Col Hutchens joined the Army Air Corps as a cadet in 1941. After pilot training, he was assigned to 381st Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force at Ridgewell, England. He flew 25 B-17 missions serving as First Pilot, Squadron, Group, and Wing Leader. He participated in numerous famous missions including the "Black Thursday" raid on Schweinfurt, Germany. His unit received a Special Presidential Citation from President Roosevelt and special recognition from Prime Minister Winston Churchill for actions that were deemed as critical factors in turning the course of World War II in Europe. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three Oak Clusters during his 25 missions.

After his combat tour, he served as the B-17 Project Officer responsible for optimizing the combat configuration of all B-17s manufactured within the United States. Other program office assignments included management of the B-47, B-57, and B-58 weapon systems. His last assignment prior to retirement was Chief of the Materiel Programming Group for the Deputy Chief of Staff for Materiel at HQ USAF.

After retirement from the USAF, he was employed by the General Electric Company; his last assignment was Manager of the B-1B Aircraft Engine Program.