First Class Petty Officer Ritchie L. Smith, USN
Sound Engineer, Naval Academy Band

Musician First Class Ritchie Smith is a native of Erin, New York. He enlisted in the Navy after high school graduation in 1991. After completing Recruit Training and graduating from the Armed Forces School of Music, he transferred to Navy Band Memphis for his first tour of duty. Petty Officer Smith then began "on the job" training as the audio engineer for their Rock/Country group "Atlantis."

Petty Officer Smith was selected for duty with the United States Naval Academy Band as Audio Engineer and head of the Audio Reinforcement Department in 1993. He works primarily as the engineer for the Concert Band, Next Wave, and the Recording Studio. His duties also include the maintenance and inventory of all audio equipment for the entire organization, managing the band's tape library by archiving all band recordings, past and present.

Since his arrival, he has attended numerous classes, seminars, clinics, and workshops in recording and audio reinforcement. In 1996 he co produced a highly successful recording entitled "No Stopping Now" for use as a recruiting tool by the Navy Music Program Management Division.

In addition to his work as an audio engineer, he has performed as the drummer for the Electric Brigade, the concert band, the percussion ensemble, various duty combos, ceremonial and marching units.

Petty Officer Smith's military awards include the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation (2 awards), Navy Good Conduct Medal (3 awards), National Defense Service Medal (2 awards).

Petty Officer Smith enjoys motorcycling in his spare time.

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