Hawk is forced to retreat from G.I. Joe headquarters during the events of World War III. With help from Destro and the Baroness, G.I. Joe is able to take back many of the areas controlled by Cobra. Cobra Commander and The Plague retreat to a secret base in the Appalachian Mountains, where the final battle takes place. General Colton is shot in the back by Cobra Commander, but survives. The battle ends when Hawk, using Velocity's jet pack, tackles Cobra Commander and knocks him out with a punch to the face. In the aftermath, Hawk and Colton are asked by the President to continue leading the G.I. Joe team, as it is fully reactivated. Cobra Commander is locked away in a special underwater prison, where Hawk later visits Cobra Commander and the two exchange words. Cobra Commander tells Hawk that when war breaks out again, Hawk will have him to thank for it. Hawk responds, "Maybe, Commander. But understand this: no matter what happens...you won't be taking part in any of it."