The Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday will hold its confirmation hearing for the Navy’s top submarine official to become the next leader of U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM).
Vice. Adm. Charles Richard assumed his current duties in August 2018 as commander of Submarine Forces, commander of Submarine Force Atlantic, and commander of Allied Submarine Command. In these roles, he leads the Navy on undersea issues, is responsible for the submarine force’s strategic vision, commanding all Atlantic-based submarines, and provides advice to NATO strategic commanders on submarine issues.
Previously, Richard served as the deputy commander of Strategic Command, led Submarine Group 10, was director of Undersea Warfare (OPNAV N97), and served as a member of the Chief of Naval Operations’ Strategic Studies Group XXVIII.
If confirmed, Richard will succeed Air Force Gen, John Hyten, who last month was confirmed to become the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The Navy stopped publicly announcing new general officer nominations last fall, relying on the SASC website instead. In March, then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson told reporters the new policy was the result of concern top officers were being targeted in cyberattacks.
Notably, the other services do not have the same policy on general officer announcements.
