CDR Paul F. Richardson III

Past Executive Officer, USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32)

17 November 2022 Commander Richardson is a native of Houston, Texas.  He is a 2005 graduate of Prairie View A&M University (B.S. Electrical Engineering), where he earned his commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program. He received Master’s Degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2012 and National Defense University’s Eisenhower School in 2021.

As a division officer CDR Richardson completed assignments in USS CROMMELIN (FFG 37) as the AntiSubmarine Warfare Officer and USS ROBERT G. BRADLEY (FFG 49) as the Navigator.  During these tours he deployed to SEVENTH FLEET supporting Cooperative Afloat Readiness and Training 2006, and to SIXTH FLEET supporting Exercise PHOENIX EXPRESS 2009. CDR Richardson worked with 10 coalition Navies during these deployments.  

As a Department Head, he served in LCS CREW 104 as Combat Systems Officer. During this tour he completed USS FORT WORTH’s (LCS 3) Combat Systems Ship Qualifications Trials and the first LCS operational deployment to SEVENTH FLEET supporting the multi-national AIRASIA Search and Rescue efforts.  He also served as Operations Officer in USS MILWAUKEE (LCS 5) where he commissioned and sailed through the Welland Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway. CDR Richardson’s last sea assignment was as Flag Secretary and Assistant Chief of Staff for Administration for Commander, Carrier Strike Group ONE embarked on the CARL VINSON (CVN 70). 

Ashore, he served in Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet as Force Navigator, SWO Programs Coordinator, and on the LCS Implementation Team. He also completed student tours at the Naval Postgraduate School and at the Eisenhower School completing JPME Phases I & II.  

Richardson assumed duties as Executive Officer of future USS SANTA BARBARA in March 2022 and will sail away from Mobile, Al in late 2022. 

CDR Richardson’s military decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.