U.S. Air Force Col. Mark Hamilton took command of the 1st Special Operations Wing during a change of command ceremony Monday morning at Hurlburt Field.

• Hamilton assumed leadership from Col. Patrick Dierig, who commanded the wing since February 2024. Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, presided over the ceremony and handed the wing guidon to Hamilton in the symbolic transfer of authority.

The guidon passing represents the formal transfer of leadership and trust from one commander to another, a military tradition that dates back generations.

“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,” Conley said. “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.”

Hamilton, who received his commission through ROTC at Virginia Military Institute in 2004, brings extensive special operations experience to the role. A command pilot with over 2,200 flight hours in the MH-53M and CV-22B aircraft, he has deployed in support of multiple operations including Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve.

Before taking command, Hamilton served as deputy commander of operations for the 1st Special Operations Wing from June 2024 to October 2025, where he was responsible for employing manned and remotely piloted aircraft and served as the primary operations advisor to Dierig.

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

As wing commander with 20 years of Air Force service, Hamilton is responsible for preparing special operations forces for worldwide missions in support of joint and coalition objectives. He will oversee 67 manned and remotely piloted aircraft, including the AC-130J Ghostrider, MC-130J Commando II and MQ-9 Reaper.

The wing consists of 24 squadrons with over 1,300 Air Commandos from 80 different Air Force specialty codes. The 1st Special Operations Wing provides specialized airpower to combatant commanders executing missions including direct action, unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, counterterrorism and personnel recovery.

• Hamilton also oversees Hurlburt Field’s base support for more than 40 tenant units, including Air Force Special Operations Command headquarters. Hurlburt Field employs more than 7,600 military and approximately 1,700 civilian personnel.

Dierig, who commanded the wing for approximately 20 months, is a master navigator with more than 2,700 flight hours in the AC-130U and MC-130H aircraft and over 24 years of service. He took command from Col. Allison Black, who led the wing from July 2022 to February 2024.

“I’ve always said that to be a good Airman, be a good person,” Dierig said. “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.”

During his career, Dierig served as commander of the 479th Flying Training Group at Naval Air Station Pensacola before assuming command of the 1st Special Operations Wing. He also served as special assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and completed a fellowship at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

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