Commander Michael Witherspoon was born in Tuscaloosa, AL. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Machinist Mate Fireman Recruit in October 1986 and attended bootcamp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, IL.
His first tour of duty was aboard USS MCKEE (AS-41), where he served in Main Propulsion division until March 1992, MM2 Witherspoon transferred to NRD St. Louis and served as recruiter-in-charge (RINC) in East St. Louis, IL.
MM1 Witherspoon was selected in the very first Seaman-to-Admiral Program in December 1994 and headed to Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL shortly thereafter. He was commissioned as an Ensign in September 1995 and reported for his first of duty as an officer aboard USS KIID (DDG-993) as Electronics Warfare Officer, May 1996 - February 1998. His follow-on Junior Officer tours were Auxiliaries and Electrical Officer aboard USS MERRIMACK (AOE-179) February 1998 - October 1998 and Main Propulsion Assistant aboard USS VELLA GULF (CG-72) November 1998 - June 2000. He went on to attend Norfolk State University where he graduated and received a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Management Information Systems, June 2000 - May 2003.
In March 2004, LT Witherspoon reported to USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD-44) and served an eighteen month tour as the Chief Engineer. In October 2005, LCDR Witherspoon reported to Amphibious Squadron Two where he served as Expeditionary Strike Group Operations (N3) and Materials Officer (N4), also serving as Chief Engineer for a period aboard USS OAK HILL (LSD-51). In July 2007, he reported to Commander Operational Test and Evaluations Force, where he served as an Operational Test Director.
In February 2009, LCDR Witherspoon reported to Pre-commissioning Detachment GRAVELY (DDG-107) as the Executive Officer, which was later fully commissioned into service after its namesake, USS GRAVELY (DDG-107).
CDR Witherspoon's next assignment is Executive Officer of Mobile Security Squadron 4 (MSRON 4), homeported out of Portsmouth, VA.
CDR Witherspoon's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and service awards.