A native of Yorktown, Indiana, Captain Richard enlisted in the Navy in 1988 and was commissioned in 1997 through the Enlisted Commissioning Program. He was winged a Naval Aviator in 1999 and first qualified in the SH-60B Seahawk. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in Military Operational Art and Science from the U.S. Air Force Command and Staff College.

Captain Richard's sea tours include HSL-42 where he deployed to the Arabian Gulf aboard USS NICHOLAS (FFG 47) and to the Eastern Pacific aboard USS BOONE (FFG 28); HSL-44 where he served as Squadron Weapons and Tactics Instructor (SWTI); and HSL-48 where he deployed to the Horn of Africa aboard USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS (DDG 95) and served as squadron Maintenance Officer.

In 2015, Captain Richard assumed command of the HSM-46 Grandmasters in Mayport, Florida.  During that tour, he deployed to FIFTH FLEET with Carrier Air Wing ONE aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71).

Captain Richard's shore-duty tours include HSL-40, the SH-60B Fleet Replacement Squadron in Mayport, Florida; Air Command and Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama; United States Southern Command in Miami, Florida; and the Pentagon where he managed Rotary Wing Requirements on the OPNAV Staff (N98).

Captain Richard has flown more than 2,800 hours in a variety of naval aircraft. A former NHA Region-Three Instructor of the Year, a Navy-Marine Association Leadership Award winner, and an ACSC Distinguished Graduate, his personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal (six awards).