Robert H. Smith (naval officer)
Encyclopedia
Robert Holmes Smith was an officer in the United States Navy
during World War II
.
Born in Harrellsville, North Carolina
, Smith graduated from the Naval Academy
on 6 June 1919. After duty in various surface ships, he served with the Submarine Service for 17 years. He commanded , was an instructor at the New London submarine school, a member of the Naval Academy staff, Submarine Gunnery Officer with the Bureau of Navigation
, Navigation Officer in , and Chief of Staff for Submarine Division, Atlantic Patrol Force. Following promotion to captain, he commanded in the Pacific
from May 1942 to January 1943.
He was Commander of Squadron 2, Pacific Submarine Fleet, when he died in the crash of the Philippine Clipper flying boat in Northern California
on 21 January 1943.
of her class
of destroyer minelayers, was named in his honor.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Born in Harrellsville, North Carolina
Harrellsville, North Carolina
Harrellsville is a town in Hertford County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 102 at the year 2000 census.-Geography:Harrellsville is located at ....
, Smith graduated from the Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
on 6 June 1919. After duty in various surface ships, he served with the Submarine Service for 17 years. He commanded , was an instructor at the New London submarine school, a member of the Naval Academy staff, Submarine Gunnery Officer with the Bureau of Navigation
Bureau of Navigation
The Bureau of Navigation was an agency of the U.S. government established in 1884 to enforce laws relating to the construction, equipment, operation, inspection, safety, and documentation of merchant vessels. The Bureau of Navigation was an agency of the U.S. government established in 1884 to...
, Navigation Officer in , and Chief of Staff for Submarine Division, Atlantic Patrol Force. Following promotion to captain, he commanded in the Pacific
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.At 165.2 million square kilometres in area, this largest division of the World...
from May 1942 to January 1943.
He was Commander of Squadron 2, Pacific Submarine Fleet, when he died in the crash of the Philippine Clipper flying boat in Northern California
Northern California
Northern California is the northern portion of the U.S. state of California. The San Francisco Bay Area , and Sacramento as well as its metropolitan area are the main population centers...
on 21 January 1943.
Namesake
, the lead shipLead ship
The lead ship or class leader is the first of a series or class of ships all constructed according to the same general design. The term is applicable military ships and larger civilian craft.-Overview:...
of her class
Robert H. Smith class destroyer
The Robert H. Smith class of destroyer minelayers was built by the United States during World War II.These vessels were all originally laid down as Allen M. Sumner class destroyers and converted during construction throughout 1944. In that time the United States produced 12 Robert H. Smith class...
of destroyer minelayers, was named in his honor.