MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Sgt. Maj. Blake L. Smith was appointed as sergeant major of Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 during an appointment ceremony in front of the MWSS-171 headquarters building here Sept. 28.
“I think he has served in just about every impressive billet that we join the Marine Corps to do and aspireto do,” said Lt. Col. Christopher A. Feyedelem, MWSS-171 commanding officer. “If ever there was such a thing as a Marines’ Marine, Sergeant Major Smith is that individual.”
Smith, whose prior assignment was serving as the Advanced Infantry Training Battalion sergeant major in Camp Pendleton, Calif., completed recruit training December 1988 and was designated to the School of Infantry as a rifleman.
During his 21 years of service, Smith has served under several titles including company first sergeant for Reconnaissance Training with the School of Infantry, in Camp Pendleton, Calif., B Company first sergeant and Headquarters and Service company first sergeant with 1st Reconnaissance, also in Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Smith has also served as first sergeant of the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program Preparatory School and as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor with the University of San Diego.
He has trained at the Staff Noncommissioned Officer’s Career Course, the Military Free Fall Jumpmaster School, the Army Ranger Course, where he was enlisted honor graduate, Summer Mountain Leader School, Military Free Fall School, and at the Static Line Jumpmaster School during his tour with 1st Force Reconnaissance Company where he served as the recon team leader.
Smith has deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and has also deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Somalia in support of Operation Restore Hope, and to Iraq in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
“It should be a very interesting next couple of years and I look forward to the challenge and I look forward to being (the MWSS-171) sergeant major,” said Smith.
His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a combat distinguishing device and two gold stars in lieu of his third award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon with two gold stars in lieu of his third award.