Today we mark the loss of Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon M. Kent, and celebrate her extraordinary life — a true American hero. Born on May 11, 1985, in Oswego, New York, Shannon’s roots were deeply embedded in a family tradition of selfless service. Her father, Colonel Stephen Smith was a high ranking police officer, and her uncle an experienced firefighter who responded in the 9/11 attacks in New York City. Her brother continues to serve in the Marine Corps. Shannon’s commitment to service led her to enlist in the United States Navy on December 11, 2003.

She quickly distinguished herself as an elite cryptologic linguist, mastering multiple languages to include Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Arabic. In 2007 she volunteered for an individual augmentee assignment to Iraq in support of a Navy SEAL team. Shannon excelled in this role identifying high-value targets and her talents earned her a permanent assignment to the command, and subsequent combat deployments. Senior Chief Kent earned her place in the highest levels of special operations, and was widely recognized as the foremost expert in her field. She was a standout performer in an elite group of servicemembers, but even at Joint Special Operations Command she yearned for greater challenges. Shannon completed a master’s degree in psychology in her free time and applied for a Doctorate at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. The Navy denied her application in 2018 because she had previously contracted, and surmounted, thyroid cancer. She applied for a waiver, but the Naval Bureau of Medicine would not grant her one. Senior Chief Kent deployed to Syria in 2019 and tragically made the ultimate sacrifice on January 16 to a terrorist suicide attack. She became the first female combat death in Syria since combat operations began against ISIS and the first female U.S. service member killed by enemy fire in more than three years.

Shannon’s dedication extended beyond military service. She was a loving wife to retired Green Beret Joe Kent, and devoted mother to sons Colt and Josh Posthumously promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer, Shannon’s accolades include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon. Her work at Cryptologic Warfare Activity 66 was instrumental in deciphering intelligence gleaned through message intercepts and foreign communications.

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, let us remember Shannon M. Kent—an epitome of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to duty. May her legacy inspire generations to come, and may she rest in eternal peace.

Fair winds and following seas, Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon M. Kent.

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