Courtney Statement on the Nomination of Admiral John Richardson as New Chief of Naval Operations

Washington—Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) released the following statement on President Obama’s nomination of Admiral John Richardson to the post of Chief of Naval Operations, replacing retiring Admiral Jonathan Greenert:

“President Obama has made an outstanding choice by nominating John Richardson to be the next Chief of Naval Operations. Admiral Richardson’s experience and training make him uniquely qualified to take the helm of the Navy at a critical time for the service and our nation. He is smart, compelling, and receptive—qualities he shares with Admiral Jonathan Greenert, who has done a spectacular job as Chief of Naval Operations over the last four years. If confirmed, I look forward to working with him to ensure that our Navy and Marine Corps have the tools, resources and support they need to do their job on, above and below the seas.

“Admiral Richardson is no stranger to southeastern Connecticut’s submarine industrial base, having long served in key roles in the submarine force and as a ‘frequent flyer’ to Electric Boat to meet with the designers and shipbuilders executing the Virginia Class and Ohio Replacement programs. In particular, Richardson’s present billet as chief of the nuclear navy ensures he will bring the focus and granular knowledge that both the Navy and Congress will need to advance the Navy’s and the Defense Department’s number one priority: recapitalization of the next class of ballistic missile submarines. Meeting this multigenerational commitment will require thoughtful and creative solutions to preserve other critical naval capabilities, and I believe that Admiral Richardson is the right man for this job as we approach these next crucial steps in the program.”

Congressman Courtney serves as the Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee.

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