NETSAFA Holds Change of Command

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Taylor Jackson | 180518-N-FI568-0084 PENSACOLA, Fla. (May 18, 2018) Capt. Courtney Smith requests permission to go ashore after 30 years of naval service. Smith concluded her career as the commanding officer of Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity, which she turned over to Capt. Mark Truluck at the National Naval Aviation Museum. NETSAFA is the U.S. Navy's agent for international education and training, coordinating training support to international governments and international organizations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor L. Jackson/Released)  

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

05.18.2018

Courtesy Story

Naval Education and Training Command

From Naval Education and Training Command

Capt. Mark Truluck relieved Capt. Courtney Smith as commanding officer of Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity (NETSAFA) during a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola May 18.

While leading NETSAFA, Smith was at the forefront of security cooperation education and training, continuously reshaping her command for the constantly changing international education and training landscape. Under her leadership, NETSAFA supported the training of 25,000 international students from over 160 countries.

Smith, who also retired as part of the event, said she felt lucky to be surrounded by hardworking professionals who make up the NETSAFA team.

"The importance of their work to our national security strategy cannot be overstated," said Smith. “Every single day they work to strengthen our ties with our international partners and personally build relationships that will last for years to come. I cannot imagine a better command tour to complete my 30 years of service."

Retired Rear Adm. Don Quinn, a former commander of Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), served as the guest speaker and praised Smith for everything she had accomplished during her career.

"Hers is a story of persistence and patriotism, overflowing with service to our nation," said Quinn.

Smith, from Houston, Texas, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas in 1988 and a commission through Navy ROTC. As a naval flight officer, she accumulated over 3,200 total flight hours in 10 different aircraft, including the S-3B Viking and the EA-6B Prowler, with more than 500 arrested carrier landings. She served with Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 34, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 6, Air Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 32 and VS-24, and as executive and commanding officer of VAQ-142 with two combat deployments to Al Asad, Iraq, in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. She was also the air operations officer for Carrier Strike Group 5/Task Force 70, based at Yokosuka, Japan.

Her shore billet assignments included Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC), Training Squadron (VT) 10, the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Strategic Command and NETC. She earned a Master of Arts from American Military University.

Truluck, who most recently served as commanding officer of NASC, became the 14th commanding officer of NETSAFA.

A native of Hall County, Georgia, Truluck graduated from North Georgia College and was commissioned through Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1989. As a naval aviator, he accumulated more than 4,700 flight hours during several tours with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 3 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS Enterprise (CVN 65), and with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67). As commanding officer of HS-3, Truluck’s squadron was awarded the Naval Air Forces Battle "E", Safety "S" and Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy for Antisubmarine Warfare Excellence. He also commanded Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HS) 7 in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

His shore tours have included Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 1, the Seahawk Weapons and Tactics School at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, Navy Personnel Command, and U.S. Special Operations Command. He earned a master’s degree in public administration from Auburn University and is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College and the Joint Forces Staff College.

NETSAFA is the U.S. Navy's agent for international education and training, coordinating training support to international governments and international organizations. As a field activity of NETC, the command serves as a focal point for all security assistance training program issues, coordination and advice within the U.S. Navy.

For more information about NETSAFA, visit https://www.netsafa.navy.mil/.

For additional information on NETC, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil or http://www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. Follow NETC on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/netcpao and Twitter @netcpao.

• Date Taken: 05.18.2018
• Date Posted: 05.22.2018 12:45
• Story ID: 277913
• Location: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA, US