Cmdr. Justin B. Smith
Commanding Officer, USS Mason (DDG 87)
21 June 2024
CDR Justin Smith is a native of San Diego, California, enlisting in the Navy in 1997 as a nuclear-trained Electronics Technician. He was commissioned as an officer after graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 2004, with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He also earned a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and a Master of Arts in Defense Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.
CDR Smith 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 Forces-Japan Aircraft Carrier. Most recently, CDR Smith served as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of USS MASON (DDG 87). As Commanding Officer, he deployed to FIFTH Fleet in support of Operations Prosperity Guardian as the Flagship, Poseidon Archer, Spartan Shield, and Citadel Shield. MASON also earned two consecutive Battle “E” Awards, multiple Competitive “E” Awards, and the Combat Action Ribbon during CDR Smith's time as Commanding Officer.
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, Combat Action Ribbon, and various unit and campaign medals and ribbons.