Lt. Gen. Raymond nominated to lead Space Command, get fourth star

President Obama has nominated Lt. Gen. John "Jay" Raymond to lead Air Force Space Command.

Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James made the announcement during a round-table with reporters Wednesday at the Pentagon.

If confirmed, Raymond would pin on his fourth star, and take command of the unit that oversees the majority of U.S. military space assets and operations, headquartered at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

Raymond is currently serving as the deputy chief of staff for operations at the Pentagon, a position he's held since August 2015. He has a long history with space operations, including commanding the 21st Space Wing at Peterson, the 30th Operations Group at Vandenberg AFB, California, and the 5th Space Surveillance Squadron at RAF Feltwell, England.

 
In addition, Raymond spent large portions of his early career as a lieutenant and captain working at space units at Vandenberg and Peterson.

He first joined the Air Force in 1984, and has earned multiple decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit with oak leaf.

The Air Force has not announced what the next assignment might be for Gen. John Hyten, the current leader of Space Command.