Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, a native of St. Petersburg, Florida, graduated with honors from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering and was designated a Naval aviator in July 1984.

Shoemaker’s operational assignments include tours with Light Attack Squadron (VA) 105, USS Forrestal (CV 59); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67); Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CV 69), USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and USS Harry S. Truman CVN 75); CVW-17, USS George Washington (CVN 73); Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and CSG 3, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Shoemaker commanded VFA-105, VFA-106 (F/A-18 Fleet Replacement Squadron), CVW 17, CSG 9 and CSG 3.

His shore assignments include VA-174 and instructor duty with VA-122 and VFA-106. He also served as aide to the vice chief of Naval Operations and commander, U.S. Pacific Command; was assigned to Navy Personnel Command (head of Aviation Officer Placement - PERS-433); and, was the executive assistant to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. As a flag officer, he served as assistant commander, Navy Personnel Command for Career Management (PERS-4) and later as commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic from June 2013 to January 2015. He has completed the Naval War College Non-Resident Program and is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College.

Shoemaker has accumulated over 4,400 flight hours, primarily in the A-7E Corsair and the F/A-18C Hornet and has 1,066 carrier-arrested landings. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit (6), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Air Medal (3) (one individual award with combat “V” and two strike/flight awards) and other personal, campaign and service ribbons.

Shoemaker became Naval Aviation’s 7th “Air Boss” in January 2015.