Colonel Kenny W. Hamlett is the Commander, Air Commando Development Center (ACDC), Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, FL. The ACDC serves as the focal point for Special Operations Forces' professional and operational growth. As the driving force behind AFSOC's development, ACDC actively champions innovative training, education, and exercises. By certifying, validating, and verifying every unit of action, ACDC ensures our forces are prepared to dominate across the entire spectrum of conflict.
Colonel Hamlett, a native of Warner Robins, Georgia, entered the Air Force in September 2001, receiving his commission through Officer Training School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. He has served in the Air Force Material Command, Air Mobility Command, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Special Operations Command, and Air Force Special Operations Command. He is a distinguished graduate of Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, Squadron Officer School, and Air Command and Staff College. He has more than 3,100 flying hours, including over 270 combat missions totaling 1120 hours, and has participated in Operations ENDURING FREEDOM-A, ENDURING FREEDOM-P, IRAQI FREEDOM, INHERENT RESOLVE. He has commanded squadrons both in garrison and deployed, recently concluding his tour as Director of Force Analysis and Planning (Force Modernization) at Headquarters USAF, Pentagon in Washington DC. He is married to the former Amanda M. Edwards, of GA, and they have three children, Analysse (24), Kennedy (23), and Benjamin (19).
EDUCATION
2001 Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
2002 Aerospace Basic Course, Maxwell AFB, AL
2004 Advanced Air Mobility Operations Course, Fort Dix, NJ
2006 Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, Columbus AFB, MS
2008 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL
2008 Masters of Art in Military Studies (Air Warfare), American Military University
2014 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL
2021 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL
ASSIGNMENTS
- October 2001 - September 2004, Mechanical Systems Engineer, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins AFB, GA
- September 2004 - August 2005, Flight Test Engineer, Air Mobility Command Test and Evaluation Squadron, Fort Dix, NJ
- August 2005 - December 2006, Student, Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, Columbus AFB, MS
- January 2007 - April 2007, Student, C-17A Pilot Initial Qualification, Altus AFB, OK
- May 2007 - November 2008, Chief of Mobility, Chief of the Commander's Support Staff and C-17A Pilot, 535th Airlift Squadron, Hickam AFB, HI
- December 2008 - April 2010, Executive Officer and C-17A Instructor Pilot, 15th Operations Group, Hickam AFB, HI
- May 2010 - February 2011, Student, U-28A Mission Pilot Initial Qualification, 19th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL
- Mar 2011 – April 2012, Operations Assistant OIC and U-28A Aircraft Commander, 319th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL
- May 2012 – June 2013, Chief of the 1st Special Operations Wing A-3 Section, 319th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL
- July 2013 – June 2014, Student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL
- July 2014 – June 2017, Chief of ISR Requirements and Chief of Manned ISR Programs, Aviation Tactics and Evaluation Group (Joint Special Operations Command), Fort Bragg, NC
- July 2017 – May 2018, Operations Officer and U-28A Aircraft Commander, 27th Special Operations Air Operations Squadron, Cannon AFB, NM
- May 2018 – May 2020, Commander and U-28A Evaluator Pilot, 27th Special Operations Support Squadron, Cannon AFB, NM
- July 2020 – June 2021, Student, Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL
- July 2021 – September 2024, Military Deputy then Chief, Rapid Global Mobility and Special Operations Forces Division, Strategic Plans and Programs, Headquarters United States Air Force, Pentagon, Washington DC
- October 2024 – March 2026, Acting Director, Force Analysis and Planning, Integrated Capabilities Command – Provisional, Headquarters United States Air Force, Pentagon, Washington DC
- April 2026 – July 2026, Director, Force Analysis and Planning, Force Modernization, Headquarters United States Air Force, Pentagon, Washington DC
- July 2026 – Present, Commander, Air Commando Development Center, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, FL
SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS
1. July 2014 – June 2017, Chief of ISR Requirements and Chief of Manned ISR Programs, Aviation Tactics and Evaluation Group (Joint Special Operations Command), Fort Bragg, NC
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Command Pilot
Flight Hours: More than 3,100
Aircraft Flown: T-37B, T-1A, C-17A, PC-12, U-28A, MC-130J, AC-130W
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters
Aerial Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
2016 USSOCOM AF FGO of the Year
2016 USSOCOM AF ISR FGO of the Year
(Current as of July 2026)