A native of Huntington Beach, California, Commander Shikuma graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2003, earning a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. He subsequently attended the University of Florida and the U.S. Naval War College where he earned masters’ degrees in Business Administration and National Defense and Strategic Studies, respectively.
   
CDR Shikuma began his fleet operational tours with the “Vipers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 48, as squadron ground safety officer, DET Admin officer, and DET Maintenance Officer, where he deployed to 6^th fleet and 4^th fleet onboard USS SAN JACINTO (CG-56) and USS HAWES (FFG-53).  While serving as a Super JO with the “Magicians” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35, he served as the DET Maintenance Officer for the first mixed MQ-8B FIRESCOUT / MH-60R SEAHAWK detachment onboard USS FORT WORTH (LCS-3) and Squadron Quality Assurance Officer, earning his selection as Squadron Pilot of the Year for 2014.   During his department head tour with the “Blue Hawks” of HSM-78, he served as Officer in Charge of Combat Element 2, Training Department Head, and Maintenance Officer; sailing around South America with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) and deploying to the Western Pacific aboard USS WAYNE E MEYER (DDG-108) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

Ashore, CDR Shikuma served as an Instructor Pilot with the “Airwolves” of HSM-40, the Navy’s East coast MH-60R Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS). He completed his tour as the Student Control and Production Officer.  He also served at the Pacific Fleet Headquarters as a Battle Watch Captain and the N311 Maritime Aviation Operations Officer.  He was selected for aviation command in March 2019 and reported to HSM Weapons School Pacific as Executive Officer in September 2021
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CDR Shikuma has accumulated over 2,900 flight hours in 6 different aircraft.  His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various unit and campaign medals.

Last Updated: 6 October 2022