BY: CTRCM (Ret) Denise Vola

CAPT Joseph B. Harrison III, USN, was honored in Tampa, FL and retired after nearly 40 years of naval service to our beloved nation in a ceremony that was held on June 25, 2026.

The ceremony commenced with an invocation delivered by Chaplain Jeffrey Spindle. The presiding officer was CAPT Jamey Henderson-Coffey, USN (Retired), currently serving as the J2 Deputy Director of the Intelligence and Security Directorate for Joint Interagency Task Force South. The U.S. Director of Naval Intelligence, Mr. Steve Parode, gave an amazing speech to send CAPT Harrison ashore for the final time. Both of these heroes have been sage mentors to CAPT Harrison and have also become dear friends and fierce protectors to many of us across the intelligence community over the years. It is always an honor and distinct privilege to hear them speak truth to the people we humbly serve and tell sea stories with those we serve alongside. Meaningful connections and empowering messages, it is just some of what WE OWE.

CAPT Harrison was recognized by President Donald Trump and every President he faithfully served under. He received additional recognition from Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Chief of Naval Operations Daryl Caudle, Florida State Governor Ron DeSantis, and Florida Senator Rick Scott for his service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. 

A HUGE shoutout to the Suncoast Chief Petty Officers and the amazing support from the Sailors, Marines and Soldiers from the following commands for making this day special for CAPT Harrison and his family:

Joint Communications Support Element Tampa
HQ USSOCOM
Naval Reserve Center Tampa

Thank you to the amazing team at Joint Interagency Task Force South in Key West, Commanding Officer Steven Welch of the USCGC VIGILIANT (WMEC 617), CTRCM (Ret) Noam Cohen, CTICM Ralph Bass, CTICS (Ret) Donna Merkel, and the many members of the Publix leadership team across the State of Florida. Your love and support to Joey and the servant leadership you all displayed in support of him and his wonderful family, was a beautiful tribute.

Thank you to the Executive Director of the National Cryptologic Veterans Association (NCVA) and former Naval Security Group Command Force Master Chief, CTOCM Penny Tardona USN (Ret), NCVA members, Fort Meade Chief Petty Officers, and Shipmates across the globe for contributing to CAPT Harrison’s gift from the Chief’s Mess. CAPT Harrison was gifted the “CB Radio Operator’s Guide, 2nd Edition”, a vintage Wheaton Paul Revere bottle, and letters from Shipmates all over the world. The cobalt blue bottle is embossed with an American Eagle on one side and Paul Revere riding his horse with the year 1775 on the other. 

“CAPT Harrison, on behalf of the largest fraternity in the world, the same brotherhood and sisterhood you have been a member of for decades, thank you for your service to this beautiful nation and your unwavering loyalty to the people and the mission, a sacrifice very few people will ever truly understand. You executed your mission in the same honorable and loyal manner as Paul Revere in his famous ride. Thank you for never forgetting where you came from, always leading with pure and good intent, seeking the truth, never using your power for ill will unless it was warranted, legal, and ethical for accountability, and most important, thank you for protecting ALL of our people – the minorities and the majorities that we all love so dearly and respect across our ranks. Thank you for having real loyalty, and loyalty that is never blind. This nation will never know what you did for them or the number of lives you have saved, but some of us do and we’d all ride or die with you to the end again to protect our family and yours. Fair Winds and Following Seas!”

CAPT Jamey Henderson-Coffey, USN (Retired)
U.S. Director of Naval Intelligence, Mr. Steve Parode