Richardson will replace Adm. Jonathan Greenert, who has been CNO since September 2011.
"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."
Richardson will officially take command following a change of office ceremony that will be held at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland in September.
Richardson is from Petersburg, Virginia. 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.
Richardson has a broad-based record as an operational commander. He commanded the nuclear attack submarine USS Honolulu (SSN 718), served as a naval aide to the president and served numerous other assignments throughout his career.
Vice Adm. Frank Caldwell, who also was confirmed by the Senate on Aug. 5, will succeed Richardson as the director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.
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