John M. Richardson (admiral)

Admiral John M. Richardson is a senior officer in the United States Navy and the current Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program and assumed his current posting from Admiral Kirkland H. Donald on November 2, 2012 upon Donald's retirement. As Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion, Richardson also serves as Deputy Administrator for NNSA's Office of Naval Reactors. While serving as Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion (itself a joint Department of Energy and Department of Navy organization), Richardson is 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.

Military career
Richardson was commissioned into the United States Navy upon his graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1982. During his tenure, Richardson has served primary with submarine operations, serving on the USS Parche (SSN-683), the USS Salt Lake City (SSN 716), and the USS George C. Marshall (SSBN-654). Prior to being Director of Nuclear Propulsion, Richardson headed the U.S. Navy's submarine force, where he was relieved by Michael J. Connor. Richardson has also commanded the USS Honolulu (SSN-718), 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. Richardson also attended and received masters degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the National War College.

Awards
In 2001, Richardson received the James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award. Richardson also served with units that have been awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Joint Meritorious Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Citation, and the Battle Efficiency E.

Foreign awards
Order of Naval Merit (Brazil)