[citation needed] Shen's military career began as an enlisted man, whom after receiving a commission advanced in rank to become the commanding officer of a frigate and later a frigate squadron (dadui).

[3][4] He subsequently served as the chief of staff of a frigate division (zhidui) and as commander of Support Base of the North Sea Fleet and president of Dalian Naval Academy.

[5] On July 29, 2016, he was awarded the rank of vice admiral (zhong jiang) by the Central Military Commission.

[6] He became commander of the PLA Navy in January 2017, replacing the retiring Admiral Wu Shengli.

[2] In July 2019, Shen was promoted to the rank of admiral (shang jiang).