I was privileged to be the guest of Rear Admiral Dixon Smith, U.S. Navy, during a sunset tour of Pearl Harbor tonight.  Sorry Robert, no grog served onboard!

Admiral Smith, a surface warfare specialist, is the Commander of Navy Region Hawaii.  Admiral Smith’s biography reflects a lifetime spent at sea in peace and war:

His first sea tour was in USS MILLER (FF 1091), serving as First Lieutenant and Damage Control Assistant.  In March 1990, RDML Smith assumed responsibilities as Operations Officer in USS JARRETT (FFG 33), participating in Operation DESERT STORM providing air cover for USS MISSOURI (BB 63) and escort duties off the coast of Kuwait.  Follow-on orders as Operations Officer in USS GRIDLEY (CG-21) included participating in the establishment of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH over Southern Iraq.  From April 1997 to June 1998, RDML Smith served as Executive Officer in USS ANTIETAM (CG-54).  As Commanding Officer, USS THE SULLIVANS (DDG-68) from July 2001 to March 2003, he deployed with the JOHN F. KENNEDY Battle Group in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Admiral Smith’s responsibilities include command of all surface forces in the Mid-Pacific.  A Naval Academy graduate, he also holds advanced degrees from Webster University and the Army Command and General Staff College.

 

The Arizona Memorial

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

Mahalo Admiral Smith.  Pearl Harbor at sunset was stunning and your hospitality gracious.