Vandenberg plans for change of command Published May 21, 2013 By 050513 VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 30th Space Wing will welcome a new commander in a change of command ceremony scheduled for 9 a.m. May 28 at the base parade grounds. Col. Keith Balts will replace Col. Nina Armagno, who is continuing on to Patrick AFB, Fla., to become the 45th Space Wing commander. Some of Balts' past assignments include tours as the U.S. Air Forces Central Command director of space forces; 10th Space Warning Squadron commander, Cavalier Air Force Station, N.D.; 76th Space Operations Squadron deputy commander, Schriever AFB, Colo.; National Reconnaissance Office chief of space tactics division, Washington, D.C.; and also previously served as 30th Space Wing vice commander here. Balts earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin and his first master's degree from the University of Colorado. He also completed a Master of Military Operational Art and Science at Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., and Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from Naval War College, Newport, R.I. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the base theater. Note to editors: Media planning to attend the ceremony need to RSVP to Staff Sgt. Erica Picariello at 805-606-3595 or 805-878-3734 by 4 p.m. Monday, May 27. A media escort will depart for the ceremony from Vandenberg's main gate at 8 a.m. May 28. -30-