Sailor Among Those Killed in ISIS Attack in Syria

A sailor was one of four Americans killed in an ISIS suicide bombing attack in Manbij, Syria, the Navy announced on Friday.

Chief Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) Shannon M. Kent, 35, was killed along with three other Americans who were at a restaurant popular with U.S. forces when the ISIS attack occurred on Wednesday.

Kent was assigned to Cryptologic Warfare Activity 66 (CWA 66), based at Ft. George G. Mead, Md. and was deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and teammates of Chief Petty Officer Kent during this extremely difficult time. She was a rockstar, an outstanding Chief Petty Officer, and leader to many in the Navy Information Warfare Community,” said CWA-66 commander Cmdr. Joseph Harrison in a statement.

Kent enlisted in the Navy in 2003 and her assignments included Navy Information Operations Command, Fort Gordon, Ga.; Navy Special Warfare Support Activity 2, Norfolk, Va.; Personnel Resource Development Office, Washington, D.C.; Navy Information Operations Command, Fort Meade, Md.; and Cryptologic Warfare Group 6, Fort Meade, Md.

She reported to the command in August.

“Chief Kent’s drive, determination and tenacity were infectious. Although she has left us way too soon, she will not be forgotten, and her legacy will live on with us,” Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician (Collections) Denise Vola with CWA-66 said in a statement.

In addition to Kent, Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan R. Farmer, 37, of Boynton Beach, Fla. and Department of Defense civilian Scott A. Wirtz of St. Louis, Mo. were also killed in the blast. Media reports said an American military contractor was also killed in the attack.

Kent’s death is the first on-duty death of a sailor in 2019 and first in support of Operation Inherent Resolve since the death of Ens. Sarah Mitchell in the Red Sea last year.

The following is the complete Jan. 18, 2019 Navy statement.

A Sailor assigned to Cryptologic Warfare Activity 66 (CWA 66), based at Ft. George G. Meade, Md., was killed while deployed in Manbij, Syria, Jan. 16, 2019.

Chief Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) Shannon M. Kent, 35, was killed while supporting Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and teammates of Chief Petty Officer Kent during this extremely difficult time. She was a rockstar, an outstanding Chief Petty Officer, and leader to many in the Navy Information Warfare Community,” said Cmdr. Joseph Harrison, Commanding Officer, CWA-66.

Kent, who hailed from upstate New York, enlisted in the Navy December 11, 2003, and graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill., in February 2004. Her other military assignments included Navy Information Operations Command, Fort Gordon, Ga.; Navy Special Warfare Support Activity 2, Norfolk, Va.; Personnel Resource Development Office, Washington, D.C.; Navy Information Operations Command, Fort Meade, Md.; and Cryptologic Warfare Group 6, Fort Meade, Md. Kent reported to CWA 66 after the command was established on Aug. 10, 2018.

“Chief Kent’s drive, determination and tenacity were infectious. Although she has left us way too soon, she will not be forgotten, and her legacy will live on with us,” said CWA 66 Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician (Collections) Denise Vola.

Kent’s awards and decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal (2), Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, and Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon.