Keith W. Balts

Last updated
Colonel
Keith W. Balts
Col Keith W. Balts.jpg
Personal details
Awards
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Air Force
Years of service1987–2020
RankColonel
Commands
  • 30th Space Wing
  • Director of Space Forces, United States Air Forces Central Command
  • Clemson University AFROTC Detachment 770

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]

Contents

Early life and education

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

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

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

Balts has received several military honors, including:

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Air Force colonel's sky-high career comes in for a landing at Clemson". Clemson University News. 18 September 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  2. ↑ "Col Keith W. Balts". militaryhallofhonor.com. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
  3. ↑ Jacobson, Willis (2015-07-05). "Col. Balts looks back on term as VAFB commander". Lompoc Record. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
  4. 1 2 "Vandenberg receives conservation award". Vandenberg Space Force Base. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  5. ↑ "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.
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