TACTICAL: Todd Shoemaker

Commander Todd Shoemaker serves as the Chief Tactical Officer aboard the USS Cutty Sark, bringing a lifelong passion for Star Trek, science fiction, strategic thinking, and a strong appreciation for the values that have defined the franchise for generations.

Introduced to Star Trek at an early age by his father, Cmdr. Shoemaker was captivated from the very first episode. What began as a shared interest quickly developed into a lasting bond between father and son, with Star Trek and science fiction becoming an important part of their relationship.

Over the years, Cmdr. Shoemaker's enthusiasm for the franchise has only grown. A dedicated lifelong fan, he has watched every episode of every Star Trek series and every motion picture at least twice, with many receiving considerably more viewings.

For Cmdr. Shoemaker, Star Trek has become much more than a favorite form of entertainment. Its messages of integrity, cooperation, exploration, and respect for others provided a personal roadmap for approaching life and its challenges.

Beyond Star Trek, Cmdr. Shoemaker has a longstanding appreciation for science fiction, fantasy, and imaginative storytelling. An enthusiastic tabletop gamer, he has played Dungeons & Dragons since the late 1980s, developing an appreciation for strategy, creative problem-solving, teamwork, and the collaborative storytelling that makes role-playing games so engaging.

Cmdr. Shoemaker’s interests extend to board games, video games, and a variety of other role-playing adventures. He also enjoys geocaching, combining his enthusiasm for exploration, discovery, and problem-solving with real-world adventures. Whether navigating an imaginary galaxy, planning a tabletop campaign, or searching for a hidden geocache, Cmdr. Shoemaker enjoys activities that challenge the imagination and encourage creative thinking.

Despite other interests, family is the most important to Cmdr. Shoemaker's life. He particularly enjoys spending time with his adult son and daughter, sharing experiences and creating lasting memories. The meaningful connection he developed with his own father through Star Trek continues to influence his appreciation for family, shared interests, and the relationships that grow through them.

As Chief Tactical Officer, Cmdr. Shoemaker brings his enthusiasm for tactical theory, skilled strategy, thoughtful decision-making, and teamwork to his responsibilities aboard the USS Cutty Sark, and his lifelong appreciation for Star Trek has shaped his belief in the importance of cooperation, integrity, and approaching challenges with an open mind.

Through his service aboard the Cutty Sark, Cmdr. Shoemaker looks forward to contributing to the chapter's activities, building friendships, and sharing his enthusiasm for the franchise with fellow crew members. For Commander Shoemaker, Star Trek represents more than adventures among the stars. It is a reminder that the values we embrace, the relationships we build, and the choices we make help define the future we create.