Veteran Aviator Michael "Smitty" Smith Joins Starfighter
Takes Position as VP of Operations
Horizontal launch company Starfighter has named seasoned military and commercial pilot Michael "Smitty" Smith as VP of Operations. Smith's 30 plus years of professional experience aligns with Starfighters' focus on future flight test programs, hypersonic initiatives, space launch operations, and collaborations with defense and commercial partners.
"With the national focus on both hypersonic research and rapid satellite launch capability, Starfighters is in a unique position to engage on both fronts."
Rick Svetkoff Starfighters
Smith was type rated by the FAA in the F-104 in 2007 as a Starfighters company pilot and, in his new role, will guide daily operations while helping to expand Company partnerships.
"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 Starfighters' 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."
Smitty's expertise spans aerospace operations, strategic leadership, and defense contracting, with key roles in post-9/11 homeland defense. Smitty is a graduate of Texas A&M University, as well as a remote graduate of the United States Air Force (USAF) Air Command and Staff College and has served in multiple fleet F-14 squadrons. Post Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) assignment as an Instructor Pilot (IP) and Tomcat Demonstration pilot, he was granted an inner-service transfer to the USAF and completed his service in the TXANG in 111FS flying the F-16. After retiring from the USAF, Smitty worked as a pilot and Captain for Southwest Airlines.
Smith has logged over 15,000 flight hours, completed missions in multiple theaters, and handled critical duties in homeland defense operations. This includes 132 hours of combat time over Iraq and Bosnia. He excelled in flight school and served as an instructor on the F-14 Tomcat.
Starfighters is currently undertaking a Regulation A Tier 2 offering hosted with Equifund (https://equifund.com), a private market investment platform that delivers vetted, early-stage investing opportunities, and being offered by Digital Offering, LLC, an SEC registered broker-dealer, and member of FINRA and SIPC. Interested parties are encouraged to carefully review the Company's offering statement on Form 1-A, the offering circular contained therein, as supplemented from time to time, and exhibits thereto.