Tucker “Cinco” Hamilton is an experienced Experimental Fighter Test Pilot and former Chief of Test and Operations for the Air Force. He commanded the 96th Operations Group at Eglin AFB, overseeing cutting-edge flight tests on advanced platforms, including AI-enabled uncrewed systems. Starting his career as an F-15C pilot, Cinco has supported critical missions like Operation Noble Eagle, escorting Air Force One. His distinguished service includes leading tactical ISR operations in Afghanistan, pioneering automatic collision avoidance testing, and managing the F-35 flight test program. He has accumulated over 2,200 flight hours in numerous aircraft.

Currently, Cinco serves in executive leadership roles as the Chief Strategy Officer for a leading autonomy software company and as the Chief Technology Officer for a celebrated IT company. In these roles, he leverages his expertise in AI, autonomy, and national security to drive innovation and strategic growth.

Education

B.S. Aerospace Engineering, University of Colorado, 2002

M.S. Aerospace Engineering, University of Tennessee, 2009

M.S. Flight Test Engineering, USAF Test Pilot School, 2012 Strategic Studies Military Fellow, MIT, 2019

Harvard Business School Alumni, Program for Leadership Development, 2022

Notable Achievements

National Aeronautics Association Collier Trophy Recipient, 2019

Society of Experimental Test Pilots Annual Herman Salmon Award,

2017 USAF STEM Contributor of the Year, 2016

Ten Outstanding Young American Award,

2015 USAF ISR Officer Contributor of the Year, 2010

University of Colorado Thomas Jefferson Award, 2002