Naval Air Station Whiting Field has welcomed a new Executive Officer who brings both extensive aviation experience and unwavering dedication to one of the Navy’s most critical training installations.
- Commander Stephanie Biehle recently assumed the XO position at NAS Whiting Field in Milton.
A Dream Takes Flight
Biehle’s journey to naval aviation started early in San Diego, California, when she told her father about her desire to fly.
- His response was simple but profound: “Well, pal, then you have to go to the Naval Academy.”
That moment shaped her entire trajectory, creating a clear path from childhood aspiration to military leadership.
True to her word, Biehle graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in English. Two years later, she earned her Naval Aviator wings at NAS Pensacola, beginning her flying career as an SH-60F/HH-60H Seahawk helicopter pilot.
Operational Excellence and Leadership
Biehle’s operational career took off in 2009 with the legendary “Black Knights” of HS-4, later redesignated as HSC-4. Her deployments aboard the USS Ronald Reagan included participation in critical missions such as Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Tomodachi, and Operation Rim of the Pacific.
Her expertise expanded through various squadron assignments, including instructor duties with HSC-2’s “Fleet Angels” and diverse leadership roles with the “Wildcards” squadron. Biehle also served in high-level positions, including as a flag aide to Rear Admiral David H. Lewis and in strategic roles within the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations organization, where she led critical manning requirements programs.
Education and Expertise
Understanding that effective leadership requires continuous learning, Biehle pursued advanced education while maintaining her operational responsibilities. She earned a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies with a counterterrorism focus from the Naval War College. She completed an Executive Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School. This combination of operational experience and academic rigor positions her perfectly for her current role.
Leading at the Crown Jewel
As Executive Officer at NAS Whiting Field, Biehle serves as the commanding officer’s primary representative, overseeing daily operations, training, discipline, and overall command performance. Her responsibilities include coordinating personnel, enforcing safety protocols, and managing the complex schedules and inspections that keep the world’s busiest airfield running smoothly.
“My duties are to provide comprehensive support to the commanding officer, which allows him the ability to think strategically by attacking the tactical tasks such as the day-to-day operations,” Biehle explained, demonstrating her understanding of effective command structure and support.
Having initially served as the installation fuel officer in 2024 before transitioning to XO, Biehle brings intimate knowledge of Whiting Field’s operations to her new role. Her enthusiasm for the assignment is evident:
“There is no better installation than NAS Whiting Field. As the busiest airfield in the world and with the unmatched professionalism and effectiveness of the staff, Whiting truly is the crown jewel of Naval Aviation.”
