The Albuquerque National Weather Service is saddened by the loss of one of our own, Shawn Bennett, who passed away Friday morning, August 30, 2019. Our collective thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the Bennett family during this difficult time. Shawn retired from the National Weather Service in Albuquerque in the spring of 2018, after serving for nearly 11 years as the Meteorologist in Charge of the local office. Shawn had a long career of federal service over many diverse locations, and he will be missed by many colleagues, friends, and family members.
On Saturday, April 14, 2018 staff from the Albuquerque National Weather Service took some time to congratulate Mr. Shawn Bennett, Meteorologist In Charge, on his retirement. Shawn officially retired from the Albuquerque Weather Forecast Office on March 30th after serving a combined 34 years and 11 months in the Navy, Naval Reserves, and the National Weather Service.
Shawn joined the Navy in 1978 as an Aerographer's Mate, and became a Plank-owner on the U.S.S. Nassau. Shawn later joined the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1982, serving the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command until 1989. Shawn graduated with both Bachelor's and Masters Degrees in Atmospheric Science from Oregon State University.
Shawn entered the National Weather Service in 1988, joining the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research in Silver Spring, Maryland. He later worked with the National Severe Storms Laboratory, collaborating with the Phoenix National Weather Service Forecast Office to conduct research for the SouthWest Area Monsoon Project.
In 1994, Shawn joined the San Juan, Puerto Rico Weather Forecast Office as the Science and Operations Officer. Shawn then moved to Brownsville, Texas where he again served as the Science and Operations Officer before being promoted to Meteorologist in Charge. Between 2004 and 2007 Shawn served as the Meteorologist in Charge of the Tampa Bay Weather Forecast Office in Florida. It was in 2007 when he joined the Albuquerque Weather Forecast Office team as the Meteorologist in Charge, serving almost 11 years.