Colonel GREG A. HIGNITE

Colonel Greg Hignite commands the Air Force Public Affairs Agency, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, a field operating agency reporting to the Secretary of the Air Force Director of Public Affairs, with more than 270 people at seven locations. The agency provides global Combat Camera and video production capabilities and specialized program management for the public affairs career field. Programs managed by the agency’s award-winning team include establishing standards, researching, testing, and purchasing equipment and systems, public web hosting for the Air Force, archiving and measuring distribution of products, and public affairs intellectual property management.

Colonel Hignite has served in squadron, wing, major command and joint positions. He has deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq supporting coalition operations. While in Haiti, he served as a United Nations Peacekeeper and spokesperson for the Brazilian-led military component of nearly seven thousand troops.

Colonel Hignite’s path to the Air Force began in 1990 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an aerial-qualified photographer. His time in the Navy culminated with service at the White House Communications Agency. He served as a presidential videographer documenting the president’s daily activities in the White House and around the world aboard Air Force One.

EDUCATION:
2001 Bachelor of Science Degree in Television, Radio and Film, Syracuse University
2008 Master of Arts Degree in International Relations, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Okla.
2013 Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies (Academic Distinction), U.S. Naval Command and Staff College, Newport, R.I.
2020 Master of Arts Degree in Strategic Studies (Academic Distinction), Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.

ASSIGNMENTS:
1. December 2001 - November 2004, public affairs action officer, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.
2. November 2004 - August 2007, chief public affairs, 62nd Airlift Wing, McChord AFB, Wash.
3. August 2007 - May 2010, operations officer, then chief of executive issues, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein AB, Germany.
4. May 2010 - July 2012, chief public affairs officer assignments, Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph AFB, Texas.
5. July 2012 - June 2013, student, U.S. Naval Command and Staff College, Naval Station Newport, R.I.
6. July 2013 - October, 2014, commander, 2nd Combat Camera Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah.
7. Oct. 2014 - October, 2015, UN Peacekeeper, UN Stabilization Mission, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
8. Dec. 2015 - June, 2018, director Air Force National Media Engagement, New York, N.Y.
9. June 2018 - June 2019, director of public affairs, U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
10. June 2019 - May 2020, student, U.S. Air Force Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
11. June 2020 - present, commander, Air Force Public Affairs Agency, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Presidential Service Badge
Bronze Star Medal
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Air Force Public Affairs company grade officer of the year - 2005
Air Force Public Affairs field grade officer of the year - 2016
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Second Lieutenant Dec. 20, 2001
First Lieutenant Dec. 20, 2003
Captain Dec. 20, 2005
Major Dec. 1, 2011
Lieutenant Colonel Nov. 1, 2016
Colonel May 1, 2022

(Current as of June 2022)