Trump nominates Air Force general to lead US Space Command

by Staff Writers Washington DC (Sputnik) Mar 27, 2019 Sputnik

President Donald Trump has nominated Air Force General John Raymond to lead the US Space Command in a move toward establishing a fifth branch of the armed forces for outer space, Vice President Mike Pence told the National Space Council.

"I'm proud to share with all of you that the president has announced his nominee to lead the new unified combatant command, the United States Space Command", Pence said. "Four-star Air Force General John Raymond will lead US Space Command".

Raymond currently serves as the Joint Force Space Component commander within the US Strategic Command (STRATCOM), according to the Air Force.

Initially, the Space Force will be part of the Air Force, much like the Marine Corps is part of the Navy. However, plans call for the Space Force to eventually graduate as an independent unit within the US military.

In December 2017, Raymond assumed the Joint Forces Space Component Commander position in addition to his position of Commander for Air Force Space Command.

Source: RIA Novosti

More from MILITARY SPACE

Trump announces new US 'Space Academy'

2026-08-28

Raytheon Hands Over Second Next-Gen OPIR Sensor for Space Force Missile Warning Satellites

2026-05-04

BlackSky Lands 30 Million Dollar Assured ISR Contract With International Defense Customer

2026-05-04

Lockheed Martin Wins Space Force Contracts For Space-Based Interceptor Development

2026-05-04

Trace Systems Lands $64 Million Army Contract for NORTHCOM Deployable Comms

2026-04-26