Master Chief John Wheeler, a native of Newark, Delaware, enlisted in the United States Navy in April 2004. Following his completion of the Basic Music course at the Naval School of Music in December 2004, he reported to Navy Band Southwest in January 2005 for duty as a trumpet instrumentalist.

In February 2009, he reported to Navy Band New Orleans for a brief tour before being selected to attend the Unit Leader Course. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the Pacific Fleet Band. During this tour, he deployed on Pacific Partnership missions aboard USS CLEVELAND (LPD 7) and USNS MERCY (T-AH 19), where he earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin. Additionally, he served as Unit Leader, Leading Petty Officer (ashore and at sea), and Operations Coordinator prior to his selection for the Senior Musician Course.

Following the Senior Musician Course, Master Chief Wheeler reported to the Commander, Naval Forces Europe Band. There, he was selected for Chief Musician and served as Forward Deployed Unit Leader, Operations and Administration Department Head, and Command Career Counselor. In August 2018, he returned to Navy Band Southwest, for duty as Operations Department Head and Leading Chief Petty Officer for 45 Sailors.

In March 2021, he was selected to serve as the MU Rating Materiel Manager at Fleet Band Activities. In this capacity, he managed minor property inventory and procured mission-essential equipment and services for 10 activities, directly supporting all Naval musical operations worldwide. Shortly after, in June 2021, he was selected for Senior Chief Musician. In the fall of 2022, he assumed duties as the Senior Enlisted Leader and Assistant Director for Navy Band Northwest.

Master Chief Wheeler is currently serving as the Senior Enlisted Leader for Pacific Fleet Band.

He is a graduate of the Unit Leader Course, Senior Musician Course, Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 254 GOLD), and the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course. His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), Meritorious Service Ribbon (three awards), and numerous other unit and campaign awards.