Captain Duane Whitmer

Captain Duane Whitmer graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and was designated a Naval Aviator in 2002. Following H-60F/H training at Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) TEN, CAPT Whitmer reported to HS-4. As a “Black Knight,” he completed a Western Pacific deployment aboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) and another aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) supporting OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. While assigned to HS-4, he served as Legal Officer, Line Division Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer.

As a Class 134 graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, he reported to the “Blackjacks” of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ONE and served as test pilot for various projects, including developmental test of multiple systems on the MH-60R/S and MQ-8B. In 2012, CAPT Whitmer reported to the “Dragonslaysers” of HS-11 as department head, served as Administrative and Maintenance Officer, and deployed aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.

After leaving HS-11, CAPT Whitmer reported to North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and served as Vice Division Chief, Maritime Warning. During this tour, he earned his Joint Qualified Officer designation and a graduate certificate in Anti-Submarine Warfare from the Naval Postgraduate School.

CAPT Whitmer then reported as Executive Officer to the “Dragonwhales” of Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) TWO EIGHT and subsequently served as Commanding Officer from April 2018 to May 2019. At HSC-28, he led all aspects of operations, training, and maintenance for 350 Sailors, 14 MH-60S Block III helicopters and five world-wide deployable detachments. Additionally, they were the first HSC squadron to achieve initial Mine Warfare operating capability.

Following his command tour, CAPT Whitmer reported to MH-60 Multi-Mission Helicopter Program Office (PMA-299) from July 2019 to March 2023. He was first responsible for life-cycle management of all MH-60R/S Mission Systems and Mine Warfare equipment. Upon selection for Captain, he was selected as Deputy Program Manager for Planning and Integration. At PMA-299, CAPT Whitmer earned his DAWIA Advanced Certification in Program Management.

CAPT Whitmer has been the Executive Assistant for Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, since March 2023.

Captain Whitmer has over 2,000 flight hours in a multitude of rotary and fixed wing aircraft. His personal decorations include two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, two Air Medals, and various campaign and unit awards. He earned a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering and completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase I while attending the Air Force Institute of Technology.