Dake logged more than 6,000 flight hours in military aircraft. Significant flying tours include a combat tour in Vietnam in 1968-69 flying CH-53A helicopters; Commanding Officer of Marine Helicopter Squadron One, designated as the President's helicopter pilot, 1983–1985; Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, July 1995 - July 1996. General Dake has flown helicopters in every aircraft wing in the Marine Corps. Additionally, he served as the Assistant Chief of Staff of Operations, G-3 for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the largest aircraft wing ever fielded in combat by the Marine Corps.