Col. Mark Shoemaker's Retirement

U.S. Space Force Col. Mark Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, speaks during his retirement ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., July 3, 2025. Shoemaker thanked his family, friends, mentors, and coworkers for helping him complete his 28 years of honorable service. (U.S. Space Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua LeRoi)

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Col. Mark Shoemaker's Retirement

U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, U.S. Space Forces - Space commander and the Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander, presents a retirement certificate to U.S. Space Force Col. Mark Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, during Shoemaker’s retirement ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., July 3, 2025. Shoemaker served 28 years, initially in the U.S. Air Force, and later transitioned to the U.S. Space Force. (U.S. Space Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua LeRoi)

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Col. Mark Shoemaker's Retirement

U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, U.S. Space Forces - Space commander and the Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander, presents a certificate of appreciation to Mary Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander’s spouse, during a retirement ceremony for Col. Mark Shoemaker at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., July 3, 2025. Schiess was the presiding official during the ceremony, outlining Shoemaker's career and achievements during his speech. (U.S. Space Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua LeRoi)

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Col. Mark Shoemaker's Retirement

U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, U.S. Space Forces - Space commander and the Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander, presents certificates of appreciation to the daughters of U.S. Space Force Col. Mark Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, during Shoemaker’s retirement ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., July 3, 2025. Shoemaker’s daughters were honored during the ceremony as a tribute to the sacrifices a service member’s family endures. (U.S. Space Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua LeRoi)

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Col. Mark Shoemaker's Retirement

U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, U.S. Space Forces - Space commander and the Combined Joint Force Space Component commander, speaks during a retirement ceremony for U.S. Space Force Col. Mark Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., July 3, 2025. Schiess highlighted Shoemaker's career in accomplishments, education, locations of service, and personal stories about 28 years of faithful service to the country. (U.S. Space Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua LeRoi)

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Col. Mark Shoemaker's Retirement

Mary Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander’s spouse, pins the legion of merit medal on U.S. Space Force Col. Mark Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, during Shoemaker’s retirement ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., July 3, 2025. Shoemaker served 28 years, earning a legion of merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. (U.S. Space Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua LeRoi)

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Col. Mark Shoemaker's Retirement

Published July 3, 2025
By Staff Sgt. Joshua LeRoi

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. --

U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, U.S. Space Forces - Space commander and the Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander, presents a retirement certificate to U.S. Space Force Col. Mark Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, during Shoemaker’s retirement ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., July 3, 2025. Shoemaker served 28 years, initially in the U.S. Air Force, and later transitioned to the U.S. Space Force. Shoemaker also earned the legion of merit during the ceremony.