Lt. Alan Hammond Winchell USN was killed with his crew in a helicopter crash on 9 June 1986 off the coast of Florida during a training exercise. A memorial service was held on 16 June at the NAS Patuxent River chapel and burial services with full military honors were later conducted at Arlington National Cemetery.
Born in Watertown, New York, Hammond graduated from the Naval Academy in 1978. After graduation, “Book” earned his wings in Pensacola, Florida in 1980.
He was then attached to HSL-31 before going to HSL-35 at North Island, California. During that time, he completed deployments with the USS Cook (FF-1083) and USS Harry W. Hill (DD-986). His superior performance and airmanship led to Lt. Hammond’s selection to the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at NAS Patuxent River.
Graduating from the Test Pilot School in 1985, Lt. Hammond joined the Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Directorate where he was program manager for the SH-60B helicopter. He has been awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Ribbon and the Sea Service Ribbon.
Lt. Hammond is survived by his wife Julia Ann, his parents George and Irma, two brothers Robert and David, and three sisters Edie, Deborah and Hope.