Laura J. Richardson

Retired Gen. Laura J. Richardson recently completed her tour as the 32nd commander of U.S. Southern Command. She is a native of Northglenn, CO, and a graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver. She was commissioned into the U.S. Army and trained as an Army aviator. She holds a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University.

Over her 38-year career, Richardson has commanded at every level, from company to combatant command, the highest command level in the Department of War (DOW), and served as the Army’s first female combat arms general officer.

As commander of U.S. Southern Command, one of the six DOW geographic combatant commands, she reported directly to the president of the United States and the secretary of defense from 2021 to 2024. In this position, she was responsible for all military operations, contingency planning, and partnerships across South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, encompassing 31 countries. Her work focused on promoting regional stability, keeping America safe, strengthening governance, countering illicit trafficking, and supporting disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Before taking command of U.S. Southern Command, Richardson served as commanding general of U.S. Army North (Fifth Army), the Army service component command for U.S. Northern Command. She commanded an assault helicopter battalion in combat with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) from 2003 to 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She also deployed to Afghanistan as deputy chief of staff for communications at Headquarters International Security Assistance Force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Richardson also served as military aide to the vice president at the White House and as the Army’s legislative liaison to Congress at the U.S. Capitol.