Captain Shannon Thompson is a native of Clearfield, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Navy in August 1991 and reported for training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois. In January 1992, he completed Aviation Machinist’s Mate “A” School. CAPT Thompson reported to Patrol Squadron 26 “Tridents” and completed three Mediterranean deployments. He then received orders to Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department at NAS Brunswick, Maine. In May 1999, CAPT Thompson reported to Strike Fighter Squadron 131 “Wildcats” at Oceana, Virginia, where he deployed onboard the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) and was promoted to Chief Petty Officer in September of 2000. Upon completing his Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics, he was selected for Officer Candidate School and Commissioned in February 2002 as an Aerospace Maintenance Duty Officer.
Upon Commissioning, CAPT Thompson reported to Strike Fighter Squadron 136 “Knighthawks”, completing deployments onboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) and USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)in support of Operations IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM. In May 2005, he reported to Strike FighterSquadron 106 “Gladiators” where he oversaw the transition of five Squadrons from the Tomcat to SuperHornet. In June of 2007 CAPT Thompson was selected for Naval Post Graduate School where he receiveda Master’s of Business Administration in Logistics and completed Naval War College Joint ProfessionalMilitary Education Phase I.
Upon graduation in December of 2008, CAPT Thompson received orders to Strike Fighter Squadron 34 “Blue Blasters” at Oceana, Virginia. He led the Maintenance Department through a successful work-up cycle and deployment onboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). For his deft and inspirational leadership of Officers and Sailors, CAPT Thompson was awarded the LCDR Robert E. Clukey III Leadership Award.
Upon completion of a successful tour, he reported to Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida in January of 2012 where he served as the Assistant Officer in Charge. In June of 2014 he reported to Commander, Carrier Air Wing EIGHT as the Air Wing Maintenance Officer where he deployed onboard USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77) in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and INHERENT RESOLVE. CAPT Thompson was later assigned to NAVAIRSYSCOM in Patuxent River, MD and served as the Assistant Deputy Program Manager for Support Equipment Armament/Weapons Control for PMA 260. On 12 October 2017, he reported as the Officer in Charge of Fleet Readiness Center Southwest Detachment Point Mugu. CAPT Thompson served as the Production Officer of Fleet Readiness Center West in Lemoore, CA. He then transitioned to become the Commanding Officer of Fleet Readiness Center Northwest and he currently serves as the Prospective Executive Officer at Fleet Readiness Center Southwest.
His decorations include three Meritorious Service Medals, five Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, seven Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and various personal and unit awards.