Chalker was born in Mobile, Alabama and entered the United States Coast Guard Academy, from which he graduated, in 1903.

[1] On March 27, 1935 Chalker – then a commander – was given charge of Coast Guard Air Station Dinner Key.

[4] During World War II Chalker served as Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard.

[5] During this time he resisted the acquisition of helicopters by the Coast Guard, a position supported by the Coast Guard's Engineer-in-Chief Rear Admiral Harvey Johnson, due to the expense of the aircraft and the limited utility of nascent helicopters in the prosecution of the war effort versus their significant cost.

[1][2] During retirement he moved from his longtime home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, to San Diego, California, to be closer to his daughter.