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Brig. Gen. Scott F. Smith is the Deputy Commander, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa. In this position, he supports the CJTF-HOA Commander to counter violent extremism in East Africa, foster regional security cooperation, strengthen partner nation security capability and build and maintain U.S. strategic access in the region. General Smith is also responsible for developing relations with senior military leaders in African partner nations, and directing CJTF staff and subordinate commanders' support to deployed personnel and units of all Services across the Horn of Africa.

Prior to his arrival at CJTF-HOA, General Smith was Executive Officer to the Combatant Commander, U.S. Southern Command, Miami, Florida, where he served as advisor and principal assistant to the Commander, ensuring the success of his daily operations and personal schedule throughout the 31 nations and 15 territories and areas of special sovereignty within USSOUTHCOM.

Graduating from Columbia University, General Smith entered the Air Force through Officer Training School. He has served as an evaluator pilot and instructor navigator in numerous weapon systems, performing aerial refueling and airlift missions around the globe. General Smith is a veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Joint Endeavor (Bosnia), as well as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. General Smith has commanded at the squadron, group and wing levels in both domestic and expeditionary units.

General Smith's other assignments include: KC-10 Instructor/Evaluator Pilot, 6th Air Refueling Squadron, March AFB, California, then Travis AFB, California; Senior Military Assistant to the Director, Office of Net Assessment, Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Pentagon, Washington, DC; Commander, 305th Air Mobility Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey; and Executive Officer to the Combatant Commander, U.S. Southern Command, Miami, Florida.

General Smith holds a bachelor's degree from Columbia University and a master's degree from California State University. He is a graduate of Squadron Officer School; Air Command and Staff College; the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies; and Joint Forces Staff College.

General Smith's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit Defense Superior Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster; Bronze Star Medal; Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Air Medal; Aerial Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters; and Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters.