Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced today during a Pentagon press briefing that he has recommended Adm. John M. Richardson as the next Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). A career submarine officer, Richardson is currently director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. If confirmed, Richardson will replace Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert who has been CNO since September 2011. Greenert will retire this fall after 40 years of naval service.
"John Richardson is one of our finest officers and I have great confidence that he is the right leader for our Navy," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.
Greenert also praised Richardson if confirmed, "Admiral John Richardson is an ideal strategic leader to keep our Navy moving forward," he said.
"He cares about our Sailors, has the background and experience in dealing with tough challenges combined with expert judgment that will guide our Navy well," Greenert continued. "He has played a fundamental role in addressing many of our current and future challenges. I am confident he will ensure our Navy's seapower, now and in the future."
Richardson, 55, hails from Petersburg, Virginia. He graduated with a degree in Physics from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. in 1982. Richardson also holds Masters Degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the National War College.
As one of the Navy's top leaders, Richardson has a broad-based record as an operational commander. Richardson commanded the nuclear attack submarine USS Honolulu (SSN 718), served as a naval aide to the President of the United States, as well as numerous other assignments through his career. Richardson received the prestigious Vice Adm. James Stockdale for inspirational leadership award in 2001, among a long list of personal and unit awards.
Mabus also praised Greenert, the man who has been at the helm of the Navy for the past four years as the current CNO.
"Jon Greenert should be incredibly proud of the accomplishments of the U.S. Navy under his leadership," said Mabus. "Our Navy is better able to respond to the myriad of challenges around the world because of his stewardship in deploying the greatest fighting fleet the world has ever known."
For biography on Adm. Richardson visit www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=440.
