CAPT John C. Smith, USN
Captain John Smith is a native of Marseilles, Illinois and enlisted in the Navy in 1997. After completing the enlisted pipeline and serving as a staff instructor on MTS-635, he was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program (nuclear option). He graduated from the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in Chemistry. He also holds a Masters of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of South Carolina.
His sea tours include division officer assignments on USS PENNSYLVANIA (SSBN 735)(G), engineer officer on USS DALLAS (SSN 700), and executive officer on USS CONNECTICUT (SSN 22). He commanded USS ALASKA (SSBN 732)(B) in Kings Bay Georgia from June 2022 to November 2024.
His shore assignments include staff training officer and executive officer on MTS-626 and a junior board member on the Pacific Fleet Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board. Additionally, he was the final commanding officer on USS LA JOLLA (SSN 701) and completed the transition of the first S6G training platform, (MTS 701) from October 2019 to September of 2021.
Captain Smith has received various personal, unit and campaign awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and five Battle Efficiency awards.
Captain Smith is married to the former Amy Bernardin of Compton, IL, and father to Justin, Matthew, and Alexander.