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Face of Defense: Airman Launches Space Career

From his hometown of Laurel, Maryland, to the forefront of space operations, Air Force Master Sgt. Keandrey Freeman is embarking on a new chapter in his military career as he transitions from his role as the senior enlisted leader of the National Space Defense Center's Command, Control, Communications, and Computers/Cyber Directorate, to becoming a space operations officer. 

An airman poses for a photo outside by a field and some buildings during an overcast day.
Patch Ceremony
Air Force Master Sgt. Keandrey Freeman poses for a photo during officer training school at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Oct. 30, 2024.
Credit: Courtesy photo
VIRIN: 241030-X-PJ643-1001E
Air Force Master Sgt. Keandrey Freeman
Job Title: Senior Enlisted Leader of NSDC, C4 + officer trainee
Hometown: Laurel, Md.
Stationed: Schriever Space Force Base, Colo.
Unit: NSDC/Space Delta 15

Freeman joined the Air Force in 2012, inspired by a shared commitment to service with his sister, who enlisted just four weeks ahead of him. Their journey began together in basic military training, where Freeman quickly found his calling. 

"My introduction to my first unit was, 'My name is A1C Freeman and I'm going to be an officer one day,'" Freeman reflects.

A group of guardians pose for a selfie.
Happy Training
Air Force Master Sgt. Keandrey Freeman poses for a photo with his teammates during officer training school at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Nov. 8, 2024.
Credit: Courtesy photo
VIRIN: 241218-D-D0439-103

Career Evolution 

Starting out as a cyber transport systems troop, Freeman's career path has been anything but linear. 

Two airmen stand at attention outside.
Blue Line
Air Force Master Sgt. Keandrey Freeman, left, stands at attention during officer training school at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Oct. 30, 2024. Freeman participated in the blue line ceremony where officer trainees stepped over the blue line symbolizing the transition to becoming an officer.
Credit: Courtesy photo
VIRIN: 241218-D-D0439-108

His extensive experience includes a significant tenure in the combat communications unit in Guam, where he honed his information technology skills, and later, he served five years with the National Reconnaissance Office at Aerospace Data Facility-East located within Fort Belvoir, Virginia. 

Freeman then received his first involvement in a space-oriented mission set by directly supporting the Missile Warning Center at Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station in Colorado Springs, Colo., currently one of five centers under U.S. Space Forces – Space. His role there at the Test Control Flight of the 21st Combat Support Squadron solidified his foundation in the space domain. 

My team was able to overcome anything, and I continue to be proud of the great men and women I've had the opportunity to serve alongside.”

Freeman officially transitioned into the Space Force, Dec. 20, upon graduating from Officer Training School.

A Space Mission 

"I'm wearing the blue patches now, but I will officially be a guardian on the USSF birthday, which just happens to be my graduation date," Freeman said, reflecting on this new identity prior to graduation. 

"My selection to OTS comes from those who have supported me," he continued. "My team was able to overcome anything, and I continue to be proud of the great men and women I've had the opportunity to serve alongside."

Man in uniform shakes hands with woman in suit
Undersecretary Visit
Kristyn Jones, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, performing the duties of undersecretary of the Air Force, right, shakes hands with Air Force Tech. Sgt. Keandrey Freeman during a visit at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, April 11, 2023.
Credit: Tiana Williams
VIRIN: 230411-F-IF173-1004

In his current role at the NSDC, Freeman recognizes the mission's critical importance. 

"We will fight from above to support our brothers and sisters, and [we] will fight bravely to victory," he states, highlighting the vital contributions space operations make to the joint fight. "The space and cyberspace domains enable all the rest."

As Freeman steps into his role as a Space Force officer, he is poised to contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of military space operations. 

Freeman credits his strong bonds with his wife Tiffani, their son and their dog Roxas as motivation in his career.

"She's supportive of everything that I do, and I owe her the world," Freeman says of his wife.

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