Leading Seaman (LS) Gareth Smith was born in Kent, England, before moving to Perth, Western Australia, at the age of 5. He enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy in August 2011 as a communications and information systems sailor. His career has since taken him ‘all around Australia’ and across a wide range of platforms, operations and specialised communications environments.

Throughout his naval career, LS Smith has served aboard HMA ships Rankin, Stuart, Armidale, Pirie, Sirius and Perth. Several key shore postings include FCTDN Darwin and Perth, Fleet Support Detachment and Defence Communications Station (DEFCOMMSTA) Perth. His time at DEFCOMMSTA Perth, one of Navy’s most critical communication hubs, was initially ‘a bit daunting.’ But he reflects that ‘once I found my legs it was a really enjoyable posting.’

Among his career highlights, LS Smith cites his postings on HMAS Armidale and HMAS Pirie, where he gained invaluable experience in high tempo maritime security operations.

Beyond his naval duties, LS Smith’s contributions to the community are extraordinary. For the past 15 years, he and his wife have fostered more than 200 children, currently caring for 8 children under eight-years-old. ‘My wife and I foster children … when I’m at home, if we’re not doing house work we’re doing school work … It’s like having a second full time job,’ he says.

LS Smith also supports male foster carers by organising networking and mentoring events, and has coached and managed children’s sporting teams.

A committed sailor, mentor, foster carer and sports fan, LS Smith exemplifies service, in uniform and at home.