Rear Adm. Kevin Smith was relieved by Dr. Brett Seidle, acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition. PEO USC is the Navy’s acquisition authority for the design, development, build, maintenance and modernization of unmanned maritime systems, mine warfare systems, special warfare systems, expeditionary warfare systems and small surface combatants.

Smith served as PEO USC since June 2023 and has been temporarily reassigned to the staff of Naval Sea Systems Command. Melissa Kirkendall, executive director for PEO USC, has assumed temporary responsibilities.

The Navy maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met.

For questions related to this release, please contact the Navy Chief of Information Office at CHINFONewsDesk@us.navy.mil.