An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Stratton takes command of 720th Special Tactics Group

  • Published
  • By Major Erin Dick
  • AFSOC Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFSOC News Service) --  Col. Marc Stratton assumed command of the 720th Special Tactics Group here on August 9th from Col. Ken Rodriguez. 

"There is no greater honor for a commander than to pass the mantle of command from one great leader to another," said Lt. Gen. Mike Wooley, Air Force Special Operations Command, commander. 

Colonel Rodriguez, who assumed command of the 720th STG in July 2004, was awarded the Legion of Merit during the ceremony in recognition of his two years of leadership of the 720th STG. 

"I have asked for your best, and that's exactly what you've done. Continue to give it your best because America needs you," said Colonel Rodriguez addressing the assembled special operators attending the ceremony. 

As the new 720th STG commander, Colonel Stratton will be responsible for the training, support and worldwide deployment of Battlefield Airman to support a variety of special operations missions. The group provides special tactics forces for worldwide deployment and assignment to regional unified commands. The command has approximately 850 active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and civilian professionals. 

"I'm thrilled to be back at Hurlburt, home of the Air Commandos," said Colonel Stratton who was stationed here during four previous assignments. 

Colonel Stratton received his commission as a distinguished graduate from Northern Arizona University. He has served as a tactical team leader, operations officer, director of operations and special tactics squadron commander. He has led combat control and special tactics forces conducting humanitarian assistance and combat operations during Operations Sea Angel, Fiery Vigil, Joint Endeavor, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Prior to his assignment as commander of the 720th STG, Colonel Stratton was assigned to the National War College in Washington, D.C. Colonel Stratton is a combat diver and a master static line and military freefall parachutist. 

Colonel Rodriguez will remain at Hurlburt where he will serve as the vice commander of Air Force Special Operations Forces.