Colonel David S. Smith is the commander of the 120th Airlift Wing, Montana Air National Guard, Great Falls, Montana. As the Wing Commander, he ensures highly trained Citizen Airmen can deploy anywhere, anytime, in support of national and state objectives. He is responsible for the management of eight C-130H3 aircraft, equipment, and other wing assets valued at nearly three quarters of a billion dollars. Colonel Smith ensures the wing can meet mobilization requirements and effectively integrate with the active component under all contingencies, and he serves as a vital member of the Adjutant General's Senior Staff.
Col Smith enlisted in the Montana Air National Guard in January 1990 as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist. After completing Undergraduate Pilot Training and receiving his commission from the Academy of Military Science. Col Smith was assigned as an F-16 Air Defense Fighter Pilot with the 120th Fighter Wing, Montana Air National Guard. In 2001, he was hired as the Chief of Scheduling in Operations. Since then, he has served as Chief of Weapons and Tactics, Program Manager, Wing Chief of Safety, Operations Officer and as the Director of A3 for the Montana Air National Guard at Joint Force Headquarters Helena, Montana.
Col Smith is a command pilot with more than 3,700 hours in the T-37, T-38, F- 16 ADF, F-16C, F-15C, C-130E/H1/H2/H3 and has served four combat tours in support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, and INHERENT RESOLVE. Prior to assuming his current position, Colonel Smith served as the Commander of the 120th Operations Group, Montana Air National Guard.