A native of Noblesville, IN, Lieutenant Commander Nathen “Meat” Whisler enlisted into the Navy in September of 2003 and completed Basic Training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois.  Following graduation, he reported to Aviation Enlisted Aircrew Training School followed by Aviation Electronics Technician “A” school at Naval Air Technical Training Center Pensacola, Florida. In 2004, he attended P-3 In-Flight Technician (IFT) training at Patrol Squadron THREE ZERO (VP-30) aboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, where earned his Naval Aircrewman designation.  

His first operational assignment was with the “Mad Foxes” of Patrol Squadron FIVE (VP-5), home ported in Jacksonville, Florida.  During this tour he deployed three times as an IFT, NATOPS Instructor and Ordnance Quality Assurance/Safety Observer (QASO).  In 2008, he was selected for the Seaman-To-Admiral program (STA-21) where he would attend Purdue University, graduating in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management. Upon completion of primary and advanced multi-engine training, he would earn his Wings of Gold in 2013. Lieutenant Commander Whisler reported to the “Fighting Marlins” of Patrol Squadron FOUR ZERO (VP-40) for his first Pilot Operational Tour.

Operationally, Lieutenant Commander Whisler served as Instructor Pilot, Mission Commander, Pilot Training Officer and Quality Assurance Officer. He deployed three times, serving in the PACOM, EUCOM and CENTCOM Areas of Responsibility. Following his tour with the “Fighting Marlins”, Lieutenant Commander Whisler reported to “Big Red” of Unmanned Patrol Squadron ONE NINE (VUP-19) in 2017.

Ashore, Lieutenant Commander Whisler served as an Instructor Pilot, Mission Commander, Aviation Safety Officer, Safety NATOPS Officer, and Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Demonstrator (BAMS-D) Government Flight Representative. He was instrumental in developing the MQ-4C Safety Program, Squadron Operating Procedures, and management of the BAMS-D program to meet GFM requirements.  In 2020 Lieutenant Commander Whisler reported to Commander Task Force FIVE SEVEN (CTF-57) where he served as a Battle Watch Captain, Assistant Operations Officer, and Administration Officer in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve.

In 2021 LCDR Whisler reported to Patrol Squadron THREE ZERO (VP-30) where he would become the senior Instructor Pilot for the MQ-4C Fleet Replacement Squadron and Assistant OIC for the MQ-4C FIT.  His Department Head tour would lead him back to “Big Red” where he was the Training Department Head, Safety/NATOPS Department Head, and Operations Officer. He is currently serving as the Officer-In-Charge for Unmanned Patrol Squadron One-One (VUP-11).

Lieutenant Commander Whisler has over 4,500 hours in the P-3C and MQ-4C. His decorations include Navy Commendation Medal (x4), Navy Achievement Medal (x4) and various other personal, campaign, and unit awards. He is most thankful for his supportive family—Mary (Wife) and Emma (Daughter).
 

Last Updated: 10 June 2025