Richardson named SDDC commander

   The U.S. Transportation Command announced Tuesday the appointment of Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Richardson to commanding general of the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC).
   He replaces Maj. Gen. Kevin A. Leonard, who retired after 33 years of service.
   Richardson has served in a variety of command and staff positions during his 31-year career. He recently returned from Iraq where he was the J4 for U.S. Forces – Iraq.
   Serving as the Defense Department’s global surface transportation manager, SDDC plans, books, ships and tracks cargo; conducts port operations; and manages personal property moves for military personnel, other federal workers and their families. The command influences more than $5 billion in commercial carrier services.