John W. Raymond

John W. Raymond, born in 1962, is a distinguished retired United States Space Force general who made history as the first chief of space operations from 2019 to 2022. His military journey began in a family steeped in service, leading him to be commissioned into the United States Air Force in 1984 after earning his degree from Clemson University.

Throughout his illustrious career, Raymond excelled as a missile and space operations officer, commanding various key units including the 5th Space Surveillance Squadron and the Air Force Space Command. His leadership extended to significant deployments in the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War, showcasing his commitment to national security.

In 2016, he took the helm of the Air Force Space Command, and in 2019, he played a pivotal role in the reestablishment of the U.S. Space Command. As the inaugural chief of space operations, he was instrumental in shaping the Space Force, earning the title of the