Navy Vice Adm. Charles Richard, a former deputy commander at the U.S. Strategic Command, was confirmed by the Senate to serve as commander of Stratcom, Defense News reported Saturday.
He will replace Air Force Gen. John Hyten, who will be vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Richard most recently commanded the Navy’s Submarine Forces, Atlantic-based U.S. submarines and Allied Submarine Command. His staff assignments included time as director of resources in the Pentagon’s Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and as executive assistant and naval aide to Navy undersecretary.
He also led operations on board USS Parche and Submarine NR-1.
Richard said during his Oct. 24 confirmation hearing the U.S. military should continue efforts to modernize the nuclear triad and that he believes adopting a “no first use” doctrine for nuclear weapons will harm the country’s relations with its allies.