USS Philippine Sea CO Dies in House Fire at NAS Jacksonville

October 13, 2015 11:31 AM
Capt. Wesley Smith. US Navy Photo
Capt. Wesley Smith. US Navy Photo

The commanding officer of the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG-58) died Oct. 10 in a house fire at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

The NAS Jacksonville Fire Department arrived at the home of Capt. Wesley Smith around 8 p.m. Saturday and found the 50-year-old unresponsive. Smith was transported to Naval Hospital Jacksonville, where he was pronounced dead, according to a Navy statement.

“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,โ€ Rear Adm. Brian Luther, commander of Carrier Strike Group Two, said in the statement.
โ€œCapt. Smith served the Navy and our nation honorably and with great distinction. We honor his outstanding contributions to our Navy and this nation.โ€

Capt. Steve Shinego, left, shakes hands with Capt. Wesley Smith after he is relieved of command during a change of command ceremony on the ship on Oct. 4, 2013. US Navy photo.
Capt. Steve Shinego, left, shakes hands with Capt. Wesley Smith after he is relieved of command during a change of command ceremony on the ship on Oct. 4, 2013. US Navy photo.

Smith joined the Navy in March 1990 and served as a surface warfare officer. He took command of Philippine Sea in October 2013 after commanding the guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG-68).

Smith is originally from Virginia and is survived by his wife and two children.

Local media reported the cause of the fire is still under investigation, as is the exact cause of death.

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

Megan Eckstein

Megan Eckstein

Megan Eckstein is the former deputy editor for USNI News.

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