On April 19th, 2024, the SPS community had the privilege to welcome the retired four-star Admiral John M. Richardson to campus. During a mid-day chapel, the SPS 2024 Conroy Visitor shared his extraordinary experience and wisdom as an Admiral with the students and faculty. His thoughtful presentation provided analogies between our individuality and the varying compositions and currents of each level of the sea, offering us all a perspective that can help us navigate life in alignment with our deepest values.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to interview Admiral Richardson personally. Asked about his upbringing, Admiral Richardson shared that he grew up in a "Navy family," where his dad—also a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and naval officer—influenced him to take the same path.
His main duties in the Navy after graduation revolved around "being prepared in all respects to progress the nation's interest abroad… And in the event of war, to be prepared for prompt and sustained combat at sea." As a decorated Admiral, he worked to "recruit, and equip the Navy to carry out those core duties."
In a typical day at sea, Admiral Richardson described that a 24-hour period is broken into three, eight-hour watch rotations: "on-watch", "off-watch" and a rest period. "On-watch involves running, steering, and diving to operate the submarine. Then, "off watch" is typically maintenance and training. Lastly comes a much needed rest period.
Looking back on the highs and lows of being an Admiral, Admiral Richardson shared that the most difficult and rewarding parts of his job has included "learning how to prioritize under a fixed amount of funding and resources,” something that is “often difficult because everyone has good programs and good proposals, but you have to make hard calls on what survives and what doesn't." Some of the proudest, or most rewarding moments as an Admiral have been times "when a colleague or someone who was on one of my teams goes on to do really amazing things. You just feel so proud for them and being able to help them do that.” Additionally, Admiral Richardson expressed that "the coolest parts were always going overseas and working with the crew to achieve difficult and vigorous missions. The camaraderie that builds in any crew of any ship is so unique and so complete because you're really all in this together.”
When asked about what he would say to someone who is interested in service or leadership, he replied "Do it. If you are curious, seriously curious, give it a shot and see what happens. The nation needs you, and will be stronger with people like you.” To which he added: "the experience to gain while you are young is an amazing opportunity."
Lastly, regarding his visit to St. Paul's School, where his friend, Board President Mr. David Scully '79 was a former student, he noted "it has been fantastic, and I meant it when I said this is one of the most beautiful places that I've seen. Everybody is really just so friendly, welcoming, all the opportunities that the students have here just blow you away. And, everyone seems to recognize and appreciate that this is a really special place, and that it requires dedicated effort to make the most of all of it. You really get that vibe too, which is terrific. It's been a pleasure to be here."
Our gratitude to have had Admiral Richardson share his 38 years worth of experience in the Navy with our community is beyond words. To learn about his experiences as an Admiral, and for him to share such universal advice and inspiration was a true gift to us all.