Commander Chalkley is a native of Williamsburg, Virginia and a 2009 graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He was commissioned through NROTC and was designated as a Naval Aviator after completing flight training in September 2011.

After flight school he reported to Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Six (VFA-106) for initial fleet training in the F/A-18E Super Hornet. He was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron Three One (VFA-31) and deployed in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and INHERENT RESOLVE on USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77) with CARRIER AIR WING EIGHT (CVW-8). While at VFA-31 CDR Chalkley served as the Public Affairs Officer, Line Division Officer, NATOPS Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, and Head Landing Signals Officer.

In 2016 CDR Chalkley was selected to attend the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in Fallon, NV with follow-on orders to remain on the TOPGUN Staff as an instructor. In addition to his duties as an instructor, he also served as the F/A-18 Radars Subject Matter Expert and TOPGUN Standardization Officer.

In 2019 CDR Chalkley reported as Training Officer to Strike Fighter Squadron Eight One (VFA-81). During his tour with VFA-81 he deployed to the 5th Fleet AOR in support of Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL and maritime security operations on USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) with CARRIER AIR WING ONE (CVW-1). 

Following his time at VFA-81, CDR Chalkley reported once again to VFA-31 in 2020 for his Department Head Tour, where he served as Operations Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Safety Officer. Shortly after he checked in, the squadron deployed onboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) with CARRIER AIR WING ELEVEN (CVW-11) to the Western Pacific. After returning from deployment VFA-31 returned to CVW-8, where CDR Chalkley was selected as the CVW-8 Standardization Cell Lead.

After completion of his Department Head tour, CDR Chalkley reported to Headquarters United States European Command (HQ USEUCOM) in Stuttgart, Germany in 2023. Assigned to the Logistics Directorate (ECJ4), he served as the Joint Logistics Operation Center Chief and the EUCOM Deployment and Distribution Operations Chief.

CDR Chalkley has over 2000 flight hours in the F/A-18A-F. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal (two awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), as well as various unit and personal citations.

CDR Chalkley is married to Kerry Chalkley, and together they have two children, James and Alexander. 
 

Last Updated: 8 July 2025