Eternal Patrol: Horton Smith

Rear Admiral Horton Smith, 90, departed on Eternal Patrol on April 29, 2016. He was born in Seattle on June 1, 1925 to Della & Mabel Smith and was a lifetime resident of the Seattle area working in many roles including Attorney, King County Superior Court Judge, and most notably as a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy.

Horton Smith was commissioned in 1945 from the University of Washington Naval ROTC. He graduated from the University in 1947. His first command was patrol craft PC-555. By the time he was 21 he was the commanding officer of the landing craft LSM-288. As an active member in the Naval Reserve, he made the switch to the submarine service. As a LT(JG), Smith was the first Naval Reserve officer in the 13th District to earn his submarine warfare pin.

RADM Smith was recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict. He was first assigned to the USS Corsair (SS-435) and later transferred to the USS Grouper (SSK-214). The USS Grouper was retrofitted as the Navy's first "hunter-killer" submarine and during his time aboard, he qualified for command and served as the boat's Executive Officer.

After the Korean Conflict, RADM Smith returned to the Navy Reserve where he served as a commander on both a destroyer and a costal minesweeper home ported in Tacoma, Washington. As a Captain, he was assigned as the Navy Liaison to the State of Washington Adjutant General staff, where he served under Major General Howard S. McGee. RADM Smith also spent time in Washington, D.C. on the policy board for determinations of Navy and Navy Reserve. He also served as a quasi-instructor at the National Defense University, and was a Blue and Gold Officer for the Naval Academy. He achieved the rank of Rear Admiral in 1975 and in 1976, RADM Smith commanded Region 22 of the Naval Reserve Readiness Command.

During his civilian career, Horton Smith graduated from University of Washington Law School and served in the King County Juvenile Court during the Vietnam War years. He was also elected as a King County Superior Court Justice, a position he held for almost 20 years. He would later return to the active duty life as an enlisted Coast Guard Able Seaman in 1980 and after 9/11, he became the oldest active member serving in the Persian Gulf. He served as Third Deck Officer on both the USNS John Lenthall (T-AO-189) and the USNS Leroy Grunman (T-AO-195) whose primary mission was to provide jet fuel and accompany aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf.

RADM Smith remained an active member and ardent supporter within the submarine, Seattle civic, and University of Washington communities.

RADM Smith is survived by his wife Lei-llah Smith, his son Vern, and his daughters Caroline and Corenne. He will forever be loved and missed by those he leaves behind, and known far and wide for the incredible career and legacy he created.

Please remember RADM Smith's family in your thoughts and prayers.

Sailor, Rest Your Oar