Master Chief Willingham is a native of Clearwater, Florida and enlisted in the United States Navy in May 1994. She completed boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois and Aviation Electrician, Class "A" School in Millington, Tennessee followed by P-3 Connector & Wiring Repair, P-3 Electrical Systems and P-3 Integrated Basic Core "C" Schools in Jacksonville, Florida.

Upon graduation, she reported for duty at Patrol Squadron TWO SIX (VP-26) in Brunswick, Maine. She completed tours at Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30), Naval Security Force Detachment Guam, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VQ-1), Recruit Training Command, USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN SEVEN (HSM-77), Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30), Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE ONE SEVEN (VAW-117) and Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing FIVE SEVEN (CPRW-57/CTF-57)

Master Chief Willingham is currently serving as the Command Master Chief at Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHT SIX (VFA-86) based in Lemoore, California. She is currently completing a Master's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Operations Management from American Intercontinental University. Additionally, she is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 154 and has earned her Enlisted Aviation and Surface Warfare qualifications as well as Recruit Division Commander, Master Training Specialist and Senior Enlisted Aviation Maintenance Master Chief Petty Officer (NEC 8300) designations.

Personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (nine awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and various unit and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 2 August 2023