Julius Hood

                                                                                HMCM Julius "Jay" Hood

                                                                             United States Navy (Retired)

A native of Atlanta, GA., and resident of Clinton, MD. Master Chief Hood joined the U.S. Navy in August 1956. Between boot camp in San Diego and retirement after 32 years of service in 1988. Master Chief Hood served in the Pacific Reserve Fleet in Vallejo, CA; Naval Hospitals in San Diego, Oakland, Great Lakes, Cherry Point, Philadelphia, Bethesda; Tripler U.S. Army Hospital in Hawaii; three tours with the U.S. Marine Corps, USS Intrepid (CVS-11); Commander Service Force, Pacific Fleet; Naval Reserve Center, Boston; Administrative Assistant to the Chief of the Medical Service Corps, and from 1983 to retirement served as Command Master Chief at Naval Hospital Bethesda (his 2nd tour at Bethesda). Since retirement from active duty in 1988, he served as the U.S. Navy Memorial Master Chief until December 1999.

Master Chief Hood has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Five Vietnam Campaign and Service Awards, a Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal (eighth award), and the National Defense Medal.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, the former Gwendolyn Strong of Atlanta and two daughters, Angela (Gary) and Julienne (Johnny). He also leaves two granddaughters, Alexis and Christina, three sisters, two brothers, and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Master Chief was preceded in death by an infant son and a brother.

A private graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery will be held at a later date.