Electrical expert retires after 36 years of Air Force service

  • Published
  • By Amy Ausley
  • AFCESA
Tyndall AFB, Fla. --  Turn out the lights! After 36 years of federal service working in the electrical field, including the last eight as the Air Force's chief electrical engineer, Dr. Daryl Hammond officially retired on August 3, 2012.

Dr. Hammond enlisted in the Air Force right out of high school in 1971, and had the opportunity to learn the electrical skills that became the foundation for his engineering career.

"My shop chief at Spangdahlem made a comment that stuck with me," said Dr. Hammond. "We were working on a piece of equipment and I complained that it wasn't put together well and we should make some changes. The chief said, 'Well, Airman Hammond, that's a nice thought, but we can't make those changes because you're not an engineer.'"

So, he became one. After leaving the Air Force in 1977 as a staff sergeant, Dr. Hammond got his California state electrical contractor's license, began his own business, and completed his Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. In 1982, he rejoined the Air Force as an officer and worked as an electrical engineer in both research and civil engineering and obtained a master's degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

In 1992, Dr. Hammond changed uniforms, trading his blues for a civilian shirt and tie. While working at Tinker AFB, Okla., he completed his doctorate by attending Oklahoma State University part-time. During his 20 years of civil service, Dr. Hammond worked as an electrical engineer at base and major command levels and, for the last eight and a half years, at the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency, Tyndall AFB, Fla.

"AFCESA has a phenomenal Air Force-wide mission, giving engineers such as myself a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a difference," he said.

Asked what part of his career he will remember the most, Dr. Hammond answered without hesitation, "Developing new guidelines for Air Force electrical workers, even though it was a hard sell to the career field. The new guidance involved a change in the way electricians work on live circuits and change can be difficult."

"I was involved in the investigation of several electrical accidents that resulted in injury," he said. "Seeing an electrician so severely burned had a profound impact on me. One Airman so badly injured is one too many. I knew we had to work to prevent it."

Although they don't know it, Airmen and their families on bases everywhere have also benefited from Dr. Hammond's expertise, with his input on Air Force standards for street lighting, renewable energy, emergency generators, and energy security. And, he's worked to make sure the next generation of Air Force engineers and electricians are ready by influencing the curriculum and teaching classes at his alma mater, AFIT. He was an integral part of the largest AFIT satellite broadcast of an electrical safety class, with viewers from around the world.

He wrote numerous engineering technical letters, contributed to many Air Force instructions, and published over 20 technical and general articles during his career. In 2006, he won the Major General Augustus M. Minton Award for the most outstanding contribution to the Air Force Civil Engineer magazine for his article "Expanding the Envelope in Electrical Safety." He was also the Air Force Federal Engineer of the Year in 2005 and 2010.

Dr. Hammond credits much of his success at AFCESA to having the privilege of working with the electrical career field managers and with the outstanding electricians and technicians of the Civil Engineer Maintenance, Inspection and Repair Team.

"As a base-level electrical engineer, I learned to value the technical expertise CEMIRT provides. And, I always tell new civil engineers and electricians to build a good relationship with the career field managers," said Dr. Hammond. "Their leadership skills are amazing, so utilize their expertise. Never be too proud to say 'I need help' or 'I don't get it.'"

After such a long and dedicated Air Force career, there are mixed emotions about retirement.

"It's a bittersweet feeling. There's no question I'll miss being able to advocate for the career field and working with the many fine people in the civil engineer community. On the other hand, I'm looking forward to retirement, pursuing some of my other interests and especially spending time with the grandchildren, hopefully being a positive influence in their lives."