John M. Richardson
Admiral, U.S. Navy

John M. Richardson graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, and was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. He also holds Masters Degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the National War College.

Richardson served in USS Parche (SSN-683), USS George C. Marshall (SSBN-654) and USS Salt Lake City (SSN-716). He commanded USS Honolulu (SSN-718) in Pearl Harbor, HI, and was awarded the James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award.

Richardson also served as Commodore of Submarine Development Squadron 12 in Groton, CT; Commander, Submarine Group 8; Commander, Submarine Allied Naval Forces South; Deputy Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet; Chief of Staff, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa, in Naples, Italy; and Commander, Naval Submarine Forces in Norfolk, VA.

His staff assignments include duty in the Attack Submarine Division on the Chief of Naval Operations staff; Naval Aide to the President; Prospective commanding Officer Instructor for Commander, Submarine Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Assistant Deputy Director for Regional Operations on the Joint Staff; and Director of Strategy and Policy at U.S. Joint Forces Command.

On 2 November 2012, Richardson was promoted to the four-star rank of Admiral and assumed his current duties as Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.

Richardson has served on teams that have been awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Joint Meritorious Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Citation, and the Battle Efficiency E Awards.

Admiral Richardson was relieved as CNO by Admiral Michael M. Gilday on August 22, 2019. Upon his relief, he retired. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Boeing.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal (3 Awards)
Legion of Merit (4 Awards)
Meritorious Service Medal (3 Awards)
Navy Commendation Medal (4 Awards)
Navy Achievement Medal (2 Awards)
Presidential Unit Citation
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Navy Unit Commendation with One Bronze Service Star
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
Navy "E" Ribbon with Wreathed Battle "E" Device
Navy Expeditionary Medal
National Defense Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Four Bronze Service Stars
Order of Naval Merit (Brazil)

Submarine Warfare Officer Badge
Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge