Vice Adm. Dan “Undra” Cheever is a native of Downers Grove, Illinois and is a 1986 graduate of Western Illinois University with a bachelor of business degree. After college, he worked for a Fortune 500 corporation and attended the University of Hawaii. He joined the Navy in 1988 and was designated a naval aviator in 1990.

Cheever’s sea tours include command of Carrier Strike Group FOUR; CAG tour with Carrier Air Wing EIGHT (CVW 8) from 2012 to 2015; commanding officer tour with Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA 147) from 2005 to 2008; department head tour with VFA-147 from 2000 to 2002; Strike Fighter Tactics instructor tour with VFA-146 from 1998 to 2000; junior officer tour with VFA-195 in Atsugi, Japan from 1991 to 1995.

He served as the naval amphibious liaison element for Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet at and as battle director at Combined Air and Space Operations Center, U.S. Central Command in 2011.

His shore tours include Commander, Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center, 2017 to 2019; Chief of Staff to Commander, Naval Air Forces, 2015 to 2017; department head for TOPGUN and Strike at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, 2008 to 2011; aide de camp to General Richard B. Myers, U.S. Air Force, 15th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 2002 to 2004; instructor, Navy Fighter Weapons School, 1995 to 1998; VFA-125, 1990 to1991.

Cheever served as Director of J5 Strategy, Policy & Plans and as Chief of Staff, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command from 2020-2023. He is currently serving as Commander, Naval Air Forces and Commander, Naval Air Forces, Pacific Fleet.

Cheever has accumulated over 5,000 flight hours and over 1,100 carrier-arrested landings. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (three awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Air Medal Strike/Flight and various campaign, unit and service awards.

Last Updated: 8 February 2024