 While in this capacity, Riley met Marjorie Towers, daughter of Rear admiral John H. Towers, then-Chief of Bureau of Aeronautics.They were married in the Fort Myer Chapel, Virginia in June 1940.Riley was shortly thereafter transferred to the staff, Commander, Carrier Division 1 under Rear admiral Arthur L. Bristol and served as his Flag lieutenant and Aide and continued in this capacity following Bristol's appointment as Commander, Aircraft Scouting Force of the Atlantic Fleet.