Clinghton W.
Smith

Summary

I lead large-scale logistics operations with a focus on deployment readiness, process improvement, and team development. Over 20 years, I've directed teams of up to 94 people, managed assets worth over $100 million, and executed complex cargo and personnel movements supporting global missions. I've reduced costs through process redesign, accelerated training timelines, and consistently delivered mission-critical results in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. I hold an active Secret clearance and am pursuing a Bachelor's in Transportation and Logistics Management.

Impact

Experience

1. 2024-2026

   Logistics Operations Manager (Air Transportation Function)

   78th LRS · Robins AFB, GA

   • Investigated Multiple operational failures and logistics complications; identified root causes and recommended process solutions to prevent recurrence and enhance cargo movement efficiency.
   • Evaluated multiple transportation service provider performance across cycle time, cost, and operational metrics; documented findings and recommended improvements to enhance logistics efficiency.
   • Analyzed staffing requirements and organizational constraints across 5 sections of the Air Transportation Function; identified critical gaps in inspector certifications and developed solutions that eliminated bottlenecks and enabled rapid deployment response.
   • Gathered operational data across 5 workflows; prepared 3 analyses and recommendations that informed process improvement initiatives and enhanced operational efficiency across the enterprise.
   • Delivered 100% on-time mission performance for 55 partner organizations — zero missed deadlines

2. 2023-2024

   Operations Manager (Deployment & Distribution Flight)

   78th LRS · Robins AFB, GA

   • Evaluated operational practices across 5 sections; identified 3 safety and efficiency issues and recommended resource solutions that prevented injuries and mission delays.
   • Directed 94 Airmen across five sections: Executed rapid airlift, conducted Joint Inspections, launched 33 missions, moved 7,000 passengers and 1,900 tons of cargo — directly supported Operation INHERENT RESOLVE and four Air Base Wing Readiness Exercises
   • Led AMC global redistribution of 116 overhauled C-130H propellers and four War Wagon deployments (4,000 miles): Enabled $14M in repairs, returned four C-17s to fully mission capable status — cemented unit's NAF-level NDTA award
   • Identified safety flaws in three high-line docks: Secured $24,000 in Commander's Resource Funds — prevented injuries and mission delays
   • Finalized $56,000 procurement of new high-line dock for Warrior Air Base — enhanced readiness for generate/employ/sustain operations

3. 2019-2023

   Operations Supervisor (Air Transportation Function)

   78th LRS · Robins AFB, GA

   • Wrote performance appraisals and feedback for 22 personnel in the Air Transportation Function, assessing duty performance against section standards and mission requirements. Counseled Airmen on strengths and areas to improve, and recommended them for awards and promotion based on their contributions to cargo and passenger operations, Recognition, awards, decorations and also never missed a suspense.
   • Led 14–22 personnel across Air Transportation Function supporting 5 MAJCOMs / 3 Wings / 54 mission partners
   • Managed $4M–$5M vehicle fleet and $5M+ in cargo handling equipment
   • Oversaw Airlift Joint Inspection Program: 28 courses, 205 personnel, 472 hours of instruction
   • Directed cargo and passenger movements across 44+ missions annually
   • Managed War Reserve Materiel: 15 MHE vehicles ($3M) and scale systems ($158K)

4. 2018-2019

   Terminal Operations Manager (Small Air Terminal)

   78th LRS · Robins AFB, GA

   • Managed Small Air Terminal: Directed 21 Airmen during air freight and passenger service operations for 3 Wings, 5 MAJCOMs, 54 mission partners
   • Guided AD and AFRC personnel; supervised joint deployment training, cargo and passenger movements, shoring, and loading operations using $4M vehicle fleet (15 vehicles)
   • Led 2 sections: Validated 12 programs, personnel requirements, and limiting factors
   • Developed Team Robins Cargo Deployment Function mobility training; reported capabilities to Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center
   • Developed first-ever Air Base Wing and Vector Check MOU: Generated requirements for 140 joint-service members to receive no-cost rooms — saved Georgia DVA $760,000 annually

5. 2017-2018

   Facilities Operations Coordinator (Airman Dorm Leader)

   78th CEG · Robins AFB, GA

   • Sustained 95% occupancy rate — best in Air Force Materiel Command, top 5 across the entire Air Force.
   • Developed dormitory mobile application — provided 24/7 mentorship and work order submission for 650 Airmen; adopted at 6 bases supporting 3,200 Airmen.
   • Led hurricane relief and Presidential support operations — prepared $3.4M building for 70 advance personnel; safeguarded 3 bases, 142 evacuees, and 39 aircraft valued at $1.1 billion.
   • Chaired Installation Dormitory Council — managed 31 high-visibility FY18 projects valued at $210,000.

6. 2016-2017

   Assistant Operations Manager (Air Transportation)

   78th LRS · Robins AFB, GA

   • Managed air transportation operations, leading a diverse team in executing complex logistics missions. Enhanced operational capabilities through effective training and compliance management, ensuring readiness for critical deployments.

7. 2013-2014

   Operations Supervisor

   78th LRS · Robins AFB, GA

   • Moved 107 passengers and 130 tons of JSTARS ISR cargo — sustained NATO intelligence surveillance capabilities.
   • Load planned 86,000 tons of cargo and 5,000 airdrop bundles across 320 missions — resupplied ground forces and enabled counter-insurgency; coined by USARCENT 3-star commander.
   • Certified 77 tons of cargo as Joint Inspector; inspected 6 chalks — strengthened Afghan border security.
   • Expedited 5,000 Hellfire anti-surface missiles — secured 15,000 U.S. Embassy personnel.
   • Loaded 16 tons of munitions valued at $3.2 million — flight earned Voluntary Protection Program Gold award.

8. 2012-2013

   Operations Team Lead

   78th LRS · Robins AFB, GA

   • Deployed to 386 ELRS Kuwait for 179 days, managing logistics for multiple missions.
   • Coordinated the movement of critical supplies and personnel, ensuring mission success.

9. 2011-2012

   Operations Team Lead

   78th LRS · Robins AFB, GA

   • Managed air transportation operations, focusing on the efficient movement of personnel and cargo. Developed operational strategies that improved mission readiness and ensured compliance with military logistics standards.

10. 2010-2011

    Operations Team Lead

    78th LRS · Robins AFB, GA

    • Led air transportation operations for a team responsible for managing cargo and passenger movements in a high-demand environment. Oversaw logistics for multiple missions, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards while enhancing team capabilities through training and development.

11. 2009-2010

    Cargo Operations Specialist

    724th AMS · Aviano AB, Italy

    • Processed 1K cargo orders and manifests; logged shipment data and tracked movement through multiple stages; verified invoices and documentation, ensured ITV and Deployment verification.
    • Processed numerous cargo orders and manifests; logged shipment data and tracked movement through multiple stages to ensure accurate delivery and mission timing.
    • Executed complex air cargo operations, ensuring timely and accurate processing of military shipments.
    • Supported multiple high-stakes missions, enhancing operational readiness and mission success across various deployments.
    • Deployed to Afghanistan (OEF, 2008): Expedited upload of 25,000 cargo tons, 21,000 passengers, and 1,800 aircraft — directly bolstered Operation Enduring Freedom mission support

12. 2008-2009

    Operations Shift Supervisor

    724th AMS · Aviano AB, Italy

    • Operation ODYSSEY DAWN (2011, 2012): Moved 107 passengers and 130 tons of JSTARS ISR cargo — sustained NATO intelligence surveillance capabilities
    • Ali Al Salem, Kuwait (2012–2013, 179 days): Load planned 86,000 tons of cargo and 5,000 airdrop bundles across 320 missions — resupplied ground forces and enabled counter-insurgency; coined by USARCENT 3-star commander
    • Ali Al Salem, Kuwait (2013–2014, 179 days): Certified 77 tons of cargo as Joint Inspector; inspected 6 chalks — strengthened Afghan border security
    • Operation SPARTAN SHIELD (2015): Expedited 5,000 Hellfire anti-surface missiles — secured 15,000 U.S. Embassy personnel
    • Operation PACER RELENT (2015): Loaded 16 tons of munitions valued at $3.2 million — flight earned Voluntary Protection Program Gold award
    • Operation JUNIPER SHIELD (2016): Moved 18 tons of cargo in support of SOCAFRICA operations
    • Mobilized 116th ACW (JSTARS): Multiple missions — 500–1,600 passengers, 255 tons of cargo, supporting JSTARS ISR deployments to combatant commands
    • Iraq Embassy lifeline: Load planned/manifested 311+ tons of C-RAM defensive cargo across 20 pallets — seamless OCO mission
    • Kuwait 800 retrograde operations: Directed transport of 90 MRAPs valued at $51M+ across 23 missions — successful Afghan redeployment
    • NASA ER-2 Airborne Science Program (2015): Housed command center for 22 personnel and $5.7M equipment; delivered 60 atmospheric sondes with 98% accuracy
    • AFSOC NC-130 stabilizer movements (2015): Directed two movements critical to Air Force re-harvest program — saved $250 million; recognized by SOFPAC Chief
    • FMS Iraq-150: Coordinated three missions with air mobility division; moved 53 pallets of $28M armaments on time
    • FMS IRAQ: Uploaded Jordanian C-130 with communications equipment valued at $2.5M
    • Rebound Echo: Provided transportation support for six missions by securing 108 vehicles through $38,000 lease — enabled National Command Authority C2 link (DoD #1 priority)
    • CJCS multi-national movement: Moved 37 tons of cargo in Operation INITIAL LINK — squadron won AFMC LRS of the Year
    • Coordinated return of six UH-60 Blackhawks valued at $72M; redeployed in under 3 hours — aircraft FMC in under 24 hours
    • Organized 78th CEG hazardous waste project: Delivered and properly stored 50 drums — corrected EPA and RCRA compliance gaps, mitigated potential fines exceeding $3.3 million
    • Managed squadron PMEL account: Sustained 47 scales worth $350,000 — secured 100% cargo weight and balance accuracy
    • Evaluated $345,000 security contract; provided findings to leadership — 100% compliance
    • Renovated passenger terminal: Activated new X-ray machine and metal detector — met TSA requirements, reduced screening times by 50%
    • Trained 28 AFRC Aerial Port Squadron personnel on 54 mobility, MHE, JI, and load planning tasks — improved deployment qualifications by more than 50%
    • Managed hazardous materials and cargo preparation program: Instructed 8 courses (128 hours), certified 35 Airmen
    • Taught two HAZMAT/Cargo Prep courses: 44 hours instruction, 22 Airmen, 4 Wings — fortified deployment readiness
    • Trained 22 Army personnel on airlift preparation for 18 MRAPs — reduced JI processing time by 50%
    • Conducted 6 HAZMAT and cargo prep courses: 48 hours instruction, 40 Airmen, four Wings
    • Represented 78 LRS at DoD HAZMAT conference: Educated 15+ Airmen on critical updates — 100% compliant

13. 2006-2008

    Passenger Services Specialist

    729th AMS · Lajes Field, Portugal

    • Contributed to movement of 17,500+ passengers on 1,293 missions as Passenger Service Agent — maintained 99% on-time transportation departure reliability rate; provided world-class handling for 50 distinguished visitors; directly contributed to 2007 AMC Logistics Standardization and Evaluation Program inspection overall 'Excellent' rating; signed for meritorious service by Colonel Joe C. Herron, Commander, 721st Air Mobility Operations Group — earned Air Force Achievement Medal
    • Deployed to Afghanistan (OEF, 2008): Expedited upload of 25,000 cargo tons, 21,000 passengers, and 1,800 aircraft — directly bolstered Operation Enduring Freedom mission support
    • Exercise NOMAD FIRE (Aviano, 2008): Transloaded 521 cargo tons and 225 passengers for 31st Fighter Wing — zero mission delays
    • Coordinated movement of UK/Polish cargo including 100 tons of supplies and 125 tons of ammunition, speeding resources to warfighters
    • Supported 80 Navy/USMC aircraft with expendables and staircase truck support — flawless joint-service military operations
    • Transloaded seven helicopters and six tanks for Army redeployment — maintained logistics link for returning warriors
    • Supported movement of 100 critical blood shipments throughout the AOR — enabling life-sustaining care; loaded 100 tons of British supplies; coordinated deployment of 250,000 pounds of ammunition on behalf of Polish coalition members — ensured successful combat resupply (all verified in AFAM citation, 2 December 2007) — enabled life-sustaining care
    • Processed 6,035 transiting travelers with exceptional customer service — zero delays
    • Evaluated $345,000 security contract; provided findings to leadership — ensured 100% compliance
    • Aided unit's seamless transition to web-GATES; identified errors, initiated trouble tickets — system in use two months early
    • Helped process 159 tons of mail, 1,500 tons of rations, 226 missions — squadron earned Wing Special Recognition Award
    • Synchronized arrivals/departures with Azorean immigration office for 947 aircraft — zero border clearance violations
    • Participated in AFSO21 lean event for high-volume passenger missions; slashed passenger wait time 86 minutes / 32%
    • Moved download of Europe's first MRAP-ATVs; deployed 173rd ABCT to OEF — 2,000 passengers, 13 aircraft
    • Moved 22,000 personnel on 684 missions — unit maintained 99% on-time transportation departure reliability rate
    • Directed 22 ARG Multi-Lateral mission; launched 5 KC-135s for Special Operations air refueling — 32 sorties on time
    • Mobilized 116th ACW: 600 passengers, 150,000 lbs baggage on 2 JSTARS aircraft — vital contribution to OCO mission success
    • Key in historic facility move: 1950s facility to new $12M terminal in less than 60 days — increased squadron mission capability by 400%
    • Completed Aerial Port Operations Course with overall 95% average — built core 2T2 knowledge base
    • Completed HAZMAT Inspector course with 85% — boosted unit proficiency by 6%
    • Instructed 9 personnel on 23 CFETP core duty tasks — enhanced mission capabilities by 27%

14. 2025-2026

    Operations Project Manager Fellow

    AllegiantVETS · Bonaire, GA

    • Completed structured industry fellowship translating 20 years of military operations leadership into private-sector program management and business operations frameworks
    • Collaborated with industry professionals to map operational leadership experience to civilian PM methodology, stakeholder engagement models, and business operations practices
    • Completed career transition and professional development curriculum focused on operations management, project management, and leadership
    • Strengthened executive communication, organizational leadership, and project planning competencies in preparation for senior operations and program management roles
    • Participated in mentoring, networking, and career readiness activities

15. 2026-Present

    Independent Professional Development

    Career Transition ·

    • Engaged in professional development activities to facilitate a successful transition from military to civilian career paths. Focused on enhancing skills relevant to operations management and logistics.

Skills

Education and certifications

Service record

Branch

U.S. Air Force

Rank

E-7

Years served

2006 – Present

Specialty / MOS

2T291

Security clearance

Secret