White Sands Missile Range, NM (Aug. 5, 2025) – During a formal Change of Charge ceremony on Aug. 1 at the Cox Range Control in White Sands Missile Range, U.S. Navy Commander Adrian S. Laney officially transferred command to incoming U.S. Navy Commander Patrick D. Smith. Smith will take over as the officer in charge of the White Sands Missile Range Detachment of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division.
Captain Anthony Holmes, the Commanding Officer of the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Port Hueneme, expressed gratitude to Laney for his dedicated service and leadership during his tenure. He also extended a warm welcome to Smith as he joined Team WSMR.
“White Sands Detachment’s vital contributions to the overall Navy mission underscore why this Change of Charge is so important,” said Holmes. “It is more than passing a baton; it’s a transfer of awesome responsibility and accountability. It is also a milestone in the history of this command. It is tough to say goodbye to Commander Laney.”
Laney expertly led a diverse team of over 200 government, military, and contract personnel in the comprehensive testing, evaluation, and certification of cutting-edge naval weapons and combat systems. Additionally, Laney oversaw the rigorous overland testing and launch operations of suborbital vehicles and advanced research rockets, orchestrating operations that spanned from the surface to space, at the prestigious White Sands Missile Range, recognized as America’s premier testing ground for military innovations.
Smith joins White Sands Missile Range after serving at the Missile Defense Agency as the lead for Standard Missile-3 production and sustainment, as well as the acting deputy product manager for the SM-3 Block IIA. In this pivotal role, he played an instrumental part in securing the full production decision for the SM-3 Block IIA, overseeing the successful award of a significant procurement contract for fiscal years 2023-2025.
Throughout his distinguished career, Smith has been honored with a plethora of accolades for his exemplary service, including the prestigious Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and the Naval Achievement Medal. A proud native of New Mexico, he resides with his wife and their two daughters, embodying the values of dedication and family.
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