Commander Adam Shields, a native of Grosse Ile, MI, graduated with honors from the United States Naval Academy in 2008, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in English. He received his wings of gold in 2010 after completing flight training in San Diego, CA and subsequently joined the “Night Dippers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron FIVE (HS-5) in Norfolk, VA. During his time with the Night Dippers, he deployed twice aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

From 2017 to 2019, CDR Shields served as the Tactics Officer for the “Sea Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO FIVE (HSC-25) in Guam.  As the squadron’s lead planner he coordinated their participation in multiple joint and multinational exercises including a deployment aboard USS WASP (LHD 1) in 2019 for exercise BALIKATAN in the Philippines.

For his Department Head assignment, CDR Shields served with the “Dusty Dogs” of HSC-7 in Norfolk, VA from 2019 to 2022. As the Training and Safety officer, he contributed to the squadron’s success during a record setting deployment aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) during the COVID-19 pandemic, which remained at sea for 206 consecutive days. He later served as Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer completing a second deployment in support of Operation FREEDOM SENTINEL.

CDR Shields’ staff assignments include an instructor pilot tour with HSC Weapons School Atlantic in Norfolk, VA where he qualified as a Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor. From April 2022 to March 2024 he served as the U.S. Navy Military Aide to the President of the United States during the Biden administration. In this role, he coordinated and performed a wide array of functions across the Executive Office of the President, other government agencies, and the White House Military Office to ensure the President could execute his duties as Commander in Chief, Head of State, and Chief Executive.

CDR Shields has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours and has been awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (2), Navy Achievement Medal (2), the Presidential Service Badge and various unit and campaign awards.
 

Last Updated: 25 November 2024