A graduate of Pennsylvania State University and the Naval Post Graduate School, Capt. Shipp was designated a naval aviator in February 1999 and has logged over 3,300 flight hours in the H-46D, SH-60F, HH-60H and MH-60S helicopters. He has completed six deployments, participated in dozens of exercises, and served as a fleet replacement instructor pilot during tours with HC-11, HC-3, HS-4 and HSC-8, where he served as the commanding officer from December 2014 until April 2016. In addition, Capt. Shipp served as the aviation and safety officer on board the USS Dubuque (LPD-8) and as an action officer in the J-5 at U.S. Africa Command.