Uncrowned Community Builders

NCC(SW/AW) David A. Smiley II was born on January 3, 1969, to the proud parents of David A. Smiley and Jewell L. Kirkland, in Buffalo, NY. After graduating from Bennett High School in Buffalo, NY in 1986, he attended Tuskegee University for two years where he majored in Architecture. He then served an eight-year tenure caring for the mentally challenged, developmentally disabled, and autistic clients at Geneva B. Scruggs Healthcare Center. In October of 1995, he joined the Navy and reported for training at Recruit Training in Great Lakes, IL.


After completing basic training and Airman Training Course, where he was meritoriously promoted to Airman Apprentice, he reported to his first duty station, USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72, while it was in drydock at Naval Station Bremerton and homeported at Naval Station Everett, WA. He was assigned to the V-5 division where he worked directly for the Ship's Air Boss. He promptly earned Tower Supervisor and Landing Signal Operator Platform Supervisor qualifications and then made the rate of ABH3. His diligence and attention to duty led him to assume the positions of Work Center Supervisor, Damage Control Petty Officer, and Assistant Leading Petty Officer. Most notably, he trained the entire V-5 division personnel, including Division Officer, for the then Pre-commissioned Ship, USS Harry S. Truman CVN-75.


ABH3 Smiley was deployed on WESTPAC 1997 aboard the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Petty Officer Smiley earned his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Qualification in June 2000.


Petty Officer Smiley then reported to Naval Air Station Jacksonville Transient Line and performed the duties of Line Aircraft Handler. He also rehabilitated and refurbished several static display aircraft located at NAS Jacksonville's Patriot Park. Most notably awarded for the preservation and upkeep of the PBY Aircraft; the staple of the Aircraft display. Petty Officer Smiley served many distinguished duties as Transient Line Aircraft Handler such as providing parking, spotting, and refueling the Aircraft of then Chief of Naval Operations, Vice Admiral Vern E. Clark. He also provided service to the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team and other Air Show participants for five separate Air Shows held at NAS Jacksonville. His vigilance was tested and proven while guarding Marine One and the President's Gulfstream Aircraft while being housed in his Work Center, Hangar 117 on September 11, 2001, just prior to the grounding of all aircraft in the United States Airspace on that fateful day in America's history.


As opportunity presented itself, ABH3 Smiley reported to Air Traffic Control "A" school located at NATTC Pensacola, "The Cradle of Naval Aviation," where he made ABH2 and upon successful completion of the course and graduation was laterally converted to AC2 (Air Traffic Controller). AC2 Smiley returned back to NAS Jacksonville in 2002. He successfully completed all Radar Room qualifications earning Radar Supervisor. He also served as Fire Marshall, Safety, Supply, and Training Petty Officer. In 2006, he was advanced to AC1. In 2008, he took interest in Divisional Career Counselor duties and the Navy Counselor rating as a whole. He worked for a year with NAS Jacksonville's Executive Department receiving training as an NC.


AC1(AW) Smiley reported for Navy Counselor "C" School in San Diego in December 2008 and after successful completion, reported to DDG CLASSRON Pre-Commission Detachment awaiting the construction of his first independent duty as a Navy Counselor aboard the USS Spruance (DDG-111). NC1 Smiley embarked aboard USS Bataan (LHD-5) for their seven-month deployment in 2009 where he earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Qualification.


NC1(SW/AW) Smiley reported for independent duty as Command Career Counselor in March 2010 to NAVCOMTELSTA Bahrain located in the Fifth Fleet AOR. NC1 earned the FY10 and FY11 Retention Excellence Award and a grade of outstanding for FLTCYBERCOM Tenth Fleet Career Information Program Review.


NC1(SW/AW) Smiley reported for duty aboard the USS Emory S. Land (AS-39) in May 2012 and earned a grade of 100% on the command's Career Development Program Review, and served as Command DAPA (Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor) and Executive Department LPO (Leading Petty Officer).


NC1 Smiley reported to Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in May 2013 where he earned two consecutive Retention Excellence Awards for the command, served as Executive Department Leading Petty Officer, Command DAPA and Command Assessment Team member. Petty Officer Smiley was then selected for advancement to Chief Petty Officer in AUG 2015; a rank that every Sailor seeks once they join the NAVY!


Chief Smiley transferred and checked into the United Navy Naval Academy in February 2016, which is the premier and most sought-after duty station in the Navy! While onboard the Naval Academy, Chief Smiley skillfully administered 185 reenlistments and processed over $400,000 in Selective Reenlistment Bonuses to over 900 Sailors! As Transition Assistance Program Manager, he submitted and processed 50 Fleet Reserve and Retirement requests along with Presidential, Governor, and Flag letters for each retiree for their retirement ceremonies. Chief Smiley also provided more than 900 Pre-Separation briefs to personnel across all branches of military service throughout Naval District Washington to ensure a smooth transition from the military to the civilian sector.

Chief Smiley's superior performance of duty highlights the culmination of 24 years of honorable and dedicated service to our nation! By his unswerving determination, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Chief Petty Officer Smiley reflected credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Chief Smiley retired from the Navy on 30 NOV 2019.


Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized:
Good Conduct Medal (7), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (1), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5), Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon (1), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Navy "E" Ribbon (1), National Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (1), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (1), Sea Service Deployment Medal (2). Letter of Commendation by then, Rear Admiral Putnam and numerous Letters of Appreciation.


Chief Smiley has one daughter, Chelsea S. Smiley (28), who graduated from Howard University in 2016.