Captain Hubbard is a native of Centreville, Alabama and was graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) in August, 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He entered the Navy as a Naval Aviation Cadet in November 1951, was commissioned Ensign and designated a Fighter Squadron 91 at NAS Alameda, California. In 1955, Lieutenant (junior grade) Hubbard was assigned to Chief of Naval Air Basic Training Command in Pensacola, Florida as a Flight Instructor. In November 1959, Lieutenant Hubbard reported to Fighter Squadron 124 at NAS Moffett Field for F-8 training and subsequently to Fighter Squadron 24 at NAS Alameda as Safety Officer. He was assigned to the staff of Commander Carrier Division FOUR as Aide and Flag Lieutenant in 1961. In February 1963, Lieutenant Commander Hubbard reported to VF-124 at NAS Miramar, California for instructor duty. In April 1965, he was assigned to Fighter Squadron 154 aboard USS CORAL SEA on Yankee Station as Operations Officer. In December 1965, he returned to Fighter Squadron 124 as a Combat Flight Instructor and Aircraft Maintenance Officer.

Commander Hubbard was graduated in June 1967 from the Command and Staff Course of the Naval War College. He reported to Fighter Squadron 62 as Executive Officer in October 1967. He subsequently took Command of VF-62 in August 1968. In 1969, Commander Hubbard was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Strategic Plans and Policy Division. He served as Commander Carrier Air Wing NINETEEN onboard USS ORISKANY from May 1971 to June 1972.

In July 1973, he graduated from the national War College, Washington, D.C., and received the Master of Arts degree International Affairs from George Washington University. Captain Hubbard assumed Command of USS PONCHATOULA (AO-148) in September 1973, and was relieved in February 1975.

Captain Hubbard has been awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat "V", the Air Medal with Numeral fourteen in lieu of the second through fourteenth awards and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" and stars in lieu of second through fourth awards for combat in South East Asia.