Colonel Shadforth hails from Merritt Island, FL, receiving his commission from the United States Naval Academy in May 2001. Completing The Basic School in February 2002, he reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training and was designated a naval aviator in October 2003. He completed replacement squadron training in the AH-1W and reported to HMLA-269 at MCAS New River, NC in May 2004. During his time with HMLA-269, he completed several deployments and graduated from the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. 

Selected for the United States Naval Test Pilot School, Colonel Shadforth graduated with Class 136 in December 2009. He spent the next three years assigned to HX-21, conducting developmental flight test on the AH-1Z, UH-1Y, AH-1W, and UH-1N. Departing in early 2013, Colonel Shadforth reported to Camp Lejeune, NC, where he served as an air officer with the 6th Marines and 3d Marine Raider Battalion, completing an OEF deployment as a forward air controller with a Security Force Assistance Advisor Team.

In the summer of 2016, Colonel Shadforth laterally moved to the aviation acquisition community and reported aboard NAS Patuxent River, MD. Over the next few years, he completed tours with PMA-272, PMA-274, the PEO(A) staff, and PMA-263. Selected for Top Level School, he reported to the Eisenhower School at the National Defense University in July 2021. Graduating in June 2022, he reported to his current assignment as the Commanding Officer of the Marine Aviation Detachment Patuxent River, China Lake, and Point Mugu.

Colonel Shadforth holds a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics from the United States Naval Academy, a Master of Science in Engineering Systems from the Naval Post Graduate School, and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University. He is a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps with DAWIA Level III certification in Test and Evaluation and Program Management. His personal awards include Meritorious Service Medals, Air Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and the Combat Action Ribbon.