Captain Pete Shoemaker
Captain Shoemaker was born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, and graduated with distinction receiving a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, from the United States Naval Academy in 1998.
Designated a Naval Aviator in March of 2001, he reported to VFA-106 at NAS Oceana, Virginia Beach, for pilot training in the F/A-18 Hornet. In March 2002, CAPT Shoemaker reported to the “DAMBUSTERS” of VFA-195, forward deployed in Atsugi, Japan, while attached to Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW-5) and USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) making deployments in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, the initial strikes during the “Shock and Awe” phase of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Taiwanese Contingency Operations, and U.S. presence near North Korea.
In February 2005, CAPT Shoemaker reported to the “SHARPSHOOTERS” of VMFAT-101 at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, as an F/A-18 instructor pilot. While at VMFAT-101, CAPT Shoemaker supervised scheduling of the largest fixed-wing USMC squadron and was awarded “Instructor Pilot of the Year” for 2006.
CAPT Shoemaker returned to the fleet with orders as Strike Operations Officer for CVW-1 aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), where he deployed and flew combat sorties in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM.
In March 2009, CAPT Shoemaker reported to the “RAGIN’ BULLS” of VFA-37 deploying with CVW-3 aboard USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75). While with the “BULLS,” CAPT Shoemaker served as the Administration, Safety, Maintenance, and Operations Officers. He once again flew combat missions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and humbly received the Commander, US Naval Air Forces Leadership Award for 2010.
Following his tour with the “BULLS,” CAPT Shoemaker reported to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he graduated with distinction, receiving a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies in November of 2012. Upon graduation, Peterman joined the J-6 Directorate of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon departing in September of 2014.
CAPT Shoemaker rejoined the “RAGIN’ BULLS” as the Executive Officer in April of 2015 and assumed command in July of 2016. He led the “BULLS” through an historic combat deployment aboard USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.
CAPT Shoemaker reported to the Chief of Naval Operations staff, in October of 2017, where he served as F/A-18 and F-35C Requirements Officer, and Military Deputy Branch Head for Carrier Air Wing Strike and Programs in Air Warfare (N98). He will report as the Deputy Commodore for Strike Fighter Wing, Atlantic in May of 2021.
CAPT Shoemaker has accumulated more than 3,300 flight hours and 650 carrier landings. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Individual Air Medal with Combat “V,” Strike Flight Air Medal (5 awards), Navy Commendation Medals, Navy Achievement Medals, and numerous campaign, unit awards, and citations.
He reported to Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic, May 2021 as Deputy Commander.