Captain Chatham was born in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Harlandale High School in San Antonio and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Rice University. After receiving his commission in June 1956, he entered flight training and was designated a naval aviator in August 1957.

Captain Chatham has served with VF-141, VA-112, VA-216, VA-125, VA-122, VA-56 and the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (Blue Angels). Other duties include tours as Assistant Strike Operations Officer in USS ORISKANY and as Head Operations Briefer for the Chief of Naval Operations. He has commanded Attack Squadron FIFTY-SIX, Carrier Air Wing FIVE and the USS HASSAYAMPA (AO-145). He assumed command of the USS KITTY HAWK in June, 1978.

Captain Chatham has flown approximately 5000 in 30 different aircraft types and has logged over one thousand carrier arrested landings. During the Vietnam conflict he flew three hundred sixty-six combat missions. His awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross (4 awards), the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (10 awards), Strike/ Flight Air Medals (35 awards), navy Commendation Medal ( 4 awards ) and the Navy Achievement Medal.

Captain Chatham, his wife Ann, and their children, Sean, Greg, Melissa and Geoffrey, reside in Bonita, California.