SMSgt Aldrin J. Smith is the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for United States Space Forces - Japan, Yokota Air Base, Japan. In this role, he is a key advisor to the Commander as a service component under United States Space Forces Indo-Pacific, assigned to the United States Forces Japan sub-unified command. SMSgt Smith is responsible for integrating space capabilities and employment expertise in support of joint and bilateral operations, activities, and investments to advance the United States and Japan alliance. Additionally, he serves as a critical link between the United States Space Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Space Operations Group to collectively strengthen readiness and enhance combined space operations.
SMSgt Smith entered the Air Force in August 2005, completed Operations Intelligence technical training in April 2006, and transferred to the Space Force in February 2021. His background includes various intelligence positions in the air and space domains, as well as a joint assignment where he worked closely with Federal Law Enforcement Agencies to combat transnational organized crime. SMSgt Smith has deployed in support of a Joint Task Force during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Arabian Peninsula during Operation NEW DAWN. Prior to his current position, SMSgt Smith served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the 57th Space Aggressor Squadron at Schriever Space Force Base, Colo.
EDUCATION
2009 Airman Leadership School, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
2012 Associate of Applied Science, Intelligence Studies and Technology, Community College of the Air Force
2016 Red Team Members Course (ASI: 7J), University of Foreign Military and Cultural Studies
2017 Noncommissioned Officer Academy (Distinguished Graduate), Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas
2019 Senior Enlisted Intelligence Master Skills Course, Goodfellow AFB, Texas
2019 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education II Course, by correspondence
2022 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Peterson Space Force Base, Colo.
2023 Bachelor of Arts, Applied Psychology/Organizational Psychology (Summa Cum Laude), Florida Institute of Technology
ASSIGNMENTS
1. August 2005 – October 2005, Trainee, Basic Military Training, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
2. October 2005 – April 2006, Student, 315th Training Squadron, Goodfellow AFB, Texas
3. April 2006 – June 2007, PACOM Satellite Analyst, 614th Space Intelligence Squadron, Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
4. June 2007 – May 2009, Space Intelligence Analyst, 614th Air and Space Operations Center, Vandenberg AFB, Calif. (May 2008 – December 2008, Intelligence Analyst, Joint Task Force, Data Masked)
5. May 2009 – January 2012 Counterspace Intelligence Analyst, Counterspace Analysis Squadron, National & Space Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio (February 2011 – August 2011, J2 Targeting NCO, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Arabian Peninsula, Balad Air Base, Iraq)
6. January 2012 – June 2013, Assistant to Command Chief, National Air & Space Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
7. June 2013 – July 2017, NCOIC, Caribbean Regional Support Team, Joint Task Force North, Fort Bliss, Texas
8. July 2017 – July 2018, NCOIC, Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Intelligence, 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Al Udeid AB, Qatar
9. July 2018 – May 2020, Flight Chief, Analysis, Correlation, and Fusion, 603d Air & Space Operations Center, Ramstein AB, Germany
10. May 2020 – February 2021, Flight Chief, Senior Intelligence Duty Officer Team, 603d Air & Space Operations Center, Ramstein AB, Germany
11. February 21 – October 2021, Flight Chief, Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance Operations, 603d Air & Space Operations Center, Ramstein AB, Germany
12. October 2021 – July 2024, Senior Enlisted Leader, 57th Space Aggressor Squadron, Schriever Space Force Base, Colo.
13. July 2024 – present, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, US Space Forces – Japan, Yokota AB, Japan
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Joint Service Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Commendation Medal
Joint Service Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation
German Armed Force Proficiency Badge (Gold)
German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship (Gold)
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2006 Academic Honors, Operations Intelligence Technical Training
2007 Senior Airman Below-the-Zone
2009 Airman of the Year, National Air and Space Intelligence Center
2014 NCO of the Year, Joint Task Force North
2015 NCO of the Year, United States Northern Command
2017 Army Military Intelligence Corps Association Thomas Knowlton Award
2017 NCO of the Year, United States Air Forces Central Command
2017 Outstanding ISR NCO of the Year, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
2018 Lance P. Sijan Award nominee, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
2018 Senior NCO Technician of the Year, USAFE-AFAFRICA/A32
2019 Lance P. Sijan Award nominee, USAFE-AFAFRICA/A32
2019 Senior NCO of the Year, 603d Air and Space Operations Center
2021 Outstanding ISR Senior NCO of the Year, 603d Air and Space Operations Center
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class August 23, 2005
Senior Airman June 23, 2007
Staff Sergeant February 1, 2010
Technical Sergeant April 1, 2015
Master Sergeant June 1, 2018
Senior Master Sergeant January 1, 2022
(Current as of January 2025)