Chief Master Sergeant Joseph E. Laughlin Jr. is the Senior Enlisted Leader, Space Delta 6, Space Operations Command, United States Space Force, Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. As the Senior Enlisted Leader, he is responsible for nine squadrons and eight detachments across 13 geographically-separated locations comprised of more than 1,100 active duty military, Department of Defense civilian and contractor personnel.
Delta 6 provides assured access to space and cyberspace through the worldwide $6.8 billion Air Force Satellite Control Network while also conducting defensive cyberspace operations and operating unique space mission networks. Delta 6 performs passive and active cyberspace defense operations designed to protect space operations data and networks through the employment of net-centric capabilities and communications infrastructure integrated with space mission systems, both on-orbit and terrestrial. Additionally, Delta 6 provides cross-functional, embedded support to other Space Mission Deltas, as directed; operations are intelligence-led, cyber-resilient, and driven by innovation, while postured to succeed in a contested, degraded and operationally-limited environment.
Chief Laughlin enlisted in the Air Force in August 2003. He completed the Electronic Systems Security Assessment apprentice course at Goodfellow AFB, TX in December 2003. Chief Laughlin has been assigned to the 62d CYS Activation Team since June 2022. Previous duty stations include Maxwell AFB and Gunter Annex, AL; Hurlburt Field, FL; Buckley AFB, CO; Offutt AFB, NE; Lackland AFB, TX and Brooks City-Base, TX. He has deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom supporting Joint Special Operations Command, Iraqi Freedom supporting joint detainee operations and interrogations, and Inherent Resolve supporting Joint Special Operations Air Component. He recently earned his Master’s Degree in Management with a focus in Organizational Leadership, and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice as well as an Associate’s Degree in Communication Applications Technology.
EDUCATION
2008 - Airman Leadership School, Lackland AFB, TX
2010 - Associates in Communication Application Technology, Community College of the Air Force
2011 - Senior Enlisted Joint PME I
2012 - Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Keesler AFB, MS
2013 - Professional Managers Certification, CCAF
2015 - Senior Enlisted ISR Master Skills Course, Goodfellow AFB, TX
2017 - Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Maxwell AFB-Gunther Annex, AL
2018 - Bachelors of Arts Degree, American Military University
2019 - Senior Enlisted Joint PME II
2022 - Master’s Degree, Organizational Leadership, American Military University
ASSIGNMENTS
- January 2004 – December 2007, ESSA Analyst & ESSA Senior Analyst, 68th Information Operations Squadron, Brooks City-Base, TX
- December 2007 – October 2010, NCOIC, Standardizations and Evaluations, 67th Network Warfare Group, Lackland Air Force Base, TX
- November 2010 – November 2011, NCOIC, Intel Watch Team Echo, United States Strategic Command Intelligence Directorate, Offutt AFB, NE
- December 2011 – July 2013, NCOIC, China Team, United States Strategic Command Intelligence Directorate, Offutt AFB, NE
- July 2013 – Jun 2014, NCOIC, Intelligence Operations, Buckley AFB, CO
- June 2014 – November 2015, Section Chief, Intelligence Operations, 460th Operations Group Intelligence, Buckley AFB, CO
- November 2015 – September 2016, Section Chief, Standardizations and Evaluation, 460th Operations Group Intelligence, Buckley AFB, CO
- September 2016 – January 2017, Superintendent, Intelligence Readiness, 1st Special Operations Support Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL
- January 2017 – January 2018, Superintendent, Intelligence Operations, 1st Special Operations Support Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL
- February 2018 – May 2019, Superintendent, Wing Intelligence, 1st Special Operations Support Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL
- May 2019 – April 2021, Superintendent, Enlisted Professional Military Operations, Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education, Maxwell AFB, Gunter Annex, AL
- April 2021 – June 2022, Senior Enlisted Leader, 13th Delta Operations Squadron, Space Delta 13, Maxwell AFB, AL
- June 2022 – July 2023, Senior Enlisted Leader, 62d Cyberspace Squadron Activation Team, Delta 6, Peterson SFB, CO
- August 2023 – Present, Senior Enlisted Leader, Space Delta 6, Schriever SFB, CO
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf cluster
Joint Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2009 – 67th Network Warfare Group Staff NCO of the Year
2012 – Distinguished Graduate, Noncommissioned Officer Academy
2012 – U.S. Strategic Command Intelligence Directorate Mid-tier Enlisted Member of the Year and NCO of the Year
2012 – U.S. Strategic Command 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year
2013 – 14th Air Force Outstanding RegAF ISR Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
2014 – 460th Operations Group SNCO of the Year
2015 – 460th Space Wing SNCO of the Year
2017 – Distinguished Graduate, Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy
2020 – Air Force’s Thomas N. Barnes for Enlisted Education Award
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION
Chief Master Sergeant January 2023
(Current as of August 2023)