Remembering long-time restoration manager, Mark “Hambone” Hamilton
Remembering Mark “Hambone” Hamilton
Aircraft Restoration Manager | U.S. Air Force Msgt (Retired)
We remember Mark “Hambone” Hamilton, a man who dedicated his life to aviation, family, and the community. Born on April 5, 1955, in Monterey, California, Mark’s journey began in the Midwest, where he was raised in Nebraska and graduated from Fremont High School in 1973. Soon after, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he honed his skills as an aircraft structural repair technician, traveling around the world to work on a range of aircraft.
Mark served at several key duty stations, including Offutt AFB, RAF Lakenheath, Bergstrom AFB, and Hill AFB, among others. His work touched everything from F-4s to C-130s, and his technical expertise was unmatched. He retired from the Air Force in 1994 with the rank of Master Sergeant, after more than 20 years of service.
In 1996, Mark brought his expertise to the SAC Aerospace Museum, joining the restoration staff at our Bellevue location. As one of the first staff members to join the team after the museum’s move to its new location, Mark played a critical role in building the restoration program from the ground up. Over the years, he worked on every aircraft in our collection, from EC-135s to RF-4Cs, and everything in between. His skill, vision, and commitment laid the foundation for the museum’s thriving restoration program, which has seen hundreds of volunteers work hundreds of thousands of hours to preserve our history.
Mark’s contributions went far beyond just the technical side of restoration. He built a culture of collaboration and dedication that has continued to grow. His leadership and mentorship shaped the work ethic and spirit of those around him, inspiring countless individuals to take part in the museum’s mission.
Outside of work, Mark was a man who valued family above all else. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free time, finding peace and joy in the outdoors. It’s clear that his loved ones were at the heart of everything he did.
Mark passed away on February 10, 2025, at the age of 69. While we mourn the loss of a man whose impact was far-reaching, we also celebrate his legacy. Mark’s work, his spirit, and the program he built will live on through the museum, its volunteers, and the history he helped preserve. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A memorial is being held in the SAC Aerospace Museum’s Restoration Hangar on February 22, 2025 at 10:00AM.
