New Navy Air Boss Takes Charge

January 23, 2015 4:01 PM
Commander Naval Air Forces conducts a change of command and retirement ceremony aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). During the ceremony, Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker relieved Vice Adm. David H. Buss.
Commander Naval Air Forces conducts a change of command and retirement ceremony aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). During the ceremony, Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker relieved Vice Adm. David H. Buss.

In a ceremony on carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) newly promoted Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker took charge of Naval Air Forces as the Navy’s new “Air Boss,” on Thursday.

Shoemaker was previously the commander of Naval Air Forces Atlantic (AIRLANT) and replaced retiring Vice Adm. David Buss. Buss had served in the position since late 2012.

In his address, Shoemaker acknowledged the demand the U.S. geographical Combatant Commander had from the service’s carrier strike groups.

“The challenge that lies ahead of us is how we continue to sustain the capacity to generate those forces, and ensure they are going forward with the right capabilities to operate where needed … all in a fiscal environment characterized by ever-increasing uncertainty,” he said.

Shoemaker flew both A-7E Corsairs and F/A-18C Hornets and his commands include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, VFA-106, Carrier Air Wing 17, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 and CSG 3.

He is a 1982 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and of the Joint Forces Staff College.

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
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