U.S. Navy Senior Chief Legalman Shannon W. Miller looked out at the gathering of friends, family, and colleagues and reminisced about his time in the Navy aboard USS Midway (CV-41) during his retirements ceremony in San Diego, Calif., Feb. 24, 2017.
Miller retired after 23 years serving in a variety of capacities and locations. He regaled the audience with memories of search and rescue training, running with Region Legal Service Office Southwest’s (RLSO SW) current executive officer, Cmdr. Dustin Wallace, and his many world travels. Miller explained that no matter what adventures the Navy brought him, none were as important or special to him as meeting and spending time with his wife. He also thanked the many junior officers and enlisted sailors who shaped his career. It was an emotional event for many of those listening.
Capt. Meg Larrea, the commanding officer of RLSO SW was in attendance. Capt. Joe Eldred, former commanding officer for RLSO SW, discussed Miller’s tireless work and the warmth he brought to the command. After Eldred’s speech, Miller was presented with a shadow box from the Legalman Chiefs Mess, several awards, and a gift from the wardroom, which was modeled after Thor’s hammer. Miller then presented some gifts of his own to his three children and to his wife.
Miller a native of Erie, Pennsylvania, joined the Navy in July 1993. After Basic Training he attended yeoman “A” school at Naval Technical Training Center in Meridian, Mississippi. He was then stationed on board USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44). Working as a legal clerk, assistant chief master-at-arms, and a search and rescue swimmer, he then attended Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island, in January 1997. After completing his legal training, he reported to Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Patuxent River in Maryland. Miller then traveled to Naval Legal Service Office Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia in April 2000 in Naples, Italy.
During that time he served as the administrative lead petty officer and claims adjudicator. After his tour in Italy, he reported to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 116 in November 2001 and served on board the USS Constellation (CV-64). After the Constellation Miller was stationed at Naval Base Ventura County in July 2003, where he performed duties as the discipline officer, earned his Associates Degree in Business Administration, and was awarded Sailor of the Year. In 2007 Miller reported to USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as the Legal Department’s leading chief petty officer (LCPO). There he completed three deployments, served as a Repair Locker Leader, and was the Media Department LCPO.
In 2010 Miller reported to Naval Legal Service Office Southwest, where he served in Legal Assistance and quickly became the command senior chief for both Naval Legal Service Office Southwest and Defense Service Office Southwest. In 2013 he became the command senior chief at the newly named Region Legal Service Office Southwest. After celebrating the many achievements of Miller, the retirement ceremony concluded with the Old Glory presentation and a reading of “The Watch.” Finally, Miller was piped ashore. Everyone was invited down to the hangar bay for food and mingling. Stories and laughter could be heard from several people as they fondly discussed Miller.