Rear Admiral Ray C. Smith, USN (Ret.)

World of Experience

Admiral Smith enlisted in the Navy in January 1962. While attending Electronic Technician A School, he was selected to the Naval Academy Prep School where he was awarded an appointment to the Naval Academy in 1963, graduating in 1967. In 1969, while serving on the USS Floyd B. Parks, DD884, he volunteered for Navy SEAL training. He graduated from BUD/S in March 1970, and served as a platoon commander in Vietnam. Between 1981 and 1983, CDR Smith served as Director of SEAL training achieving the highest graduation rate in the history of the school. He was assigned as Executive Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense (ISA), Richard Armitage, USNA ’67. Between 1985 and 1987, CDR Smith served as CO of SEAL Delivery Team ONE. In 1990 CAPT Smith deployed to Saudi Arabia with 350 Navy SEALs and support forces. During Operation Desert Storm, his force successfully completed 270 combat missions incurring no injuries. CAPT Smith was assigned to the Chief of Naval Operation’s Strategic Studies Group. Between 1992 and 1996, Admiral Smith commanded the entire SEAL force of 2300. In 1996, he was assigned to USSOCOM as Director of Resources, and ultimately became Deputy Commander in Chief of the 47,000 US SOF forces. Admiral Smith’s last assignment was at N81 on the OPNAV Staff. Admiral Smith’s awards include the Defense Distinguished and Superior Service medals, five Legion of Merit awards, and the Bronze Star and Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards) with V’s.

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