After two Washington meetings, Richardson told Roosevelt that senior naval officers lacked the trust and confidence in civilian leadership needed for a Pacific war. The White House then leaked a prediction that he would be removed, foreclosing his anticipated path toward Chief of Naval Operations. General Order 143 reorganized the fleet on 1 February 1941: Husband Kimmel took the Pacific Fleet and Ernest King the Atlantic Fleet, while Richardson reverted to rear admiral. Richardson then served on the Navy General Board and in the Office of the Secretary of the Navy until his retirement on 1 October 1942. The dispute over readiness and command confidence ended his seagoing career but did not immediately end his naval service.
Chapter · 49:15-52:39
Richardson's dismissal and the 1941 fleet split
Richardson's blunt loss of confidence in civilian leadership preceded his removal, Kimmel's promotion, and the division into Atlantic and Pacific Fleets.