John W. Raymond

John W. Raymond is a general in the United States Space Force (USSF). He was the first chief of space operations, a four-star general who is part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The USSF is the sixth branch of the U.S. armed forces, established in 2020 to lead space-related military operations. Its mission includes protecting U.S. interests in space, deterring aggression, and conducting space operations. The USSF is organized under the U.S. Air Force but is a distinct branch with its own personnel, motto, and bases. Raymond previously commanded the U.S. Space Command and directed space forces in support of the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars.1