Rear Admiral Tom Shultz is a native of El Cajon, CA, a Surface Warfare Officer, and the son of a Navy Sailor.  He is a graduate of Occidental College, and commissioned in 1994 after completing the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program at the University of California, Los Angeles. He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.

At sea, he served in USS Monsoon (PC 4), USS Sides (FFG 14), USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), and Destroyer Squadron 7.  He commanded USS Patriot (MCM 7), USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), Patrol Coastal Squadron 1, and USS Green Bay (LPD 20).

Ashore, he served as the Flag Lieutenant for Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; as the Integration and Force Structure Branch Head for the Director, OPNAV N81, Assessments Division; as the Senior Military Assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe; as the Executive Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Navy; and as Deputy Director, Policy, Plans, Strategy, Capabilities and Resources (J-5/8)  at U.S. European Command.

His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Legion of Merit Medal (three awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards) and various campaign and unit awards.

He assumed the role of Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group SEVEN/Commander, Amphibious Force, SEVENTH Fleet in April 2025.