A native of Littleton, Colorado, Commander Whiteman graduated from Wichita State University in 2007, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He holds a Master of Science degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle.  CDR Whiteman was commissioned through Officer Candidate School, NAS Pensacola, FL, in September 2007 and reported to NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, for primary flight training in March 2008.  He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in August 2009.  In October 2009, CDR Whiteman reported to the VQ-7 “Roughnecks” for initial fleet training as an E-6B Pilot.

CDR Whiteman began his operational flying in April 2010 with the “Ironmen” of VQ-3.  As an “Ironman” he made numerous deployments in support of Joint Chiefs of Staff, USSTRATCOM, and EUCOM nuclear deterrence missions.  During his tour, CDR Whiteman qualified as an E-6B Instructor Pilot and Mission Commander Evaluator and was selected as VQ-3 Pilot of the Year, 2012.

CDR Whiteman then reported to the VQ-7 “Roughnecks” in February 2013 for Fleet Replacement Squadron instructor duty, teaching newly winged naval aviators and naval flight officers how to operate the E-6B.  During this tour CDR Whiteman was selected as both the FRS Instructor Pilot and Strategic Communications Wing ONE TACAMO Pilot of the Year for 2015. 

CDR Whiteman then reported aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in February 2016, to serve as Assistant Strike Officer.  While aboard CDR Whiteman was selected to United States Naval Test Pilot School, graduating with Class 151 in June 2017.  Reporting to VX-20 in July 2017, CDR Whiteman served as E-6B Test Pilot, Project Officer, and Platform Coordinator, overseeing all E-6B flight test.  In April 2019, CDR Whiteman reported to the “Shadows” of VQ-4 for his Department Head tour, serving as Assistant Operations, Safety, and Maintenance Officer.

Following his Department Head tour, CDR Whiteman returned to United States Naval Test Pilot School in January 2022 for flight instructor duty.  While on staff, he served as model manager for the Navy’s fleet of T-38C aircraft, supporting the instruction of test pilots from five services and eight countries.  He selected for squadron command in March 2023 and reported to VQ-7 as Executive Officer in September 2024.

CDR Whiteman has accumulated over 3,600 flight hours in 38 aircraft.  His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various service awards and ribbons.
 

Last Updated: 9 June 2025