Rear Adm. William Shannon reported for duty as the Naval Air Systems Command vice commander Sept. 1. RDML Shannon said he is energized about the opportunity to make an even greater impact on NAVAIR's ability to effectively support our Sailors and Marines.

"In my previous jobs I've had the opportunity to meet with Sailors and Marines in almost every
naval aviation community over the past four years," said Shannon. "They’re my motivation every day."

"I've also seen our NAVAIR people out there and witnessed their connection with the Fleet. I know how much the Fleet depends on us and our expertise," he added.

"I came to the acquisition community because I thought I could make a difference," Shannon said. "I remember as a squadron Maintenance Officer and a Commanding Officer how much I depended on NAVAIR support and expertise to ensure my squadron was ready."

"Today, when I think about the decisions we make on a daily basis that affect Naval Aviation's future, I think about my kids," Shannon explained. One son is a Lt. j.g. and the other, a Midshipman, will be commissioned an Ensign next year.

As Vice Commander, one of Shannon’s primary roles will be enabling the successful execution of NAVAIR's command-level strategic priorities.

"I want to help our workforce understand how to move beyond the verbiage – to translate the words into action," he said.

One of Shannon's first priorities as vice commander will be leading NAVAIR's transition to the Navy Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system this fall. NAVAIR will be the first among several Navy commands to transition to the Navy-wide business and financial system in October of this year – a significant effort given the complexity of NAVAIR's business and external interfaces.

Shannon will also serve as executive champion for the command's Continuous Process Improvement efforts, collectively called AIRSpeed.

"We have a tremendous opportunity to move the Command forward," he said. "There are many successful pockets of AIRSpeed activity taking place throughout the organization. We want to broaden and strengthen our emphasis on process improvement, making it a natural part of the way we approach our work every day."

"I'll be meeting with the (AIRSpeed) Master Black Belts and other Belts over the coming weeks to better understand what's working and to prioritize areas needing attention," he added.

Most recently, Shannon served as NAVAIR’s Assistant Commander for Logistics and Industrial Operations.

"I'll miss the job I'm coming from," he said. "There are phenomenal people working there who really showed me how Fleet-focused we are here at NAVAIR."

A native of Massapequa, N.Y., Shannon graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and received a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.

He is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College, the United States Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course and the Defense Acquisition University Advanced Program Manager Course. He was designated a Naval Aviator in 1976.

At sea, Shannon flew the RH-53D Sea Stallion with HM-12 and HM-14 and flew the MH-53E as a Department Head with HM-15. In addition, as a Navy/Marine Corps Exchange Pilot, Shannon flew the CH-53D while serving as the S-3 and Weapons and Tactics Instructor with the "Ugly Angels" of HMH-362.

From 1993 to 1995 Shannon served as Executive Officer, and subsequently, Commanding Officer of the "Blackhawks" of HM-15. During this tour, HM-15 deployed twice to Korea in response to Joint Chiefs of Staff tasking. While in command, HM-15 was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award and a Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Ashore, Shannon served as a flight instructor in HM-12, on the Chief of Naval Operations Staff as Head of the Mine Warfare Branch, and on the Commander, Mine Warfare Command Staff as Assistant Chief of Staff for Readiness, Requirements and Tactics (N3/N8).

His acquisition tours include Deputy Program Executive Officer for Operations and Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) in the Program Executive Office for Air ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs (PEO(A)), and Program Manager of the Multi-Mission Helicopter Program Office (PMA 299).

While serving as Program Manager, PMA 299, he successfully introduced the MH-60S Seahawk to the Fleet. Shannon was assigned as the Deputy Program Executive Officer in PEO(A), prior to serving as the Director, Naval Aviation Enterprise Total Force Readiness.

-USN-

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Rear Admiral William Shannon