Originally from Cross City, Florida, Rear Adm. Trey Wheeler graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography in 1988 and holds a Master’s degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College, Washington, D.C.

A career naval flight officer, Wheeler’s operational assignments include tours with Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 in Jacksonville, Florida; communications officer and assistant chief of staff for Administration/Flag Secretary for Commander, Carrier Group 1, San Diego, California; department head with VP-45, Jacksonville, Florida; assistant chief of staff for Operations/Fleet Operations Officer (N3) for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Yokosuka, Japan; commanding officer, VP-10, Brunswick, Maine; commanding officer, Provincial Reconstruction Team PAKTIKA, Sharana, Afghanistan; commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11, Jacksonville, Florida.

Wheeler’s shore tours include an instructor tour with the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Fleet Replacement Squadron, VP-30, Jacksonville, Florida; officer in charge, Weapons Tactics Unit, Jacksonville, Florida; special assistant for General/Flag Officer management and executive assistant to the Director, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.; and executive assistant to Commander, Allied Joint Force Command, Naples / Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe / Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Naples, Italy.

As a flag officer, served as deputy commander, Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, Djibouti, Africa; commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group/Patrol and Reconnaissance Group Pacific, Norfolk, Virginia; director, Plans and Policy, J5, United States Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland; and Chief of Staff, United States Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

Wheeler’s military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and other personal, service, and unit awards.

Trey retired on 30 September 2022.

Last Updated: 17 October 2023