Adm. Rich Correll takes the helm of U.S. Strategic Command

U.S. Navy Adm. Richard “Rich” A. Correll relieved U.S. Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton as commander of U.S. Strategic Command during a ceremony today at the command’s headquarters here.

Correll is the ninth commander of USSTRATCOM since its inception in 2002. He moves into the role after three years as deputy commander, providing invaluable leadership continuity in today’s challenging global strategic environment.

“As I assume command, the number one priority remains the same: strategic deterrence,” Correll said. “Peace may be our profession… but that peace is achieved through the strength, readiness, and credibility of our strategic capabilities.”

By taking command of USSTRATCOM, Correll assumes responsibility for the stewardship of the nation's nuclear arsenal, encompassing intercontinental ballistic missiles, strategic bomber aircraft, ballistic missile submarines, and Nuclear Command, Control and Communications. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the critical modernization of the nuclear triad and its NC3 systems, together serving as the bedrock of national defense.

“At STRATCOM, the strategic capabilities provided by each leg of the triad, coupled with assured nuclear command and control underpins everything the [Department of War] does in defense of our nation and American interests abroad,” Correll said. “As we bring the B-21 Raider, the Columbia-class SSBN, the Sentinel ICBM, the long-range standoff weapon, and the nuclear sea-launched cruise missile online, as well as upgrade our NC3 systems, we will continue to ensure the credibility of deterrence for decades to come – and continue to outpace the threat.”

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine presided over the ceremony where he celebrated Gen. Cotton’s accomplishments over the past three years and recognized Adm. Correll’s readiness for the challenging work ahead.

“You are made for this role and having served with you for so many years in so many places that we are not at liberty to talk about, I can't think of a better leader to follow another incredible leader,” he said.

The Chairman highlighted the 84th commemoration of the Pearl Harbor attack as the solemn charge to USSTRATCOM personnel who stand watch and conduct their missions all day, every day.

“You’re quiet professionals, ready whenever the nation calls,” he said. “Your charge is constant readiness, eyes open and being on the account 24/7/365.”

Caine presented the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Cotton, recognizing his 39 years of dedicated service to the United States Air Force. The Chairman also presented USSTRATCOM with the Joint Meritorious Unit Award in recognition of exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service.

As the outgoing commander, Cotton emphasized that his time at USSTRATCOM was the most professionally rewarding experience of his career, due in large part to the dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment of the command’s warfighters.

"I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your sacrifices, often unseen and unheralded, keep America safe,” Cotton said to USSTRATCOM personnel attending in person and online. “You are the reason that I, and each commander before me – going all the way back to Strategic Air Command – can pass the torch, having prevented conflict between great powers.”

Cotton also highlighted accomplishments made by the command during his tenure, including significant strides in modernizing strategic infrastructure, standing up the Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Center while successfully advocating for protection of spectrum bandwidth, and the elevation of the ‘Nuclear IQ’ across the whole of government. 

“These accomplishments are a testament to your hard work, your ingenuity, and your unwavering dedication to the mission,” Cotton said. “As I pass the torch, I do so with a deep sense of appreciation and optimism.”

Following the passing of the guidon, signifying the change of command, Correll expanded on his vision for the future of USSTRATCOM and the more than 40,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and civilians responsible for maintaining the command’s global strategic deterrence mission.

"There can be no doubt in any potential adversary’s mind on the readiness and capability of our forces; Gen. Cotton saw to that during his tenure, and I will do the same,” Correll said. “My confidence doesn’t come solely from our combat capabilities. My confidence comes from the professionals at STRATCOM – the very essence of our credibility. Everyone plays a key role in our mission. These warfighters are the backbone of our capabilities, and they always will be. They are the reason our deterrence is credible, our Allies are assured, and our adversaries are on notice.”

Assuming new USSTRATCOM roles alongside Adm. Correll were U.S Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Lutton as Deputy Commander and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. JoAnn Naumann as Command Senior Enlisted Leader.

U.S. Strategic Command forces operate around the world, around the clock, to deter strategic attacks and employ forces as directed to guarantee the security of our nation and our allies. For more information about USSTRATCOM, visit https://www.stratcom.mil

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