Navy removes flag officer who oversaw acquisition of unmanned maritime systems

The Navy relieved Rear Adm. Kevin Smith as program executive officer for unmanned and small combatants Tuesday, the service announced.

Smith was removed from that position “due to a loss of confidence based on a complaint substantiated by an Office of the Naval Inspector General investigation,” officials wrote in a press release, adding that the sea service “maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met.”

The release did not provide details about the nature of the complaint that was made against Smith and substantiated by the IG. DefenseScoop has reached out to the Navy for more information.

According to the announcement, Smith was removed from his position as PEO by Brett Seidle, acting assistant secretary for research, development and acquisition. Melissa Kirkendall, executive director for PEO USC, has temporarily assumed the duties of program executive officer. Smith has been temporarily reassigned to the staff of Naval Sea Systems Command.

The PEO for unmanned and small combatants plays a key role in the Navy’s pursuit of robotic platforms, including uncrewed surface vessels and unmanned underwater vehicles, which are key to the service’s push to increase the capacity of the fleet for a variety of mission sets and keep sailors out of harm’s way. The official who holds that position is the 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,” according to the Navy.

Smith had served in the PEO USC role since June 2023.