A 1968 graduate of the Naval Academy, Captain McHugh retired after 30 years of service as a Submarine Officer. He commanded the nuclear attack submarines Haddock and Swordfish. He also commanded the Submarine Base at Pearl Harbor and the NROTC Units at Boston University and MIT.

Following his Navy career, Captain McHugh joined the staff of Navy Mutual Aid Association. He retired as the Vice President for Membership in February 2007. He is certified as a Service Organization Representative by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and provides several presentations to service members each year on Veteran's Survivor Benefits and personal financial management. He has earned professional designations as a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), and Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL) from the American College.