Master Chief Harris retires, Bishop Kenny NJROTC celebrates his service
Bishop Kenny High School’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Unit honored Master Chief Kevin Harris at his retirement ceremony on June 8, 2022. Master Chief Harris served the school for 16 years.
After he retired from a 31-year career in the Navy, he was accepted into the Troop-to-Teacher program and became a Naval Science Instructor. First hired by Brunswick High School, he joined Bishop Kenny in 2006. Bishop Kenny’s Unit is a two-time National Academic Champion, was designated a Distinguished Unit with Academic Honors for 15 straight years, and AFA CyberPatriot State Champion and National Finalist.
Harris’ naval career started at Recruit Training Center in Orlando, Fla. His first Command was on the USS Midway, Yokosuka, Japan.
He went on to serve in Atsugi AIMD, Japan, and then to Okinawa, Japan, where he earned his associate degree from the University of Maryland. He transferred to Mofett Field, Calif., where he earned Master Training Specialist designation, qualified as an Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, was selected as Sailor of the Year and was initiated to Chief Petty Officer.
In 1990, he transferred and embarked on the USS Midway, and after Desert Storm, the Air wing cross-decked to the USS Independence. Next, he attended the senior Enlisted Academy, Rhode Island, Class 56, Brown group, and upon completion, reported to Yokosuka, Japan, as a computer analyst. He was selected as Command Master Chief, completing the squadron change homeport from Lemoore, Calif., to Atsugi, Japan, and deploying with the USS Independence and USS Kitty Hawk.
In 1999, Harris reported to NAF Atsugi, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland during his tour. In 2002, he joined the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron, earning the Urban League Guild of San Diego County’s “Blacks in Aviation” award recognizing his service as the first Black Command Master Chief with the team.
His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy Achievement Medal (three awards) and various other unit and campaign awards.
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