Trump Nominates Air Force General to Lead US Space Command - Pence

© Photo : PixabayThe US flag
The US flag - Sputnik International
Subscribe
WASHINGTON (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.

READ MORE: US Dream Chaser Spaceplane Looks Eerily Similar to 40-Year-Old Soviet Design

The 45th Space Wing supported NASA’s successful launch of Orbital ATK’s Cygnus spacecraft aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., March 22, 2016. The rocket carrying Cygnus cargo vessel OA-6 is a resupply mission to the International Space Station supporting NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services program. - Sputnik International
US DOD Warns Space Force’s Tiny Budget May Grow to $13 Billion
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.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала