Colonel M.C. Hickey, MSM, CD
Deputy Commander of the
601st Air Operations Center
Colonel (Col) Mark Hickey joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1996. Upon graduation from the Royal Military College of Canada, he commenced pilot training at 15 Wing Moose Jaw on the CT-156 and CT-155 aircraft, earning his Pilot Wings in 2003. His first flying assignment was as a CT-156 instructor pilot at 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School. After which, in 2007, he commenced CF-18 training, and was assigned to 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron, where he ultimately completed three operational tours over the course of his career.
Col Hickey’s staff appointments include Executive Assistant to the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, Acting Senior Staff Officer – Fighters, & Staff Officer – Fighter Coordination. He also served as the A5/8 Combined Strategic Plans & Requirements Division Chief at 1st Air Force Headquarters, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Col Hickey has participated in numerous domestic and international operations, to include NORAD support to Operation NOBLE EAGLE, as well as Operation PODIUM. He deployed as the Roto 0 Air Task Force Commander in support of the NATO enhanced Air Policing mission during Operation REASSURANCE - ROMANIA, and he has also had the opportunity to fly combat missions in support of Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR over Libya, and Operation IMPACT over Iraq.
Col Hickey has held a number of command positions, including Commanding Officer of 4 Wing Operational Support Squadron, Commanding Officer of 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron, Commander of Air Task Force – Romania, and Commanding Officer of Canadian Detachment – Tyndall. He has over 2000 flying hours, of which more than 1000 hours are on the CF-18 Hornet. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering, a Master of Applied Science, a Master of Defence Studies, and is also a graduate of the Joint Command and Staff Programme.
Col Hickey was promoted to his current rank on February 16, 2021, and is currently assigned as the Deputy Commander of the 601st Air Operations Center CONR/AFNORTH.