Air Commodore Darren Whiteley

Air Commodore Darren Whiteley was commissioned into the Royal Air Force in 1998. As an Air Battle Manager he has operated across the globe, including operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Op ELLAMY (Libya). More recently he has become embedded in the US and Allied space community completing tours at the operational level, as HQ staff within the Pentagon and as a Deputy Director within a Combatant Command. Whiteley has extensive leadership in Command and Control (C2), Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), and space operations, beginning with key assignments at RAF Buchan and Number 1 Air Control Centre, including a deployment as the initial Unit commander for Op HERRICK in Afghanistan. Following his promotion to Squadron Leader, he served alongside US forces as the lead NATO Air Planner for support to Afghanistan operations before transitioning to the Air Warfare Centre. As a Wing Commander, he spearheaded the Financial Military Capability Transformation Programme and later provided strategic military advice on NATO to the Chief of Defence Staff and Defence Ministers within the Ministry of Defence. His trajectory continued through command of RAF Fylingdales and his role as Chief of Staff Space and Battlespace Management Force, leading to his promotion to Group Captain where was selected as the first Allied deputy of the US’s Combined Space Operations Center. After completing the UK Higher Command and Staff Course in 2022, he led the United States Space Force’s "Partner to Win" initiative as Deputy Director of Global Partnerships, ultimately promoting to Air Commodore in September 2023 to serve as the Deputy J5 at USSPACECOM. Air Commodore Whiteley resides with his partner, Marion; his son currently lives in the United States. Outside of his professional duties, he is a dedicated-and often long-suffering-supporter of Middlesbrough Football Club. He spends his leisure time mountain biking, practicing photography, and managing a rescue dog with a penchant for the local wildlife; his cats give him less stress. He also enjoys exploring the complexities of fine Scotch whisky. Air Commodore Whiteley was appointed Deputy Commander, UK Space Command in July 2026.