Cmdr. Justin B. Smith
Commanding Officer, USS Mason (DDG 87)
18 April 2024
CDR Justin Smith is a native of San Diego, California enlisting in the Navy in 1997 as a nuclear-trained Electronics Technician. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2004, with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and Master of Arts in Defense Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.
He served operationally onboard USS ANTIETAM (CG 54) as OI Division Officer and CIC Officer, USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) as Reactor Controls Division Officer, USS O’KANE (DDG 77) as Operations Officer, and USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) as Reactor Electrical Assistant. He deployed multiple times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve, and in support of the Forward Deployed Naval Force-Japan Aircraft Carrier. As Commanding Officer onboard USS MASON (DDG 87), he deployed to FIFTH Fleet in support of Operations Prosperity Guardian as Flagship, Poseidon Archer, Spartan Shield, and Citadel Shield. Additionally, MASON earned three consecutive Battle “E” Awards and multiple Competitive “E” Awards as Executive Officer and in command.
CDR Smith’s shore assignments include Expeditionary Warfare Group, Pacific as a Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer and Naval Surface Fire Support instructor. His staff assignments include Naval Reactors Headquarters as the Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier Technical Engineer serving in the Line Locker and the Joint Staff J-5 Deputy Director for Strategy, Plans and Policy Asia, as a Korea Desk Officer and Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director.
His personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign ribbons.