Rear Adm. Michael Richman is a native of Anderson, Indiana. He is a 1994 graduate of Purdue University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He received a direct commission as an ensign in the United States Navy Reserve in 1997. Richman holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Florida Institute of Technology and a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University.

Richman’s operational tours include Reserve Assistant Project Superintendent, Norfolk Naval Shipyard; special projects officer, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Ship Technology Directorate; special projects officer, Theater Nuclear Warfare Program Management Support Unit; Technical War-game Director for the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Research and Engineering) Joint Reserve Unit; and Chief of Operations, NTM-A/CSTC-A Engineering Directorate during deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff assignments include Commanding Officer, Surge Maintenance Bangor Unit; Commanding Officer, Surge Maintenance Miami Unit; Commanding Officer, Missile Defense Agency Unit; Executive Officer for the Deputy Director, Missile Defense Agency; Commanding Officer; Norfolk Surge Maintenance Unit; Chief of Staff for Commander, NAVSEA Warfare Center; and Commanding Officer, Strategic Weapons Engineering Unit supporting Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).

Richman was promoted to Rear Admiral October 01, 2022, and assumed his first flag officer assignment as the second deputy commander for cyber engineering, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA 03), Washington, DC.

On October 1, 2024, Richman assumed the duties as deputy director, Hypersonics, Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, DC. He serves as the first flag officer in the newly established deputy director role providing leadership to the Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) program which is responsible for designing and developing the sea-based hypersonic strike capability for the warfighter.

Richman’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit with gold star (in lieu of second award), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars (in lieu of third award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star (in lieu of second award) and various unit and service medals and ribbons.

Last Updated: 8 November 2024