Keith W. Balts
Keith W. Balts | |
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| Personal details | |
| Awards | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1987–2020 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Commands |
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Keith W. Balts is a retired colonel of the United States Air Force who served as the Director of Space Forces (DIRSPACEFOR) for United States Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) during his military career.[1][2]
Early life and education
[edit]Balts developed an early interest in space at age 11 during a family visit to Cape Canaveral. He earned his commission through the Air Force ROTC program and later completed military education in space operations.[1]
Military career
[edit]Balts served in the U.S. Air Force from 1987 until his retirement in 2020, focusing primarily on space operations.[1]
As Director of Space Forces (DIRSPACEFOR) at AFCENT, Balts oversaw the integration of space assets such as satellite communications, missile warning systems, and GPS support into U.S. Central Command operations.[1]
From 2013 to 2015, Balts served as commander of the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, where he was responsible for launch operations and range safety.[3][4] Under his leadership, the base received the 2015 Military Conservation Partner Award for environmental stewardship.[4]
Balts contributed to Operation Burnt Frost, the 2008 U.S. mission that successfully intercepted a malfunctioning satellite using a modified missile.[5]
In his final active duty assignment, Balts commanded Clemson University's AFROTC Detachment 770, where he led one of the largest ROTC units in the region.[1]
Post-military career
[edit]After retiring from the Air Force in September 2020, Balts joined Clemson University as a professor of practice in the College of Business. He teaches leadership and operations based on his military experience.[1]
Awards and decorations
[edit]Balts has received several military honors, including:
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Air Force colonel's sky-high career comes in for a landing at Clemson". Clemson University News. 18 September 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ "Col Keith W. Balts". militaryhallofhonor.com. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
- ^ Jacobson, Willis (2015-07-05). "Col. Balts looks back on term as VAFB commander". Lompoc Record. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
- ^ a b "Vandenberg receives conservation award". Vandenberg Space Force Base. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ "Air Force colonel's sky-high career comes in for a landing at Clemson". Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS). 18 September 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2025.