He remained with VP-44 into the spring and early summer of 1942. With the reinforcement of Midway Atoll in the face of an impending Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) attack, VP-44 was dispatched there. During the first few days of June 1942, the PBY's based at Midway flew long patrols searching for the IJN fleet. Then, on 3 June, came the first surface contact. Whitman's plane was the third to spot the IJN ships and at 09:25 radioed a report calling attention to the "main body." After sending back a second message amplifying the data contained in his report of the initial sighting, Whitman brought his plane back to Midway in accordance with instructions.