Rear Adm. Shoemaker, a native of St. Petersburg, Fla., graduated with honors from the United States 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 105 (VA-105); Strike Fighter Squadron 105 (VFA-105); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Three; CVW-17 and Carrier Strike Group Nine. He has completed eight deployments aboard USS Forrestal (CV 59), USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS Enterprise (CVN 65), USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). He has over 4,400 flight hours, primarily in the A-7E Corsair and the F/A-18C Hornet and 1,066 carrier-arrested landings. Shoemaker commanded VFA-105, VFA-106, CVW-17 and USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group (CCSG 9).

His shore assignments include tours with VA-174, 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. In his first flag officer assignment, he was assistant commander, Navy Personnel Command for Career Management (PERS-4). He has completed the Naval War College Non-Resident Program, and is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College.

He assumed command of Carrier Strike Group Three/USS John C. Stennis Strike Group in October 2012.

Shoemaker's personal decorations include the Legion of Merit (4), 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.