Marine Capt. Jennifer J. Harris

Died February 07, 2007 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom

Jennifer J. Harris graduated from Swampscott High School in 1996 and from the United States Naval Academy in 2000. Upon graduation from the Naval Academy, Captain Harris was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, graduated from The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, and earned her Wings of Gold on September 13, 2002. She was then assigned to HMMT-164 in Camp Pendleton, CA where she learned to fly the CH-46 Sea Knight.

Upon completing her training, Captain Harris was assigned to the Purple Foxes of HMM-364 and immediately deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom. HMM-364 is a legendary squadron known for repeatedly answering the call of duty since the Vietnam War. During her time in the HMM-364, she attended The Weapons and Tactics Instructor’s Course (WTI), the Marine equivalent to Top Gun training. Captain Harris was the first female pilot in the Purple Foxes Squadron and served three tours of duty in Iraq.