Maj Gen John J. Nichols is the Director of Global Operations, United States Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. As Director, he serves as the principal advisor to the USSTRATCOM Commander on nuclear operations and is responsible for the day-to-day readiness of U.S. nuclear command and control and strategic deterrent forces. He is also responsible for synchronizing component, joint and coalition operations and directing assigned forces to achieve USSTRATCOM and national objectives.

Maj Gen Nichols received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1992. Following graduation, he served as an Intelligence Officer for seven years. Maj Gen Nichols then attended Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance AFB, Oklahoma, and served in multiple flying assignments in the B-1. Maj. Gen Nichols has commanded at the squadron, group, and wing levels to include the 14th Flying Training Wing at Columbus AFB, Mississippi and the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Missouri.

Maj Gen Nichols is a command pilot with more than 2,500 flying hours.