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Commander Luke R. Whitmore

A native of Logan, Iowa, Commander Whitmore graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2003 earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Secondary Education.  Upon receiving his commission, he reported to NAS Pensacola for flight training.  He earned his Naval Flight Officer Wings at Randolph AFB, TX in December 2004 and subsequently reported to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron SEVEN (VQ-7) for initial E-6B Navigator training at Tinker AFB, OK.
 
Commander Whitmore reported to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron FOUR (VQ-4) where he qualified as Navigator, Airborne Communications Officer Instructor, and Mission Commander Evaluator. In October 2007, he deployed to Al Udeid Air Base Qatar, conducting missions in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.  In August 2008, Commander Whitmore reported to VQ-7 as an Airborne Communications Officer Instructor and was designated the E-6B NFO Evaluator.  While at VQ-7 he earned a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha.   
 
Commander Whitmore reported to USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) in August 2011 as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer or “Shooter”.  While onboard the “Big E” he qualified as Command Duty Officer-Underway and was the final V-2 Division Officer (Catapults and Arresting Gear) on her 25th and final deployment.  Commander Whitmore reported to Strategic Communications Wing ONE (SCW-1) as the Exercise Plans Officer.  While attached to SCW-1, he completed Joint Professional Military Education (Phase I).
 
Following his time at SCW-1, Commander Whitmore reported to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron THREE (VQ-3) in October 2014 for his department head tour where he served as Training Officer, Communications Officer, and Maintenance Officer.  In September 2016 He transferred to the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC), Offutt AFB, Nebraska where he served as Emergency Actions Officer (EAO) for Operations Team TWO and NAOC Chief of Plans and was selected as the 2017 Department of Defense EAO of the Year.
 
In September 2019 Commander Whitmore reported to SCW-1 as the Deputy for Communications (N6).  He was selected for command in March 2021 and reported as the TACAMO Weapons School Executive Officer in August 2022.
 
Commander Whitmore has accumulated over 3,200 hours in the E-6B and E-4B.  His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, and various other unit and personal awards.

Last Updated: 8 April 2024

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