second Master of Science in Exercise Science, with a concentration in Tactical Strength and Conditioning and Performance Enhancement, from the Pennsylvania Western University.
A lifelong athlete, Major Smith represented the Marine Corps on the Armed Forces Rugby team (2017) and the All-Marine Rugby team (2019–2026). In 2022, she was selected to serve as the Assistant Coach for the All-Marine Rugby team.