PORTLAND, ME– U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine), a member of the Armed Services Committee, announced today the hiring of Stephen M. Smith, of Arlington, Virginia, to serve as Military Legislative Assistant. In his position, Smith will be responsible for advising Senator King on issues related to the military, national security, foreign policy, and veterans’ affairs.

Smith joins Senator King’s office after more than 21-years of active duty military service that culminated with his assignment as Director for Defense Policy and Strategy for the National Security Council at the White House, where he coordinated a broad range of U.S. military and defense policies for the President. Prior to that, he served as military aide to then-Secretary of Defense, Robert M. Gates, where he was a key member of personal staff that supported and advised the Secretary during a period of significant defense and national security challenges, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Smith served in the U.S. Army from 1991 to 2013, and was stationed at numerous locations across the United States, and in South Korea, Kuwait, Bosnia, and Iraq.

“I’m excited to welcome Steve on board our team,” said Senator King. “His wealth of knowledge and strength of experience will not only serve me well as a member of the Armed Services Committee, but will also be of outstanding benefit to the people of Maine.”

“I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to work for Senator King and the people of Maine,” added Steve Smith. “Senator King understands the challenges confronting us across the globe, as well as the needs of our men and women in the armed services, our veterans, and those who work to support our military’s industrial base. I look forward to working closely with him moving forward.”

In one of his first acts as Military Legislative Assistant, Smith joined Senator King yesterday on a tour of Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where Senator King, along with Senator Collins, addressed the need for Congress to pass the Fiscal Year 2013 Defense Appropriations bill and reach agreement to avoid the devastating impacts of the impending sequestration. They also declared their strong intention to work together to protect the jobs of thousands of Mainers.

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