Commander Michael John Harris
Commander Michael John Harris, RAN born in Newcastle, New South Wales, joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1988 through the Australian Defence Force Academy where he studied for a Bachelor of Science. In 1991, Harris commenced his Seaman Officer training at HMAS Watson in Sydney and was promoted to Sub-Lieutenant the following year.
After award of his Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate in 1993 during a posting to HMAS Betano, Harris posted to HMAS Melbourne as an Officer of the Watch and was promoted Lieutenant in 1994. On completion of postings as the Fleet Exercise Programmer at Maritime Headquarters-West in Perth (1995) and at Maritime Headquarters in Sydney (1996) he posted to HMAS Brisbane (IV) as an Assistant Warfare Officer prior to commencing his Principal Warfare Officers Training in 1997. He served as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer in the Guided Missile Frigate Newcastle and later as an Air Warfare Officer in the Guided Missile Frigate Sydney where he saw operational service in East Timor.
After a posting to the RAN’s Sea Training Group for 20 months as the Training Administration Coordinator and promotion to Lieutenant Commander he served as the Royal Australian Navy’s Liaison Officer (RANLO) to the Commander United States Naval Central Command / Commander USN Fifth Fleet in Bahrain for 6 months, service which gained him a Maritime Commanders Commendation in May 2003. CMDR Harris returned to Australia to command the Fremantle Class Patrol Boat (FCPB) HMAS Townsville between June 2003 and January 2005, the ship awarded Runner-up in The Kelly Shield for FCPB Profiency for 2004.
Postings to Maritime Capability Development and the Australian Command and Staff Course followed. On graduating he completed a Masters of Maritime Studies through the University of Wollongong and was promoted Commander. As a Commander, Harris served as the Maritime Commitments advisor to Director General Military Strategic Commitments before deploying as the Chief Staff Officer to CTF 158 in the North Arabian Gulf. On return to Australia in February 2008 CMDR Harris assumed the position of Commander Fleet Operations for the Australian Fleet Commander. CMDR Harris was selected for Command of the Upgraded Guided Missile Frigate Melbourne in December 2009 until July 2011.
CMDR Harris and his wife Angela reside in Sydney with their son, James (6) and daughter Olivia (5). His interests are wide ranging and include Golf, Cricket and listening to music for relaxation.
