Captain Hugh M. Durham, USN
Captain Hugh M. Durham, USN, was born in Lebanon, Kentucky in 1921. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1942 and served in the Gunnery Department on board USS Columbia (CL-56) until 1944. He was designated a Naval Aviator in 1945 and after completion of training he served with Patrol Squadron 49 for two years. In August of 1948, he was ordered to Georgetown University for post graduate training in law. He was awarded his LLB from Georgetown in 1951 and was admitted to the Bar of the State of Virginia.
After serving on the Staff of Commander Fleet Air Wing 11, he reported to Patrol Squadron 45 for duty as Operations Officer. In August of 1953, Captain Durham reported to the Office of the Judge Advocate General in Washington, DC, and served there until 1956. In March of that year, he reported to USS Randolph (CVA-15) as Air Operations Officer. During the two years he was aboard Randolph, she made two cruises to the Mediterranean Area. He served as Executive Officer of Patrol Squadron 49 from February, 1958, until March of 1959, at which time he assumed command of Patrol Squadron 45 in Bermuda.
Prior to reporting to relieve as Commanding Officer of USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13), Captain Durham served for three years in the Bureau of Naval Personnel. In December, 1963, he received orders to proceed to Moffett Field, California, to relieve as Commander Fleet Air Wing Ten.
Captain Durham is married to the former Mary Sherrill of Louisville, Kentucky. They have two sons and one daughter.