HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. - The 1st Special Operations Wing welcomed 14 local civic leaders into the 2026-2027 Honorary Commander Program during a kickoff tour at Hurlburt Field, August 7, 2026.
The year-long program pairs key civilian leaders with military commanders to strengthen the connection between Hurlburt Field and the surrounding communities. The initiative is designed to give community members insight into military operations, uphold civic partnerships and foster open dialogue between Hurlburt Field and surrounding Northwest Florida communities.
The partnership allows base leadership to benefit from local civilian expertise in education, business and healthcare, while civic leaders gain a better understanding of how to support military families.
"The Honorary Commander program is a strategic imperative. It forges a direct link between the readiness of our Air Commandos and the civic leaders who shape this community," said Col. Mark Hamilton, 1st Special Operations Wing commander. "These are not ceremonial relationships but active partnerships. The collaboration we gain here will be instrumental as we tackle challenges like housing and infrastructure to ensure Hurlburt Field remains the premier platform for generating combat power."
Throughout their one-year duty as honorary commanders, the selectees will participate in immersive unit tours across the wing, observe day-to-day operations and attend key base functions such as changes of command, award ceremonies and homecomings.
This year’s incoming honorary commanders include:
For the local business and civic leaders selected, the program presents a unique opportunity to build lasting bridges between base personnel and the surrounding community and bring new perspectives back to their own organizations.
“After a day of wing briefings, I came away impressed by the caliber of everyone we met and even more committed to strengthening the ties between the base and our community,” said Tamara Young. “I know I have a steep learning curve ahead this year, and I’m excited for all of it.”
At the end of the term, outgoing commanders transition into the program’s alumni network, where they continue to serve as community ambassadors for Team Hurlburt.
For more information about the Hurlburt Field Honorary Commander Program, contact the 1st SOW Public Affairs office at mailto:1sow.wpa1@us.af.mil or call 850-884-7906.