President Trump has nominated Dale Marks, the executive director of the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, to serve as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations and Environment. 

• The nomination, sent to the Senate on Feb. 3, would fill the position previously held by Brendan Owens, who resigned.

If confirmed, Marks would oversee the Defense Department’s management of military installations worldwide and its environmental, safety, and occupational health programs. His current role already involves significant installation management experience, as he directs base operations at Eglin — the Air Force’s largest installation at 726 square miles.

At Eglin, Marks manages more than 10,000 military, civilian and contractor personnel. The 96th Test Wing conducts testing of conventional munitions, command and control systems, aircraft avionics and guidance systems, and radar cross section measurement. 

• His responsibilities include overseeing eight groups and 32 squadrons, operating 38 modified test aircraft and managing 120,000 square miles of over-water test ranges plus facilities in six states.

His background includes relevant environmental experience, having served as a Senior Environmental Consultant to the office of Secretary of the Air Force Energy, Installations, and Environment. Before his current role, Marks served as Deputy Director of Strategy, Plans, Programming, and Analysis for National Guard Bureau Space Operations.

His career includes military service spanning 24 years in both Active Duty and National Guard roles, during which he logged over 3,000 hours as a combat fighter pilot in multiple aircraft. His extensive experience includes a deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan, as Chief of Staff for Operational Sustainment, and service as Deputy Chief of Staff at Continental North American Aerospace Defense Command Region.

The Senate Armed Services Committee will consider Marks’ nomination.