New Executive Officer Onboard NAS Whiting Field

Cmdr. Stephanie Biehle has recently been appointed as the Executive Officer (XO) of Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field in Milton.
 
As XO, Biehle serves as the commanding officer’s primary representative and is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, training, discipline and overall performance of the command. Additionally, she ensures smooth coordination of personnel, enforces security and safety protocols, and manages schedules and inspections to maintain order and readiness. Acting as a vital leader alongside the commanding officer and command master chief, Biehle plays a key role in fostering communication and supporting the success of the entire command.
 
“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,” said Biehle.
 
A native of San Diego, California, Biehle set her sights on receiving her commission to the Navy and becoming an aviator at a young age.

“When I was little, I told my father I wanted to fly and he said, ‘Well pal, then you have to go to the Naval Academy.’  I took that and ran with it, that was my plan from five years of age ­—to go to the Naval Academy and become a pilot,” she said.   

Biehle did just that, graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in English. She earned her Naval Aviator wings onboard NAS Pensacola in 2008 and reported to Helicopter Squadron 10 (HS-10) for initial fleet training as an SH-60F/HH-60H Seahawk helicopter pilot.
Biehle began her operational flying career in 2009 with the “Legendary Black Knights” of HS-4, which was later redesignated as Combat Squadron Four (HSC-4). While serving with the Black Knights, she deployed aboard the USS Ronald Reagan and took part in key missions such as Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Tomodachi and Operation Rim of the Pacific.

She later joined HSC-2, known as the “Fleet Angels,” where she worked as an MH-60S fleet replacement squadron instructor. Additionally, she served as a flag aide to Rear Adm. David H. Lewis at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. Biehle then became part of the “Wildcards” squadron, taking on roles including safety officer, admin officer and operations officer.

Biehle’s career also included serving as the squadron admin officer and Command Advisor on Pregnancy and Parenthood (CAPP) at HSC-3. She further contributed as the deputy chief enterprise architect and transformation technical director, leading the Fleet Manning Requirements Determination and Shore Manning Requirements Determination programs under the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations.

Biehle completed a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies with a focus on counterterrorism from the Naval War College and completed her Executive Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Biehle initially reported to NAS Whiting Field in 2024 where she served as the installation fuel officer before transitioning to the command XO.

“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,” Biehle said. “Being a part of an installation triad is the best possible job and I’m equally humbled and excited to be here.”