Captain Michael Smith assumed Command of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division on July 9, 2010 after serving as Deputy Program Manager for the Zumwalt Class (DDG-1000) Program at the Washington Navy Yard, DC.
Captain Smith first enlisted in the Navy in 1976, reaching the rank of Petty Officer Second Class before being honorably discharged. He attended Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Engineering (cum laude) in 1985. Following college, Captain Smith again entered the Navy, this time as an Engineering Duty Officer Option. Following various schools, Captain Smith reported to the USS Robison (DDG-12) where he held positions of Main Engines Officer, Main Propulsion Assistant and Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer, making two deployments to the Persian Gulf.
Following his sea tour, Captain Smith attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, receiving the degrees of Naval Engineer and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Captain Smith's tours include Surface Ship Structures Officer, Canada Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario; Production Officer and Aegis Test Officer at SUPSHIP Pascagoula; Technical Director for PEO Ships-Fleet; National Deputy for the United States in the NATO SEASPARROW Project Office; Mission Systems Integration Officer for the DD(X) Program; and Littoral Combat Ship Requirements Officer in OPNAV N86 in Washington, DC. Captain Smith has attended various service schools including the Defense Systems Management College.
Captain Smith’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (2 awards), and numerous campaign and unit awards. |