Born and raised in southern Florida, RADM McCormick graduated from Miami Edison High School in June 1947. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he was a member of the band.
RADM McCormick began his naval career as an aviation cadet in March 1952, after graduating from Georgia Tech with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was designated as a Naval Officer and aviator (T-3567) on 1 September 1953. Squadron tours included VA-104 flying AD-6 aircraft, VF-114, VF-41 and VF-101 flying F4 Phantom aircraft.
A graduate of the Navy's Test Pilot School (class 18) in June of 1957 was assigned to the Electronics Test Division, where he participated in the Board of Inspection and Survey trials for the F8, A4, A3, TT1, T2J and a number of other aircraft and systems test programs. As a Captain, he served as the Fighter Design Officer in the Naval Air Systems Command and was the eighth Naval Aviator to fly the F-l 14.
Commands included VF-41 and VF-101 flying F4's and the USS Trenton LPD-14 and the USS America CV-66. While CO of the America, he day qualified in the F-l 14 Tomcat.
RADM McCormick's final assignment was as The Navy's Inspector General. He retired on 31 October 1981. Awards and citations include the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star. Flight time accumulated was over 5800 hours, in 70+ models/types of aircraft and 576 carrier landings in six different types.