Can I use gonk to place a shield on the card and then place it on my ship in the same turn? Seems the actions are different but it is the same card.

Those are two different actions, you can use them both in the same turn. It is in the FAQ, btw:

Quote

Both actions on “Gonk” are different actions. A ship equipped with “Gonk” can perform both actions during a round if it has the ability to perform multiple actions.

Ha-zah! There it is. Appreciate the reply, thank you.