Navy relieves senior officer overseeing unmanned, small combatant acquisitions

Rear Admiral Kevin R. Smith was relieved of command of PEO Unmanned and Small Combatants on May 27, 2025, the Navy announced. (NAVSEA image)

WASHINGTON — The US Navy today relieved a senior officer overseeing the acquisitions of its unmanned maritime systems and small combatants due to “a loss of confidence” based on “a complaint substantiated by an Office of the Naval Inspector General investigation.”

The Navy’s acting acquisition executive Brett Seidle relieved Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, the program executive officer for unmanned and small combatants, according to a statement from the Navy. He had been the PEO since June 2023, and has been re-assigned within the staff of Naval Sea Systems Command.

The service’s statement does not elaborate on the substance of what the inspector general’s office found. Breaking Defense has reached out to the Navy for further comment.

“Melissa Kirkendall, executive director for PEO USC, has assumed temporary responsibilities,” according to the Navy’s statement. “The Navy maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met.”