Captain Andrew J. Shulman is a native of Andover, Massachusetts. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace engineering. Upon graduation and commissioning, CAPT Shulman reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in November 1998. He earned his Naval Aviator wings in January 2001 and subsequently reported to the “Rough Raiders” of VFA-125 for initial F/A-18C Fleet Replacement training.

CAPT Shulman reported to the Kestrels of VFA-137 in 2002 for his initial operational assignment. While serving as a Kestrel, he made deployments aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64) and USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) flying missions during Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and IRAQI FREEDOM. During this tour he also served as the Navy liaison officer ashore in Banda Aceh, Indonesia during Operation UNIFIED ASSISTANCE.

Following his tour with the Kestrels, CAPT Shulman reported to the “Flying Eagles” of VFA- 122 as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot and Landing Signal Officer from 2005 through 2007. During his instructor tour, CAPT Shulman earned his Executive MBA from the Naval Post Graduate School. He subsequently reported to CVW-3 as CVW LSO and Safety Officer. As CAG Paddles, CAPT Shulman deployed aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75) and flew missions in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. He also directly oversaw the first ever arrested landing of French Rafale aircraft aboard a US aircraft carrier.

CAPT Shulman joined the “Stingers” of VFA-113 in 2009 as an operational Department Head. While with the Stingers, he completed two deployments aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) and USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) and flew mission is support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN. While a Stinger, he served as the Safety, Maintenance and Operations Officer.

Following his department head tour, CAPT Shulman reported to the Naval War College where he earned his Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies in 2013. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the United States Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base and served as an action officer in the J5 Directorate.

Prior to assuming command of the “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146 he served as the Executive Officer at both VFA-122 and VFA-146. During his command tour he led the “Blue Diamonds” through work up training and a subsequent deployment to the Arabian Gulf. While deployed, CAPT Shulman flew combat missions in Iraq and Syria in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. During this operation, Naval Aviation supported US and coalition forces on the ground as they fought ISIS. When VFA-146 arrived to the skies over Iraq and Syria, ISIS controlled almost 75% of Iraq and nearly all of Syria. As the “Blue Diamonds” left to return home from deployment, ISIS had been largely defeated and only remained in a small pocket in the Euphrates River Valley.

After turning over command of VFA-146, CAPT Shulman reported to Fourth Fleet/U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command where he served as the Strategy and Plans direct responsible for coordinating all US Navy activity from the Caribbean through South America. He currently serves as the Deputy Commodore for the F-35C “Joint Strike Fighter.

CAPT Shulman has accumulated over 2,560 flight hours in the F/A-18 and other model aircraft. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (7 awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards) with one Combat “V”, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards), Humanitarian Service Medal and various service and campaign awards and ribbons.

Last Updated: 14 September 2022