SAN DIEGO - Airman Khrishari Harris, a native of Miami, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Harris graduated from Miami Southridge Senior High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Miami.
“Some lessons I learned from my home that I apply to my Navy career are to never give up when life throws obstacles at me and to always fight through because you will eventually get your groove back,” Harris said. “In the Navy, you get knocked down but it is important to get back up to get things done.”
Harris joined the Navy one year years ago. Today, Harris serves as an aviation maintenance administrationman.
“The idea of traveling around the world inspired me to join the Navy,” Harris said.
Members of HSM 49 fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform. The Navy MH-60R is able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include strikes on maritime targets, submarine hunting and attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuations and supply support.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Harris has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Since it is early in my career, I have yet to earn medals and ribbons,” Harris said. “However, the accomplishment I am most proud of is being recognized by my command for my great work ethic and morale. A great work ethic is built on discipline and consistency, all of which contribute to completing the missions here at HSM 49. I’m proud of that because it makes me seen as trustworthy.”
Harris serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means having a country that depends on me for our safety,” Harris said. “That makes me push myself harder.”
Harris is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would love to thank Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Matkins, Lt. j.g. Stanley, Lt. j.g. Bennet, Chief Aviation Electronic TechnicianWilliams, Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate Heyder, Aviation Structural Mechanic Holbert, Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Strickland, Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Lair, Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Stone and all the fellow "Scorpions" who saw potential in me and guided me along my career,” Harris added. “I also want to thank my sister, Sgt. Marilyn Harris, for showing me independence and for always being there for me when I need her. I also want to thank my friend, Sarah, for pushing me to join the Navy.”