Quick Facts
Biography
Rear Admiral (United States) Thomas K. Shannon (USN) is commander of the US Navy Military Sealift Command. Shannon graduated with a BS in Nautical Science from the Maine Maritime Academy (1982) and was commissioned an ensign in the US Navy through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program. He subsequently held various US naval commands of increasing responsibility, including in succession chief staff officer of Destroyer Squadron 14, surface operations officer of Cruiser-Destroyer Group Twelve, commanding officer of the USS De Wert (FFG-45), commanding officer of the USS Vicksburg (CG-69), air defense commander for the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) battle group, and commander of Carrier Strike Group 1. Shannon was then in the year 2012 promoted from the rank of Rear Admiral (lower half) to Rear Admiral, before being relieved of command of Carrier Strike Group 1 and named commander, Military Sealift Command in the year 2013. Shannon received an MA in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.
Medals and decorations
Among the Rear Admiral’s military decorations and awards are prominently:
 | Defense Superior Service Medal |
 | Legion of Merit with 3 Oak leaf clusters |
 | Meritorious Service Medal (United States) |