PENSACOLA, FL. – A 1986 Northwest Senior High School graduate and Cincinnati native is serving at the Navy’s premier and largest aviation training center.
Cmdr. Michael Harbison works as a naval flight officer serving as the executive officer Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola.A Navy executive officer for an installation is responsible for ensuring the Navy, Navy Installations Command, Navy Region Southeast and command policies and programs are implemented at the installation.
Harbison credits values learned in Cincinnati to his success in the Navy.
“I learned to work hard, get an education and continue to learn,” said Harbison.
NAS Pensacola, “The Cradle of Naval Aviation” is best known as the initial primary training base for all U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard officers pursuing designations as Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers.
It takes a lot of manpower to support and train pilots, but there is much more to this base that employs 16,000 military and 7,400 civilians. This includes major tenant commands: Naval Aviation Schools Command, Naval Air Technical Training Center, Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 and 23, the Blue Angels, and the headquarters for Naval Education Training Command (NETC), a command which combines direction and control of all Navy education and training.
As the premier naval installation in the Department of the Navy (DoN) NAS Pensacola provides base and operational support functions such as quality of life, administration, logistics, facilities, comptroller, management administration and operations (airfield, port, security, fire and search and rescue).
“I’m so proud of the entire team throughout our aviation enterprise,” said Capt. Christopher T. Martin, Commander Naval Air Station Pensacola. “The future of NAS Pensacola is bright, and we’re only going to continue to adapt and evolve as we prepare to efficiently deliver the very best readiness from the shore.”
“As sailors forged by the sea, we will continue to be the Navy the Nation Needs. One of the Chief of Naval Operation’s Lines of Effort is what we do best, strengthening our Navy team for the future,” said Martin.
Harbison has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My brother was in the Navy," said Harbison. "My grandfather was in WWII and Korea, and I have other uncles who were in various branches of service.”
Harbison is also proud of his time serving as a naval aviator.
“Flying, the things we get to do as naval flight officers are pretty neat," he said. "I enlisted as a submariner working with nuclear propulsion, but the Navy needed pilots and I discovered how much I enjoyed it."
Pensacola stands up to the expectations and provides a perfect environment for the workers and their families. The citizens benefit from all the modern world advantages, from schools and hospitals to recreational areas, theaters, cinemas and multiple services.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Harbison and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“We are battling enemies all over the world," Harbison added. "If I can make a difference helping run this base to help train the next generation of naval aviators, then I am still doing my part.”