Flag Officer Announcement

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated Navy Rear Adm. John M. Richardson for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet/commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic/commander, Allied Submarine Command, Norfolk, Va. Richardson is currently serving as director, plans and operations, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Sixth Fleet/deputy commander, Sixth Fleet/commander submarines, Allied Naval Forces South/commander, Submarine Group Eight, Naples, Italy.