Lieutenant Colonel Whitlow was commissioned in 2008 through the University of Virginia’s NROTC program. Following The Basic School and Naval Flight Training, he was designated a Naval Aviator in February 2011.
Following initial CH-46E training with Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron (HMMT) 164 and a brief tour with HMM-268 at Camp Pendleton, CA, Captain Whitlow transitioned to the MV-22B. In October 2013, he reported to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 aboard MCAS Miramar, CA. The squadron deployed as the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Aviation Combat Element (ACE) aboard the USS Essex in May 2015. After attending Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-16, Captain Whitlow again deployed in 2017 as the 15th MEU ACE aboard the USS America. During this deployment, the squadron conducted contingency operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in Kuwait and Iraq. Upon return from deployment, Captain Whitlow served as the Operations Officer and was promoted to the rank of Major.
Major Whitlow reported to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) in June 2018. He served in the Operations Department and as a White House Liaison Officer where he coordinated Presidential travel with the White House Military Office, Presidential Staff, Secret Service, and Department of State. As a White House Tiltrotor Aircraft Commander, he flew numerous executive support missions for the President, Vice President, First Lady, Secretary of Defense, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Major Whitlow reported to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16 in July 2021 where he was assigned to VMM-161 as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer. The “Greyhawks” deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa in October 2021 as the first Aviation Combat Element- Crisis Response- Africa (ACE CR-AF) squadron. The unit supported operational tasking throughout the Horn of Africa in support of Operations Octave Quartz and Enduring Sentinel. Upon the squadron’s return in April 2022, Major Whitlow was selected to serve as the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General’s Staff Secretary. In June 2023, Major Whitlow transferred back to MAG-16 Headquarters where he served as the Group Operations Officer.
Lieutenant Colonel Whitlow assumed command of the Greyhawks in June 2024.