Navy's sub boss tapped to be STRATCOM chief

The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a confirmation hearing Oct. 24 for Vice Adm. Charles Richard, the Navy's top officer overseeing submarine forces, to receive a fourth star and become the new head of U.S Strategic Command.

The committee received the three-star's nomination from the White House last week, but the Senate's website did not disclose Richard's potential new position.

The Navy stopped announcing new general officer nominations this summer and cited issues with its personnel being targets for cyberattacks.

Richard is currently the commander of submarine forces. He previously served as STRATCOM's deputy commander as well as the Navy's director for submarine warfare requirements (N97).

If confirmed, Richard will succeed Air Force Gen. John Hyten as the operational commander overseeing the country's nuclear triad. Hyten was confirmed last month to become the vice chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff.