Chief Master Sgt. Brian J. Keith is the State Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Delaware Air National Guard. He serves as the advisor to The Adjutant General Commander of the Delaware National Guard and staff on all matters influencing the mission readiness, professional development, proper utilization, health, morale and welfare of the State’s enlisted Airmen and their families. Additionally, he disseminates the commander’s policies to all levels of senior officer and enlisted leadership.
Chief Keith enlisted in the active-duty Air Force in January of 1986. He is a graduate of the Fabrication and Parachute Specialist Course, May 1986. His first duty assignment was to Seymour Johnston AFB N.C. where he worked on F-4 Phantoms and F-15 Strike Eagle. Throughout his career he has supported many missions and operations including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Noble Eagle, and Enduring Freedom. Prior to his current assignment Chief Master Sergeant Keith served as 166th Mission Support Group Superintendent, 166th Airlift Wing, New Castle County Airport, New Castle, Delaware. He provided leadership, management, and general supervision of the organization’s enlisted force. He also worked in concert with other enlisted leaders such as squadron superintendents and first sergeants to oversee the readiness, training, health, moral, welfare, and quality of life of assigned personnel.
Chief Keith retired as a Federal Technician in 2023 after over thirty-seven years of service.
EDUCATION
1989 Noncommissioned Officer Preparatory Course, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.
1996 Noncommissioned Officer Academy Correspondence Program
2002 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy Correspondence Program
2019 Associate Degree, Aircrew Safety Systems Technology, Community College of the Air Force
2022 Chief Master Sergeants Orientation Course, Andrews Air Force Base, Md.
2024 Defense Support of Civil Authorities, JKO
ASSIGNMENTS
1. June 1986 – October 1991, Fabrication and Parachute Specialist, 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.
2. October 1991 – May 2005, Fabrication and Parachute Specialist, 166th Maintenance Squadron, New Castle County Airport, Del.
3. May 2005 – February 2008, Life Support Superintendent, 142nd Airlift Squadron, New Castle County Airport, Del.
4. February 2008 – May 2021, Aircrew Flight Equipment Superintendent, 166th Operations Support Squadron, New Castle County Airport, Del.
5. July 2021 – September 2024, Group Superintendent, 166th Mission Support Group, New Castle County Airport, Del.
6. October 2024- Present, State Command Chief Master Sergeant, Delaware Air National Guard
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with two devices
Air and Space Commendation Medal with two devices
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Meritorious Unit Award with device
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and two devices
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2000 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, 166th Airlift Wing
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman Basic Jan. 2, 1986
Airman Jul. 2, 1986
Airman First Class Jan. 2, 1987
Senior Airman Jan. 2, 1989
Sergeant Jan. 1, 1990
Staff Sergeant Apr. 30, 1992
Technical Sergeant Oct. 31, 1993
Master Sergeant Mar. 28, 2001
Senior Master Sergeant Nov. 8, 2005
Chief Master Sergeant Jul 15, 2021
(Current as of June 2024)