Chief Master Sergeant Karissa L. Gunter serves as the Senior Enlisted Airman for Space Launch Delta 45, Patrick Space Force Base, Florida. As Space Launch Delta 45’s senior Air Force enlisted member, she serves as an advisor to the commander on matters affecting the military and civilian Airmen and Guardians assigned. She provides direct oversight and support for over 16,000 Total Force members, families and 125,000 retirees. She guides the commander on base operating support, allowing range and launch operations, ensuring the vitality of national space activities at the only launch base providing support for DoD commercial Atlas, Delta, SpaceX and NASA launch vehicles.
CMSgt Gunter grew up in Schererville, Indiana and entered the Air Force in 2001. During her career, she has served in a variety of positions within the Services and Force Support career field as well as holding various senior enlisted positions while serving at the squadron and group levels. She has deployed multiple times in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM.
Prior to assuming her current position in May 2023, she served as the Senior Enlisted Leader, 96th Mission Support Group, Eglin AFB, FL.
EDUCATION
2005 Airman Leadership School, Whiteman AFB, MO
2008 Associates in Fitness, Recreation and Services Management, Community College of the Air Force
2012 Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan
2013 Marine Corps Senior Noncommissioned Officer Advanced Academy, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan
2014 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education (Correspondence)
2016 Bachelor of Science, Sports and Health, American Military University
2017 Professional Manager Certification, Community College of the Air Force
2018 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education II (Correspondence)
2019 Chief Leadership Course, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
2023 Wing Command Team Course, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
ASSIGNMENTS
1. January 2002 – March 2006, Food Service Shift Leader, 509th Services Squadron, Whiteman AFB, Missouri
2. March 2006 – March 2007, Community Center Shift Supervisor, 8th Services Squadron, Kunsan AB, ROK
3. March 2007 – March 2009, Fitness Center Supervisor, 31st Force Support Squadron, Aviano AB, Italy
4. April 2009 – June 2012, Fitness Center Program Manager, 99th Force Support Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nevada
5. June 2012 – March 2014, Superintendent, Readiness and Plans, 18th Force Support Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan
6. March 2014 – March 2017, Superintendent, Sustainment Services Flight, 36th Force Support Squadron, Andersen AFB, Guam
7. April 2017 – July 2020, Squadron Superintendent, 96th Force Support Squadron, Eglin AFB, Florida
8. August 2020 – March 2022, Senior Enlisted Leader, 375th Force Support Squadron, Scott AFB, Illinois
9. March 2022 – April 2023, Senior Enlisted Leader, 96th Mission Support Group, Eglin AFB, Florida
10. May 2023 – Present, Senior Enlisted Airman, Space Launch Delta 45, Patrick SFB, Florida
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with four bronze oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with four bronze oak leaf clusters Air Force Achievement Medal with four bronze oak leaf clusters
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2018 AFTC A1 SNCO of the Year
2017 11th Air Force SNCO of the Year
2017 36th Wing SNCO of the Year
2008 USAFE A1 NCO of the Year
2005 Senior Airman Below-the-Zone
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Chief Master Sergeant 1 June 2019
(Current as of May 2023)