LtCol McHugh entered the Marine Corps in 2008 as a graduate of Princeton University. He reported to The Basic School in April 2009 and graduated with Delta Company in October. Following The Basic School, he reported to MATSG-21 aboard NAS Pensacola, Florida. He completed aviation pre-flight indoctrination in July 2010, primary flight training with VT-28 aboard NAS Corpus Christi, Texas in April 2011, and intermediate/advanced strike fighter training with VT-9 aboard NAS Meridian, Mississippi in April 2012. LtCol McHugh received his wings in May 2012.
After transferring to VMAT-203 in June 2012, LtCol McHugh completed the AV-8B Fleet Replacement Squadron syllabus in April 2013. He reported to VMA-223 in May 2013 and deployed from February to November 2014 as a member of the AV-8B detachment to VMM-263 (REIN) on the 22d MEU. He deployed again with VMA-223 from October 2015 to April 2016 to Isa Air Base, Bahrain in support of SPMAGTF-CR-CC. LtCol McHugh completed his tour with the Great American Bulldogs in July 2016 as the Pilot Training Officer and Assistant Operations Officer.
In August 2016, LtCol McHugh reported to Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) in Quantico, Virginia. He completed EWS in May 2017 appointed to the Commanding General’s Honor Roll and selected as a distinguished graduate. He subsequently reported to Officer Candidate School (OCS) as a summer 2017 augment instructor. During his time at OCS, LtCol McHugh was selected on a TACAIR transition board to fly the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. While awaiting orders for F-35 training, LtCol McHugh spent six months assigned to the F-35 branch at HQMC Aviation as a special projects officer.
In February 2018, LtCol McHugh reported to VMFAT-501 in Beaufort, South Carolina and completed the F-35B conversion syllabus in November. He reported to VMFA-121 aboard MCAS Iwakuni, Japan in January 2019.
During his time with the Green Knights, LtCol McHugh served as the Quality Assurance Officer, Pilot Training Officer, and Operations Officer. He graduated Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 1-21 in October 2020 and deployed five times in support of 31st MEU patrols. He departed Japan in May 2022 and reported to MAWTS-1 as an F-35 Instructor Pilot.
As a MAWTS-1 Instructor, LtCol McHugh served as the subject matter expert for Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, Electronic Warfare and Countermeasures, Surface to Air Countertactics, and Mission Commanding. He served as the MAWTS-1 TACAIR Department Head from June 2023 until May 2024, and the MAWTS-1 Executive Officer from May 2024 until August 2025. He departed MAWTS-1 in August 2025 and reported to MAG-11 aboard MCAS Miramar.
LtCol McHugh’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with numeral six, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of second award).
He is proudly married, and he and his wife have two children.