Even though he is on his way to a place where he could face enemy fire, U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark G. Smith, whose father Gordon Smith lives in Kapa‘a, worries more about his family than himself.
“Our family members have the hardest job in this situation, and the support that they give us will allow us to accomplish our mission,” said Smith, whose California-based unit is en route to the Arabian Sea to support troops on the ground in Iraq.
Last year, Mark G. Smith, a software engineer for Apple Computers, Inc., was providing the computer industry with services and support.
This year, he has put his career on hold to serve his country and provide support to his fellow service members.
Smith, along with more than 225 other sailors from Naval Coastal Warfare Group One (NCWG), deployed from San Diego earlier this month to provide antiterrorism and force protection for allied units in the North Arabian Gulf.
NCWG One is made up of a variety of warfare units such as Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Units 103 and 104 from Alameda, and San Jose, Calif., and Harbor Defense Command Unit (HDCU) I 11, respectively.
The reservists have been training in San Diego, away from their hometowns and families, since December, to prepare for this deployment.
MIUWU 104 is a specially made element of the Navy’s force protection that provides security, anti-terrorism, surveillance and communications.
Sailors from Warfare Unit 104 will join joint services with similar missions to support troops already positioned in the Arabian Gulf.
Using the Navy’s latest high-tech equipment, Smith, 44, works as an information-systems technician for MIUWU 104.
“With only two information-system technicians in the unit, we take turns working on communications and satellite systems to ensure that they are running properly to maintain our mission,” Smith said.
Being able to switch from working in the civilian sector to the military is not an easy task. However, Smith, who served on active duty prior to becoming a reservist, was not surprised when he was notified in mid-December that he would be recalled for deployment.
“Although my family and I discussed that a situation might occur that I would have to deploy, it was difficult when I was recalled and deployment was imminent. But, I feel that I am up to the task and ready,” said Smith, whose unit drills in San Jose.
Lt. Cmdr. William E. Tobin Jr., executive officer for MIUWU 104, said he was relieved that the waiting was finally over after his unit got the call to be activated.
“We were one of the last units to be activated, so we saw this coming on the horizon. The unit is motivated to go over to the Arabian Gulf and take care of business,” said Tobin.
“They have been training hard, and recently performed outstanding in their last training exercise. This unit is ready, knowledgeable, and prepared for this deployment,” Tobin said.
Smith knows that providing anti-terrorism and force protection in a potentially hostile area is key to the safety and well being of his fellow sailors and Marines.
“What ever the profile is, I am here to do my job and serve my country,” Smith said.
