John M. Richardson (admiral)

John M. Richardson
Birth name John Michael Richardson
Born 1960 (age 55–56)[1][2]
Service/branch United States Navy
Years of service 1982–present
Rank Admiral
Commands held Chief of Naval Operations
Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion
Commander, Naval Submarine Forces in Norfolk, Virginia
Submarine Group 8
USS Honolulu
Awards Navy Distinguished Service Medal (2)
Defense Superior Service Medal (3)
Legion of Merit (4)
Stockdale Award for Inspirational Leadership

John Michael Richardson[3] (born c. 1960) is an admiral in the United States Navy who currently serves as the 31st Chief of Naval Operations. He previously served as the Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program from November 2, 2012 to August 14, 2015. While serving as Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion (itself a joint Department of Energy and Department of Navy organization), Richardson was responsible for the command and safe, reliable operation of the United States Navy's nuclear propulsion program and for all the current United States naval reactors deployed for usage as well as all facilities needed to ensure safe operations. On May 13, 2015, United States Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter, announced Richardson's nomination to succeed Admiral Jonathan Greenert as Chief of Naval Operations.[4] Richardson began serving as the 31st Chief of Naval Operations September 18, 2015.[5]

Career

Richardson was commissioned into the United States Navy upon his graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1982.[6] During his tenure, Richardson has served primarily with submarine operations, serving on the USS Parche, the USS Salt Lake City, and the USS George C. Marshall. Prior to being Director of Nuclear Propulsion, Richardson headed the U.S. Navy's Atlantic submarine force, COMSUBLANT, where he was relieved by Michael J. Connor. Richardson has also commanded the USS Honolulu, Submarine Development Squadron 12, Submarine Group 8, and Submarine Allied Naval Forces South. Richardson served as the Chief of Staff for U.S. Naval Forces Europe as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Naval Aide to the President of the United States and Director of Strategy and Policy at U.S. Joint Forces Command.[6] Richardson also attended and received master's degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the National War College.[7] On Wednesday, May 13, 2015, Richardson was nominated by President Barack Obama to be the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), was confirmed August 5, and began serving as CNO September 18, 2015.[2][8]

Personal life

Richardson and his wife, Dana, have five children, including Nathan, who is a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.

Awards and decorations

Submarine Warfare insignia (Officer)
Silver SSBN Deterrent Patrol insignia with two gold stars
Command at Sea insignia
Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
Gold star
 Navy Distinguished Service Medal (with one gold award star)
Defense Superior Service Medal (with two bronze oak leaf clusters)
Legion of Merit (with three gold award stars)
Meritorious Service Medal (with two gold award stars)
Navy Commendation Medal (with three gold award stars)
Gold star
 Navy Achievement Medal (with one gold award star)
Navy Presidential Unit Citation
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Bronze star
 Navy Unit Commendation (with one bronze service star)
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
Navy "E" Ribbon (with a Wreathed Battle "E" device)
Navy Expeditionary Medal
Bronze star
 National Defense Service Medal (with a bronze service star)
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (with four service stars)
Order of Naval Merit (Brazil), Commander[9]

In 2001,[10] Richardson received the James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award.[6]

References

External links

Military offices
Preceded by
Jonathan Greenert		 Chief of Naval Operations
2015–present 		Incumbent
Order of precedence
Preceded by
Mark A. Milley
as Chief of Staff of the Army		 Order of precedence of the United States
as Chief of Naval Operations 		Succeeded by
Robert Neller
as Commandant of the Marine Corps
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