NEWS RELEASE

Commander, Navy Region SoutheastTel: (904) 542-4032/33 Fax: (904) 542-2413

www.cnic.navy.mil/cnrse

Release Number: 021-15Oct. 12, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

USS Philippine Sea Commanding Officer Dies

By Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The commanding officer of the guided-missile cruiser USS

Philippine Sea (CG 58) died Oct. 10 at Naval Hospital (NH) Jacksonville, Florida.

Capt. Wesley A. Smith was at his home when Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville Fire

Department responded to a fire at his residence on base at approximately 8 p.m. Smith was

found unresponsive and transported to Naval Hospital Jacksonville where he was pronounced

dead. The cause of death has not been determined.

"We offer our sincere condolences to Capt. Smith’s wife and children, his family and the

entire USS Philippine Sea crew and family. They are in our thoughts and prayers as we deal with

this tragic loss. Capt. Smith served the Navy and our nation honorably and with great distinction.

We honor his outstanding contributions to our Navy and this nation," said Rear Adm. Brian

Luther, commander, Carrier Strike Group Two.

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PHILIPPINE SEA CO 2/2/2/2

Smith, 50, a surface warfare officer, assumed command of Philippine Sea in October

2013. He is from Virginia and entered the U.S. Navy in March, 1990. He previously

commanded guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68). He is survived by his wife

and his two children.

Planning for a memorial service and funeral arrangements is ongoing.

The ship's executive officer, Cmdr. Nathan Rowan, has temporarily assumed command.

Philippine Sea is pierside in her homeport of Mayport, Florida.

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