 He was commissioned in the Navy in May 1974 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Candidate (NROTC).Hamilton’s sea tours include Electronics Material Officer and Combat Information Center Officer on board (1974 to 1976); Fire Control Officer and Missile Officer on board (1976 to 1978); Operations Officer on board (1981 to 1984); Executive Officer, (1986 to 1988); and Commanding Officer (1991 to 1993).Hamilton’s shore tours include Anti-Submarine Warfare Program Analyst and Administrative Assistant to Director, Program Resource Appraisal Division (OP-91), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (1984 to 1986); Head AEGIS Destroyer Section (OP-355F) and Financial Coordinator, AEGIS Cruiser Destroyer Branch, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (1986 to 1988); and Military Staff Specialist for Naval Warfare in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition & Technology) (1994 to 1996).