A new U.S. Space Force liaison position at the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Center is strengthening coordination and connecting Space Force requirements with AFOSI counterintelligence and technology-protection capabilities, officials say.
Master Sgt. Bluejean Murphy, a Guardian assigned to Headquarters U.S. Space Force at the Pentagon, was selected for the role as part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between the organizations and better align AFOSI support with Space Force missions.
“The Space Force is intentionally lean and agile, relying on the Department of the Air Force for many installation-support functions,” Murphy said. “This liaison helps ensure Space Force requirements are clearly communicated and connected with the appropriate AFOSI capabilities.”
Murphy is the first Space Force Guardian assigned as a liaison to AFOSI, marking a new level of integration between the organizations.
His assignment complements an AFOSI cyber counterintelligence agent embedded within Space Delta 6, giving each service direct insight into the other’s missions and requirements.
The partnership has also established an AFOSI analyst position within the Space Force intelligence enterprise to strengthen analytical collaboration and mission support.
According to Eric O’Leary, AFOSI’s senior intelligence officer, the liaison position also builds on existing personnel exchanges between the organizations.
For example, Space Force intelligence analysts have previously embedded with AFOSI’s 8th Field Investigations Region at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California.
“We need to be embedded in the Space Force mission to truly understand its requirements and how best to employ AFOSI’s counterintelligence cyber capabilities,” said Chief Master Sgt. James Hoy, AFOSI command chief. “At the same time, having a Guardian at the Center helps direct AFOSI support to Space Force operations worldwide.”
Together, the liaison and analyst positions are intended to close coordination gaps, improve communication and connect Space Force missions with the right AFOSI expertise, Hoy said.
Murphy said the arrangement also gives AFOSI greater insight into Space Force priorities and mission areas that may benefit from counterintelligence, technology-protection or vulnerability assessments.
“Space is a contested domain now more than ever before,” Murphy said. “We recognize it as a warfighting domain, and AFOSI helps us identify and address threats to our capabilities.”
Space systems provide critical capabilities to the joint force, including positioning, navigation and timing, as well as intelligence support, Murphy said. Protecting those systems requires identifying potential threats to technology, supply chains, facilities and operations as early as possible.
“AFOSI helps us address those vulnerabilities,” Murphy said. “Identifying potential gaps and securing those vulnerabilities is a big part of our partnership.”
Murphy joined the Air Force in 2007 and served more than 13 years as an electronic intelligence analyst before transferring to the Space Force in 2021. At the Pentagon, he previously supported assessments and future operations as a senior enlisted leader.
His background gives him an understanding of Space Force operations, emerging capabilities and senior-leader priorities. His assignment at the AFOSI Center is providing a corresponding view of the agency’s authorities, expertise and global support structure.
As he settles into his liaison role, Murphy is working alongside AFOSI technology-protection specialists and engaging with personnel across the organization. He said the experience has expanded his understanding of AFOSI beyond its more visible investigative responsibilities.
“The scope of what AFOSI does and the number of missions it supports around the world is remarkable,” Murphy said.
Murphy’s engagement across AFOSI will help connect Space Force requirements with the right expertise, he said, and allow him to advocate for AFOSI involvement earlier in mission planning and capability development.
“While I’m sitting in mission briefs or capability briefings at headquarters, I can raise my hand and say, ‘Have you gotten AFOSI involved?’” Murphy said. “We’re early in this. Let’s get them involved.”
That coordination can identify vulnerabilities and reduce risk as new technologies, units and operations come online, reinforcing AFOSI’s role as a proactive mission partner.
“As the Space Force continues to grow, AFOSI must grow with it,” Hoy said. “Our goal is to build an enduring partnership that brings counterintelligence into the mission early and strengthens the resilience of space capabilities.”
| Date Taken: |
08.18.2026 |
| Date Posted: |
08.18.2026 16:22 |
| Story ID: |
572695 |
| Location: |
US |
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