Starfighters Space, Inc., a company known for operating an active fleet of F-104 Starfighters and using the Midland Spaceport as its base for hypersonic testing, has announced a new appointment. Veteran military and commercial pilot Michael "Smitty" Smith has been named vice president of operations.
According to a news release from Starfighters Space, Inc., the company is recognized as the world’s largest commercial supersonic aircraft fleet based at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The fleet includes F-104 Starfighters capable of flying at MACH 2 while launching payloads into space.
"With the national focus on both hypersonic research and rapid satellite launch capability, Starfighters is in a unique position to engage on both fronts," said CEO Rick Svetkoff. "We believe Smitty's expertise and strong leadership will only strengthen our ability to meet operational goals and deepen key relationships, while delivering greater results for our customers and shareholders alike."
Smith was type-rated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the F-104 in 2007 as a Starfighters company pilot. In his new role, he will guide daily operations while helping to expand company partnerships. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and a remote graduate of the United States Air Force (USAF) Air Command and Staff College. Smith has served in multiple fleet F-14 squadrons. After retiring from the USAF, he became a pilot and captain for Southwest Airlines, logging over 15,000 flight hours, completing missions in multiple theaters, and handling critical duties in homeland defense operations.