CMDCM Robert W. Richards
CMDCM Robert W. Richards, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1982 and entered the U.S. Navy Delayed Entry program, entered Basic Training November 1983 and Engineering Apprenticeship School January 1984 in Great Lakes.
Upon graduation he was assigned to USS Rathburne (FF1057) and in May 1984 he attended Machinist Mate “A” School and returned to the Rathburne. He was honorably discharged in 1987.
In 1998 he enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard with the 1067th Transportation Company earning two Military Occupation Specialties, 63S (Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic) and 88M (Truck Driver). He was honorably discharged in September 2001.
Upon affiliation with the Navy Reserve in September 2001, Richards mobilized with Security Force Augment at NSA Mechanicsburg, PA. Upon demobilization, he was assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 21 and mobilized in 2005 to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. He was selected to chief petty pfficer in 2006. In 2007, he transferred to NMCB-23, deploying in 2009 to Balad, Iraq as a Company Commander. During his time in Seabee Battalions, he held various positions: company commander, detachment Officer in Charge, Company Chief, Command Career Counselor, and Battalion 3MC.
In 2013 he transferred to Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training (MCAST) Long Island as senior enlisted leader. When it decommissioned in 2014 he transferred to the 7th Naval Construction Regiment as the regimental safety officer. In January 2015, he transferred to Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NAVCARGOBN) 8 as a Company Chief. He graduated the Senior Enlisted Academy Class 60 and in February 2016 became NAVCARGOBN 8 command master chief. Master Chief Richards transferred to 2nd Navy Expeditionary Logistics Regiment in June 2018.
In March 2020, reported to Expeditionary Combat Readiness Command currently serves as the command master chief.
Richards’ decorations include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), Army Achievement Medal (two awards), Seabee Combat Warfare, Expeditionary Combat Warfare insignias.