A native of Inverness, Florida, CAPT Chandler enlisted as an undesignated airman in March 1992 and rose through the ranks to Aviation Electronics Technician First Class. In 2001, he graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, he holds a Master of Science in Administration in Acquisition and Contract Administration from the University of West Florida. Upon commissioning from OCS in January 2002, he began flight training and winged NFO in 2003, selecting S-3B Vikings. In May 2004, his first operational tour was VS-31 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida. He completed two deployments, accumulating over 1,100 flight hours and 330 traps.
In January 2008, CAPT Chandler completed transition training to the EP-3E at VP-30. He reported to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron TWO (VQ-2), NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. He flew missions at several overseas detachment sites and participated in multiple operations.
CAPT Chandler reported to Commander U.S. SIXTH Fleet, NSA Naples, Italy, in June 2011. There, he served as the Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO). He reported to VQ-1 World Watchers for his DH tour in 2013, during which he was deployed as Officer-in-Charge to AFRICOM/EUCOM, PACOM, and SOUTHCOM. In 2016, he reported to Naval Personnel Command as VQ Detailer and VQ/VT/CNATRA Placement Officer.
CAPT Chandler assumed Commanding Officer of the VQ-1 World Watchers in 2019 after serving as Executive Officer. VQ-1 was the largest operational aviation squadron in the Navy, with over 600 sailors and three forward-deployed detachment sites supporting all forward COCOMS. He accumulated over 1,300 flight hours in the EP-3E.
In 2020, CAPT Chandler transferred to OPNAV N98 as a Requirements Officer and N98 Multi-Mission Branch Head for MPRA, Sonobuoy, TACMobile, TACAMO, and Reserve Logistic Transport. For AY23-24, he was selected as a Secretary of Defense Executive Fellow with Amazon Web Services. In 2024, he served as Deputy Commander, Task Force SEVEN TWO in Misawa, Japan. He reported as the Executive Officer of NAS Patuxent River, Maryland July 17, 2025.
His awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Air Medal (2 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (3 awards), and various other campaign, service, and unit awards. CAPT Chandler married his high school sweetheart Jennifer in 1992, and they have three daughters.
Last Updated: 24 July 2025