Lieutenant Colonel Michael J. Harper was born in San Diego, California. In 2009, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics with a minor in Arabic, and commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Upon completion of The Basic School, he reported to Flight School in Pensacola, FL and was designated a Naval Aviator in May 2012.
First Lieutenant Harper reported to Marine Air Group (MAG) 39 for initial training in the UH-1Y at Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303. In January 2013, he reported to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369. Later in 2013, he deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In 2016, Captain Harper deployed again with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced) as part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), participating in multiple theater security cooperation exercises and contingency operations in the Western Pacific and Middle East.
In 2017, Captain Harper reported to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), where he served as a UH-1Y Instructor Pilot and as the Assistant Operations Officer. He also served as the Assault Support Tactics 3 Evolution Coordinator and UH-1 Division subject matter expert for Mission Planning, Digital Interoperability, Defensive Air Combat Maneuvering, and Electronic Warfare.
In June 2021, Major Harper graduated with highest distinction from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI, earning a Master of Arts degree in Defense and Strategic Studies. Additionally, he received the Admiral William S. Sims distinguished graduate award and the Captain James T. Larkin award for academic excellence by a Marine Corps officer. Major Harper then returned to HMLA-369, where he served as the Assistant Operations Officer, Operations Officer, and Executive Officer. During this assignment, he deployed to Okinawa, Japan for Unit Deployment Program 22.1.
In June 2023, Major Harper reported to VMM-165 (Reinforced) to serve as the Operations Officer and H-1 Detachment Officer-in-Charge for the 15th MEU Western Pacific 24.1 deployment, during which he participated in multiple theater security cooperation exercises throughout the Indo-Pacific. He was promoted to his current rank in February 2024.
In January 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Harper returned to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma to assume the role of the MAWTS-1 Operations Officer. In May 2026, Lieutenant Colonel Harper transferred back to MAG-39 to assume command of HMLA-369 in June 2026.
Over the past 17 years, Lieutenant Colonel Harper has logged over 2,500 flight hours and held billets in various operations, information technology, and maintenance departments. He has completed training across a range of fields including the Weapons and Tactics Instructor course and various tactical flight and staff planning courses. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Air Medal with Numeral 4, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.