Ryan Smith, 39, was appointed officer-in-charge of USCG Boothbay Harbor last month after the retirement of the previous commander Adam Smart. Smith has been in the Coast Guard for almost 20 years and is coming off a job as operations manager at the South Portland station. This will be his first command position.

“When I found out, it was almost surreal. I couldn’t believe it happened,” Smith said. He spent six months studying and referencing over 250 different manuals to prepare for his interviews with the officer-in-charge review boards. It’s a two-step process that tests an individual’s technical knowledge and accesses their leadership capabilities. Smith passed on his second attempt. 

A Maine native, Smith has already had an interesting career that has taken him across the east coast. One memorable position was serving as a pursuit boat operator chasing after drug smugglers during Smith’s deployment in Florida. 

 “It was super exciting.” He recalled being brought in at around 4:30 a.m. for his first operation and securing 1100 pounds of illegal marijuana. Another case had Smith discovering 768 kilos of cocaine. Part of his job was dealing with immigration and he often intercepted Haitian sail freighters trying to enter the country. 

However, Smith says that his latest career achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support he’s received from his superiors, including Senior Chiefs Rob Lehman, James Meadows, Clayton Franklin, and many others.

“They put in so much effort for me to achieve my goals and it literally didn't take that much effort at all. Other than [them] asking me if I needed help and me accepting help,” said Smith. “That showed me how important it is to give back and mentor to junior members.”

He also appreciates how his commanding officers would reach out even when Smith didn’t want to accept their help. One of Smith’s favorite things about the Coast Guard has been seeing younger recruits grow in their careers, so he hopes to be a similar guiding presence for those under his command at USCG Boothbay Harbor. For Smith, part of this goal involves creating a respectful environment where problems are talked through without resorting to yelling. 

“I used to dread going to work at some places and I never, ever want anyone here to feel that way.”

Smith is also going to continue where his predecessor, Adam Smart, left off, and involve himself in the area through volunteering. 

“The community is such a big part of the station,” said Smith. “[I’m looking forward] to getting to know everybody and being more integrated with helping the community out because they help us out so much.”