Hugh E. Winkel
Commander, U.S. Navy
Commander Winkel, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation, he entered flight training in Pensacola, FL and was designated a Naval Aviator while at Training Squadron TWENTY-ONE in 1999.
His first assignment was with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE ONE THREE (VAW-113), the "Black Eagles, " located at Point Mugu, CA. As a "Black Eagle" he deployed aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. During his tour, he served as the Aircraft Division, Pilot NATOPS, and Head Landing Signals Officer.
In 2003, Commander Winkel was selected for the United States Naval Test Pilot School Cooperative Program. He spent 15 months attending aeronautical engineering courses at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA prior to proceeding to the United States Test Pilot School (USNTPS) in Patuxent River, MD. Upon graduation from USNTPS, with a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, he reported to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ZERO (VX-20) as an E-2/C-2 Project Officer. While there, he managed numerous test programs including the NP2000 Propeller System and E-2 In-Flight Refueling programs.
In 2007, he reported to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron THREE ZERO (VRC-30), the "Providers," for his department head tour at North Island, CA. He served as the Officer in Charge of Detachment TWO and made another deployment aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN to %the Fleet in support of Operations IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM. He finished his tour at VRC-30 serving as the squadron Maintenance Officer.
Following his tour in San Diego, Commander Winkel Reported to Commander Naval Air Forces Atlantic in Norfolk, VA serving as the E-2/C-2 Class Desk Officer. He was responsible for managing the E-2/C-2 Naval Air Force and Reserve aircraft inventory.
His Military decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Marine Corps Achievement Medal among various other unit awards and citations. He has accumulated over 2,700 flight hours in multiple aircraft and over 230 carrier arrested landings.