The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain James Joseph Shannon, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Future Combat Systems, Open Architecture and Human System Interface Major Program Manager, Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems, Washington, D.C. from November 2002 to September 2007. Captain Shannon exercised the highest levels of resourcefulness and innovation while effectively managing the implementation of Open Architecture throughout the Naval Enterprise. Open Architecture is the single most revolutionary initiative in the Navy in the last forty years and its success is critical to future Navy warfighting capability. Captain Shannon masterfully gained consensus across the Enterprise to develop a strategy and build a roadmap which guided the Navy’s transition to the open business model with total alignment with open architecture principles. During the same period, Captain Shannon led developmental efforts for the Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air capability, the Navy’s first initiative to integrate a Family of Systems by drawing upon existing components to achieve best value to the government while significantly improving warfighting capability. Additionally, he led the effort to deliver state-of-the-art training to sailors using virtual technologies at sea as well as shore based commands. By his outstanding leadership, commendable innovation, and inspiring dedication to duty, Captain Shannon reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain James Joseph Shannon, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Executive Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) from October 2007 through August 2008. In a position of significant responsibility, Captain Shannon distinguished himself through unparalleled management acumen. An innovative team builder, he helped shape, guide and coordinate acquisition strategies for the most complex acquisition programs at the highest levels within the Department of the Navy. Captain Shannon’s unsurpassed acquisition knowledge, coupled with his extensive operational experience were instrumental in the timely and efficient flow of documentation required to support 47 Acquisition Category I Major Programs that will be used by Sailors and Marines in the future. Moreover, his sound judgment contributed significantly to executive decision making by the Secretary of the Navy and Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Captain Shannon excelled in managing oversight requirements for a complex $49 billion Acquisition Enterprise, ensuring programmatic success and perfect synchronization of Systems Commands, Program Executive Offices, and other senior acquisition organizations. By his dynamic direction, keen judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Captain Shannon has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral James Joseph Shannon, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Washington, D.C., from October 2008 to November 2012. Rear Admiral Shannon’s visionary leadership and vast acquisition experience were essential to the execution of the Navy’s full spectrum Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, and Fleet Support Center for ship systems, surface ship combat, and weapon systems associated with surface warfare. Displaying sound fiscal knowledge and an extraordinary understanding of Fleet and Shore-based issues, he instituted far-reaching initiatives, such as the Technical Capability Health Assessment and the Metrics Dashboard, which re-shaped the Warfare Centers resulting in increased productivity, greater capability, reduced operating costs, and a highly intelligent and diverse work force. As the Department of Defense Single Manager for Counter Remote Control Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare Technology, Rear Admiral Shannon led and directed interagency efforts to standardize equipment, documentation and procedures, ensuring the rapid fielding of programs in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. His efforts had a dramatic and highly positive impact in all theaters of operations. By his dynamic direction, wise judgment, and loyal devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Shannon reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.