NEWPORT -- DIILS is pleased to congratulate our Deputy Director, Commander William Potter Smith, on his recent promotion.  Commander Smith, a native son of Iowa, holds a BA in Communications from Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia and a JD from the Drake School of Law in Des Moines, Iowa.  He accepted his commission into the Navy JAG Corps in 2002.
Of his promotion to Commander, Smith said: "I never could have imagined, when I raised my right hand at age 19 to join this great Navy, that I would be in this position today.  I have been blessed with great leadership and supportive family, friends, and colleagues.  I love what I do and am extremely proud to serve with truly amazing people."
CDR Smith is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies, the lead U. S. defense security cooperation resource for professional legal engagement with international armed forces.  In Fiscal Year 2015, the staff of 20 civilians and nine service-members from all five U.S. armed services planned and executed eight resident courses in Newport and 122 mobile events in 80 countries.  During his tenure at DIILS, CDR Smith has participated in engagements in Myanmar, Thailand and Trinidad and Tobago.