Adm. John M. Richardson
Admiral John M. Richardson served as the chief of naval operations for the U.S. Navy from 2015 to 2019 and as director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program from 2012 to 2015. As chief of naval operations, he was responsible for the management of a $160 billion budget covering 600,000 sailors and civilians, more than 70 installations, 290 warships and more than 2,000 aircraft worldwide.
During his 37 years of service in the U.S. Navy, Adm. Richardson gained valuable operational and national security experience, including responsibility for ensuring the safe, reliable and long-lived operation of naval nuclear reactors for the U.S. Navy’s fleet. He also served on four nuclear submarines, including commanding the submarine USS Honolulu.
Adm. Richardson earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and a master’s degree in national security strategy from the National War College.
Adm Richardson is a member of the National Academy of Engineers. He also serves on the Board of Directors of The Boeing Company and Constellation Energy.