A native of Placentia, California, Second Lieutenant Harris commissioned in May 2003. Following The Basic School, he reported for Naval Aviation Training. First Lieutenant Harris was designated Naval Aviator #28340 on 10 February 2006 and reported to the Knightriders of Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron (HMMT) 164 in March 2006 for fleet replacement training.
Designated as a CH-46E copilot in June 2006, First Lieutenant Harris reported to the Purple Foxes of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364. He completed three tours in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, promoted to Captain, and served as the Embarkation Officer, Airframes Division Officer-in-Charge, Pilot Training Officer, and Weapon and Tactics Instructor (WTI). In April 2010, Captain Harris returned to HMMT-164 to serve as a CH-46E instructor pilot and WTI. In November 2010, he volunteered to deploy to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. While deployed, he served as the Regional Command (Southwest) Headquarters Deputy Afghan National Police Development Officer. Upon redeployed to HMMT-164 in May 2011, he assumed the role of Quality Assurance Officer.
In April 2012, Captain Harris reported to the Junglies of the United Kingdom’s Commando Helicopter Forces. Upon completion of training on the Mk4(+) Sea King with 848 Naval Air Squadron (NAS), he reported to 845 NAS for frontline duty. During his time with 845 NAS Captain Harris completed Exercises CLOCKWORK (Norway), JOINT WARRIOR (Scotland), and PASHTUN COMMANDO (Jordan) and promoted to Major. He deployed twice more to Afghanistan in a direct support role to UK Special Operations Forces and served as Aviation Warfare Officer, Commander of C Flight, and Senior Flight Commander.
In May 2015, Major Harris reported to the Raptors of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron (VMMT) 204 for transition to the MV-22 Osprey. In September 2015, he reported to the Blue Knights of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 and assumed the responsibilities of Operations Officer. In February 2017, he deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit as the Air Combat Element (ACE) Operations Officer for VMM-365 (Reinforced). While deployed, he participated in Exercises SPANISH PHIBLEX 17 (Spain), ALLIGATOR DAGGER 17 (Djibouti), EAGER LION 17 (Jordan), and combat operations in support of national mission tasking in the Arabian Peninsula. In September 2017, he assumed the role of ACE Executive Officer.
In July 2019, following completion of resident professional military education, Major Harris reported to the Spartans of Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group (MCTOG). He served as the Aviation Integration Officer, Instructor Development Officer, and Advanced Maneuver Warfare Course Chief. In May 2020, Lieutenant Colonel Harris became the only aviator to serve as the MCTOG Executive Officer.
In July 2022, Lieutenant Colonel Harris briefly reported to Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff Aviation Readiness. In December 2022 he returned to Marine Aircraft Group 26 to prepare for his current assignment. He assumed command for VMMT-204 in April 2023.
Lieutenant Colonel Harris has over 3000 flight hours, and has logged more than 1000 combat hours in three different aircraft. He is a graduate of the U.S Naval Academy, Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, Naval War College (Highest Distinction), Tactical Air Control Party Course, Advanced Maneuver Warfare Course, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree through the University of Southern California. His personal and unit decorations reflect the experiences and performance of the American and British Marines and Sailors he served with, including those who never returned home.