Flaye Maxwell Hammond III

LT COMMANDER FLAYE MAXWELL HAMMOND III
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Highest Rank: Commander (O-4 / USN Equivalent)

Flaye Maxwell Hammond III was born into a proud North Carolina family, the son of Flaye Maxwell Hammond Jr. and Mary Louise Ivey Hammond of Rocky Mount. Driven by a desire to serve, Flaye arrived at the newly established United States Air Force Academy, joining the historic vanguard that would comprise the Falcon Class of 1959. Known for his focus, camaraderie, and distinct sense of purpose, Flaye spent his cadet years in Cadet Squadron 10, preparing for a lifetime in the skies.

On graduation day, June 3, 1959, Flaye secured a unique place in Air Force Academy lore. As he stepped forward to receive his diploma, his classmates loudly whistled the “Marines' Hymn”—a nod to his unique path. Flaye was the lone graduate of the historic first class to be cross-commissioned directly into another branch of service, raising his right hand to become an Ensign in the United States Navy.

Seeking the unique operational environments offered by carrier aviation, Flaye completed Navy flight training and earned his wings. By 1962, he was shaping the next generation of naval aviators as an Instructor Pilot with Training Squadron 4 (VT-4) at NAS Pensacola. Later that year, he transitioned to the fleet, flying combat-ready strike aircraft with Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34) "Blue Blasters" aboard the USS Saratoga.

Recognized for his superior technical skill and sharp instincts in the cockpit, Flaye was selected for the prestigious U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, graduating with the elite class of 1965/1966. He spent the next three years working on the cutting edge of military aviation as a Test Pilot and Project Officer, evaluating advanced weapons systems and experimental equipment for Navy aircraft.

In 1968, Flaye returned to tactical fleet operations at NAS Cecil Field, Florida, flying with Attack Squadron 174 (VA-174) and subsequently serving as Weapons Officer and A-7 Corsair II pilot with the "Golden Warriors" of Attack Squadron 87 (VA-87). His highly specialized background in weapons development culminated in a 1971 assignment as the Nuclear Weapons Officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Tragically, Commander Hammond’s exceptional life and promising career were cut short. While stationed at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Lt. Cdr. Flaye M. Hammond III passed away on August 9, 1973, at the age of 35. Over the course of his 14 years of dedicated military service, he earned five Air Medals, representing a career defined by courage, precision, and a willingness to blaze his own trail. Flaye remains fondly remembered by his family, his Navy shipmates, and his USAFA classmates as an elite aviator who perfectly embodied the Class of 1959’s pioneering spirit.

SERVICE HISTORY, AWARDS, AND EDUCATION

EDUCATION

Year Degree / Certification Institution
1959 Bachelor of Science United States Air Force Academy
1960 Naval Aviator Wings USN Flight Training
1966 Test Pilot Certification U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (Class 44/45)

MEDALS AND AWARDS

Award / Decoration Quantity / Notes
Air Medal 5 Awards
National Defense Service Medal
Navy Command Pilot / Aviator Insignia

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Years Duty / Assignment Location
1959 Commissioned as Ensign United States Navy
1962 Instructor Pilot Training Squadron 4 (VT-4), NAS Pensacola, FL
1962 – 1965 Naval Aviator (Pilot) Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34), USS Saratoga
1965 – 1966 Test Pilot Student U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, NAS Patuxent River, MD
1965 – 1968 Test Pilot / Project Officer Weapons Test, NAS Patuxent River, MD
1968 – 1969 Pilot Attack Squadron 174 (VA-174), NAS Cecil Field, FL
1969 – 1971 Weapons Officer / A-7 Pilot Attack Squadron 87 (VA-87), NAS Cecil Field, FL
1971 – 1973 Nuclear Weapons Officer USS Franklin D. Roosevelt
1973 Final Duty Assignment Naval Station Mayport, FL (Deceased August 9, 1973)