New Commander takes the helm over Hurlburt Field’s 1st Special Operations Wing

In Brief:

🎖️ Col. Mark Hamilton assumes command of the 1st Special Operations Wing
🚁 Veteran pilot brings over 2,200 flight hours and global deployment experience
💪 Leadership transition underscores the wing’s readiness and legacy of excellence

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HURLBURT FIELD — U.S. Air Force Col. Mark Hamilton assumed command of the 1st Special Operations Wing on Monday morning, taking the reins from Col. Patrick Dierig during a change of command ceremony at Hurlburt Field.

Hamilton, who earned his commission through the ROTC program at the Virginia Military Institute in 2004, brings more than two decades of special operations experience to the role. A command pilot with over 2,200 flight hours in the MH-53M and CV-22B Osprey, he has deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve.

“Col. Hamilton’s proven leadership is just what the 1 SOW needs to ensure our Air Commandos remain ready to answer the Nation’s call,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, who presided over the ceremony. “I can think of no better leader to take the reins of this remarkable wing and continue its long legacy of excellence. We have a lot of work ahead and must continue to maximize Air Commando attributes of boldness, valor, and ingenuity to ensure that when called…we win.”

Before taking command, Hamilton served as deputy commander for operations of the 1st Special Operations Wing from June 2024 to October 2025. His previous assignments include chief of staff to the vice commander at U.S. Special Operations Command in Washington, D.C.

As commander, Hamilton will lead more than 1,300 Air Commandos across 21 squadrons that operate 67 manned and remotely piloted aircraft, including the AC-130J Ghostrider, the MC-130J Commando II, and the MQ-9 Reaper. The wing provides specialized airpower to combatant commanders for missions that include direct action, special reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, counterterrorism and personnel recovery.

“To the Air Commandos of the 1 Special Operations Wing—I am proud of your accomplishments…but even more impressed by your professionalism, grit and selfless service,” said Col. Hamilton. “I am deeply humbled to assume command of this extraordinary organization, and I am eager to get after our mission together.”

Hamilton will also oversee Hurlburt Field’s sprawling operations, supporting 22,000 personnel, more than 1,700 facilities, and over 40 tenant units, including the Air Force Special Operations Command headquarters.

Dierig, who led the wing since February 2024, is a master navigator with over 2,700 flight hours in the AC-130U and MC-130H. During his tenure, the wing continued its global deployments and expanded training operations.

Before assuming command, Dierig led the 479th Flying Training Group at Naval Air Station Pensacola and served as special assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also completed a fellowship at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

I’ve always said that to be a good Airman, be a good person,” said Col. Dierig. “Looking around this room, I see a room full of good people and good Air Commandos. I’m proud to have played a small role in this wing’s excellence and proud of the unwavering professionalism you’ve all demonstrated during my command. I have full confidence that Col. Hamilton is the exact right leader to guide this high-performing wing forward.”

Hamilton holds a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Military Institute and master’s degrees in military operational arts and science and in military strategy from Air University. In 2022, he completed the National Defense Fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.