Mark D. Hammond
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. NAVY

A native of Sayre, Pennsylvania, Lieutenant Commander Hammond enlisted in the Navy in September 1971. Upon completion of the Basic Course at the School of Music, he was assigned a tour of duty as trumpet and vocal instrumentalist with Unit Band 112, Brooklyn, New York, and a follow on tour at Northeastern Navy Band, Newport, Rhode Island from 1974 to 1977. Returning to the School of Music in 1977, he graduated from the Intermediate Course and was stationed with the Atlantic Fleet Band, Norfolk, Virginia. While there, he participated in UNITAS 19 aboard the USS BOWEN (FF-1079) and UNITAS 20 aboard the USS TRIPPE (FF-1075). In 1981 he returned to the School of Music to attend the Assistant Bandmaster Course and graduated first in his class. From 1981 to 1983 he served as Assistant Leader CINCSOUTH Band, Naples, Italy. Returning to the Atlantic Fleet Band, Norfolk, Virginia in 1983 he served as Leader, Navy Show Band where he participated in UNITAS 24 aboard the USS CONOLLY (DD-979) and UNITAS 25 aboard USS THORN (DD-988).

He was selected for appointment to Warrant Officer on 1 June 1985 and assigned for duty as Assistant Leader of the Naval Academy Band, Annapolis, Maryland. In 1987 he was commissioned as a Lieutenant Junior Grade, and since then has served as Assistant Head, Navy Music (NMPC-654); Director, Navy Band COMSIXTHFLT, Naples, Italy; Director Navy Band San Diego, San Diego, California; and Executive Officer, School of Music, Norfolk Virginia. In July 1999, Lieutenant Commander Hammond reported to the Chief of Naval Personnel where he is presently serving as Head, Navy Music Program (PERS-64).

HISTORY