CWA-66 Remebers Chief Shannon Kent

FORT GEORGE. G. MEADE, MD, UNITED STATES

09.30.2022

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brianna Thompson 

Cryptologic Warfare Group SIX

Fort George G. Meade, Md. – On January 16, 2019, lives were lost to a suicide bomber in Manbij, Syria. One of those lives was a Cryptologic Warfare Activity Sixty-Six (CWA–66) Sailor, Chief Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) Shannon Kent, who was on deployment with an armed task force at the time.
She was posthumously promoted to the rank of senior chief petty officer, in addition to receiving the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon.
To honor her sacrifice and reflect on her legacy, Kent’s former command, CWA-66 held a remembrance ceremony in her honor on Sept. 29.
“Today we honor and acknowledge our sister Shannon’s life, career and sacrifice. We held a ceremony so that her legacy will never be forgotten,” said Senior Chief Warren Martin.
In the day-room of Quick Hall, the barracks for Cryptologic Warfare Group SIX and its subordinate command, Sailors took time to remember Kent’s life.
Kent wore many hats, she was a mother, wife, sister, companion, artist, leader and cancer-survivor. She was fiercely ambitious and wanted to become a psychologist in order to help her shipmates. However, the Navy denied her due to her past diagnosis of cancer and instead of moving on she used her voice to petition for change. She was not able see the changes, but waivers were eventually allowed for Sailors to have the opportunity to get commissioned even with past medical diagnoses.
During the ceremony, a wooden sculpture titled “Silent Warriors'', was presented to CWA-66, Kent’s former command. This sculpture was hand crafted by retired Cryptologic Communications Branch Petty Officer Third Class David Fournier who served in the armed forces in 1960. Fournier was unable to attend this ceremony so retired Master Chief Cryptologic Technician (Collection) J. W. Smith presented it in his stead.
“When [David] heard that Shannon was killed in action, he really wanted to honor her and all [Cryptologic Technicians],” said Smith. Fournier titled his piece “Silent Warriors” to give homage to all the Sailor’s that paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the intelligence community.
This sculpture will be on display at CWG-6’s barracks, Quick Hall, where Sailors, new and old, can view it upon their arrival and remember Kent’s legacy.

• Date Taken: 09.30.2022
• Date Posted: 09.30.2022 14:01
• Story ID: 430498
• Location: FORT GEORGE. G. MEADE, MD, US