720th STG under new leadership Published Aug. 18, 2006 By Maj. Erin Dick AFSOC Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Col. Marc Stratton assumed command of the 720th Special Tactics Group here on Aug. 9 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 was awarded the Legion of Merit during the ceremony in recognition of his two years of leadership of the group. "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 commander, Colonel Stratton will be responsible for the training, support and worldwide deployment of battlefield Air-men to support a variety of special operations missions. The group provides special tactics forces for assignment to regional unified commands. The group 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 Operation Sea Angel, Fiery Vigil, Joint Endeavor, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Colonel Stratton is a combat diver and a master static line and military freefall parachutist. Prior to his assignment as commander of the 720th STG, Colonel Stratton was assigned to the National War College in Washington, D.C.