Lieutenant Spencer Bird
Academic Advisor
Lieutenant Spencer Bird is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. He is a 2017 graduate of The University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He received his commission through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program and graduated from Officer Candidate School in October 2017.
LT Bird reported for his first Division Officer tour onboard USS THE SULLIVANS (DDG-68) as the Operation Intelligence Division Officer in Mayport, Florida from January 2018 to September 2019. During this tour, LT Bird deployed with her to both 5th and 6th Fleet areas. After completing Nuclear Power School and Prototype in November 2020, LT Bird reported for duty as the Reactor Electrical Division Officer onboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) in San Diego, California and later assumed the role as the Reactor Damage Control Division Officer. LT Bird deployed during the spring of 2021 with USS THEODORE ROOSVELT and Carrier Air Wing 11 in support of freedom of navigation operations and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
His personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit awards.
Gunnery Sergeant Patrick Smith
Assistant Marine Officer Instructor
Gunnery Sergeant Patrick M. Smith began his distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps by attending recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in February 2009. Upon completion of basic training, he attended the Marine Corps Engineering School, where he specialized as a water support technician.
His first assignment took him to Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 (MWSS-172) in Okinawa, Japan. During his tenure with MWSS-172, Gunnery Sergeant Smith participated in numerous operations, including Ryuku Warrior, Cobra Gold in Thailand, and Balakatan in the Philippines, each on three occasions. Additionally, he played a vital role in the humanitarian efforts following the devastating tsunami, known as Operation Tomodachi.
Following his successful stint in Okinawa, Gunnery Sergeant Smith was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 7 (CLB-7) as the Platoon Sergeant for the Engineer Operations Platoon. He was instrumental in establishing an organic armory for Combat Logistics Company 13 (CLC-13) when the unit was stood up, showcasing his exceptional leadership and organizational skills.
In 2016, Gunnery Sergeant Smith reported to Drill Instructor School at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. He excelled as a Drill Instructor, serving in various capacities such as Junior Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. He was then attached to Receiving Company, Support Battalion as the Senior Drill Instructor for the Recruit Separations Platoon He was promoted to Staff Sergeant in October of 2016.
After his tenure as a Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Smith was attached to Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 (MWSS-373) where he initially served as the Utilities Platoon as the Operations and Maintenance Chief. His leadership and expertise led to his subsequent role as the S3 Training Chief for the squadron.
Currently, Gunnery Sergeant Smith serves as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor at the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Unit at the University of California, Berkeley.
Gunnery Sergeant Smith’s personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.