Major Whitley C. Noel enlisted in the United States Coast Guard on 30 Nov 10. During this time, she served as a small boat engineer, search-and-rescue boat crewman, and a boarding officer. In 2014, she earned a Master's degree in Homeland Security and Safety Engineering from National University and was approved for an inter-service transfer to commission in the United States Marine Corps. Second Lieutenant Noel earned her commission in August 2014 and after graduating from The Basic School and Naval Flight Training, she reported to Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302 for initial training in the CH-53E. Following Designation as a CH-53E Helicopter Second Pilot, First Lieutenant Noel was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464.
In January 2019, Captain Noel deployed as the Aviation Combat Element's Assistant Operations Officer with the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Southern Command. Upon return from deployment, Captain Noel served as the HMH-464 Adjutant, Legal Officer, Victim Witness Assistance Program Coordinator (VWAC), Education Officer, S-1 OIC, and S-2 OIC.
In November 2020, Captain Noel transfered back to the Operations Department and served as the Flight Officer.
In March 2021, Captain Noel attended Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course 2-21 and upon graduation assumed the billet of Pilot Training Officer and subsequently, Assistant Operations Officer.
In June 2022, Captain Noel executed orders to Marine Aviation Training System Site New River (MATSS NR) to serve as the Operations Officer and CH-53 Flight Leadership Standardization Evaluator Program Coordinator.
Captain Noel was responsible for the conduct of several Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluations in direct support of 2d MAW and 3d MAW squadrons. She is a three time augment at the WTI Course in Yuma, Arizona and coordinated an academics package and multiple Assault Support Planning Problem evolutions for prospective WTIs. In February 2023, Captain Noel was published in the Marine Corps Gazette for an article promoting a fresh look at the capabilities of the assault support community.
In April 2024, Major Noel transitioned to MATSS NR, Officer in Charge, while maintaining her role as the CH-53 FLSE PC and pursuing dual-series qualifications in the CH-53E and CH-53K.
In June 2025, Major Noel reported to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 for duty as the Operations Officer.
Under her charge, the Operations Department successfully facilitated the first MCCRE for a CH-53K squadron during a South Florida Deployment for Training (DFT), transported the Vice President of the United States and Secretary of War during Navy-Marine Corps 250th Celebration in Camp Pendleton, and conducted two Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course DFT and Service Level Training Exercise 1-26.
In June 2026, Major Noel assumed the duties as the Executive Officer.
Major Noel's personal awards include three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Major Noel holds a Masters in Homeland Security and Safety Engineering from National University and a Bachelors of Arts in English from Notre Dame University of Maryland.