Rhinebeck architect Warren Smith is promoted to Rear Admiral in the New York Naval Militia

Latham, NY (09/14/2019) — Warren Smith, a Rhinebeck resident, and retired Navy Reserve officer, has been promoted to rear admiral in the New York Naval Militia. A rear admiral is a one-star admiral.

Smith, an architect and a principal of his own firm, Warrant Temple Smith Architects, LLC, currently serves as the deputy commander of the 2,500 member Naval Militia. He is slated to take command of the force in October.

The New York Naval Militia is comprised mainly of members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserve who also volunteer to serve on New York state missions when called. They put the training they've gained in the federal service to work for the state.

A small number of Naval Militia members are retired members of the services, like Smith, or have never served in the naval service.

Naval Militia members respond to weather emergencies and to state security concerns. The Naval Militia also maintains a fleet of ten patrol boats.

Smith was commissioned in the Navy in March 1981 and served on active duty until July of 1985. He served on board the USS Towers, a destroyer, and the USS Yorktown, a guided missile cruiser.

As a Navy Reserve officer, Smith took on a variety of assignments to include joint public affairs operations officer for the United States Atlantic Command and a Joint Staff Planner for Area Air Defense Commander Atlantic.

Smith, who is a surface warfare officer, joined the New York Naval Militia in 2004 and retired from the Navy Reserve in 2007.

As a member of the New York Naval Militia he also served as commander for the Naval Militia Northern Command.

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