Senate Confirms Richardson, Neller for Top Navy, Marine Jobs

August 6, 2015 9:04 AM - Updated: August 6, 2015 3:03 PM
Adm. John Richardson and Lt. Gen. Robert Neller
Adm. John Richardson and Lt. Gen. Robert Neller

The Senate voted to confirm Adm. John Richardson and Lt. Gen. Robert Neller for the top positions in the Navy and the Marine Corps both services announced late Wednesday night.

Richardson, currently the director of Naval Reactors, will replace outgoing Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert next month when Greenert retires from the Navy.

“I am honored and humbled to have been nominated and confirmed to succeed Adm. Greenert as our Navy’s next chief of naval operations,” said Richardson in a statement. “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.”

Neller, nominated last month, will become the 37th USMC commandant following the brief tenure of Gen. Joseph Dunford. Dunford has been approved by the Senate to replace outgoing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Army Gen. Martin Dempsey. Neller is currently commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command and Marine Corps Forces Europe and is set to take over the commandant position next month.

Both Sea Service leaders will now be responsible for key transitions in their respective services since the end of the the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For the Navy, Richardson will now guide the procurement effort for the $100 billion Ohio-class replacement nuclear ballistic missile submarine which is set to start construction in his last anticipated year of as CNO in in Fiscal Year 2019.

Neller will oversee the Marine Corps’ ongoing reset post-Iraq and Afghanistan, the integration of the F-35B Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter into the USMC as well as updated concepts for amphibious operations.

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
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