Osburn native completes successful naval tour as CMC

SUNRISE, Fl. — Command Master Chief (CMDCM) Billy Smith, an Osburn native, will complete his three-year tour at Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Miami this August.

Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Miami is a recruiting command headquartered in Sunrise, Fla. Its mission is to recruit qualified male and female applicants into all current Navy programs as officer and enlisted personnel.

"The best part about my time at NTAG Miami was changing lives," Smith said. "I was able to influence new Sailors and be influenced by them."

Smith's position at NTAG Miami is command master chief (CMC). A CMC is the senior enlisted leaders who report directly to their respective Commanders/Commanding Officers. They participate in formulating and implementing policies concerning morale, welfare, job satisfaction, discipline, utilization and training of Navy enlisted personnel.

"The Navy was starting to lose some of its shine after being in for 30-plus years," Smith said. "Working with applicants and future Sailors helped me see the Navy with a fresh set of eyes and take note of what matters."

In August, Smith will transfer to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Earlier this year, he was selected to take up their most senior enlisted position.

"I am excited to be a part of one of the most historic Naval bases in the world," Smith said. "Some people don't know this, but there is snow on the big island; it reminds me of home."

Smith joined the Navy in 1991. Since then, he has had a long and successful career, but he has never forgotten where he grew up.

"I miss the mountains, hunting, fishing, camping, and most of all, my family," Smith said. "I love where I came from; people from small towns have great values and are solid people."

Smith's mother Teddy Drews and grandmother Elaine Drews still reside in the valley.