Richardson Confirmed as Next CNO

Adm. John M. Richardson, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, was confirmed by the Senate as the 31st Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Aug. 5. 

 

Richardson will replace Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert who has been CNO since September 2011. Vice Adm. Frank Caldwell, who was also confirmed by the Senate today, will succeed Richardson later this month as the director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. 

 

"I am honored and humbled to have been nominated and confirmed to succeed Adm. Greenert as our Navy's next chief of naval operations," Richardson said. "Adm. Greenert and his wife Darleen have been tireless and superb advocates for our sailors and their families. I am deeply grateful for their service to our Navy and nation. I am excited to lead the extraordinary men and women in the world's greatest Navy."

 

The change of office ceremony will be held in September at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

 

Richardson, 55, hails from Petersburg, Va. He graduated with a degree in physics from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982. Richardson also holds master's 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.