The commanding officer of the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) died Oct. 10 at Naval Hospital (NH) Jacksonville, Florida. Capt. Wesley A. Smith was at his home when Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville Fire Department responded to a fire at his residence on base at approximately 8 p.m. Smith was found unresponsive and transported to Naval Hospital Jacksonville where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death has not been determined. "We offer our sincere condolences to Capt. Smith's wife and children, his family and the entire USS Philippine Sea crew and family. They are in our thoughts and prayers as we deal with this tragic loss. Capt. Smith served the Navy and our nation honorably and with great distinction. We honor his outstanding contributions to our Navy and this nation," said Rear Adm. Brian Luther, commander, Carrier Strike Group Two. Smith, 50, a surface warfare officer, assumed command of Philippine Sea in October 2013. He is from Virginia and entered the U.S. Navy in March, 1990. He previously commanded guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68). He is survived by his wife and his two children. Planning for a memorial service and funeral arrangements is ongoing. The ship's executive officer, Cmdr. Nathan Rowan, has temporarily assumed command. Philippine Sea is pierside in her homeport of Mayport, Florida.