She is the first African American woman to achieve the rank of three-star general. She broke through barriers to build a rapid career in the U.S. Air Force. An experienced pilot and engineer, she is a role model for many. After her retirement, she became a member of the USC Board of Trustees. Here is the story of Stayce Harris from Los Angeles, as shared by losangeleska.
Stayce’s Early Life
She was born in 1959 in Los Angeles, California. Her father, Clyde Bruce Harris, was a career U.S. Air Force airman, and her mother, Alice May Taborn, was a banker. From a young age, she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps. Their lifestyle was familiar to military families, moving to a “new and exciting place” every two years.
Stayce Harris attended 71st High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina, graduating in 1977. The school was founded in 1924 by consolidating six schools. Harris is a distinguished alumna of 71st High. While still in high school, she enrolled in a pilot program, as women had been granted the right to train as military pilots in 1976.
Her next step was receiving her commission from the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Southern California. In 1981, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering, and in 1987, a Master of Aeronautical Science in Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. In 1988, she graduated from the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The school was established in 1950 to provide relevant professional military education. Its curriculum is built around four areas: leadership, communication, warfare, and thinking.
Service in the U.S. Air Force
Stayce Harris served from 1988 to 1990, and subsequently worked as a commercial pilot for United Airlines. United is a major American airline, one of the largest in the U.S. and the world (as of October 1, 2010).
In April 1991, Stayce Harris joined the Air Force Reserve as a captain. From that moment, she was promoted through the ranks, holding various positions that demonstrated her diligence and determination. For example, she went on to command an airlift squadron and an expeditionary operations group.
On April 1, 2003, Stayce Harris was promoted to colonel, and in 2005, she became the first African American woman to command an air refueling wing. This promotion was a significant step in her career and symbolized progress within the U.S. Air Force.
Her next position was Assistant to the Vice Chief of Staff and Director of the Air Staff, U.S. Air Force, in Washington, D.C. In this role, Stayce Harris was responsible for strategic planning and management of Air Force activities.
Promotions
In 2009, Stayce Harris became a brigadier general, an important milestone in her military career. In 2013, she was promoted to major general, having made significant contributions to the development of the U.S. Air Force.
In 2016, Stayce Harris became the first African American woman to achieve the rank of Lieutenant General in the U.S. Air Force. She had reached the highest rank of her military career, a result of many years of experience and outstanding leadership and professional qualities. This year was significant for women in the military, as Stayce Harris showed by her example that it was possible.
In 2017, she was appointed Inspector General of the Air Force. She reported to the Secretary and Chief of Staff on effectiveness, military discipline, the Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard. Her duties also included:
- developing and implementing inspection policy;
- overseeing the inspection system, evaluating all Air Force and nuclear forces;
- monitoring and coordinating Air Force counterintelligence operations to prevent and counter various threats;
- leading the Air Force intelligence oversight group;
- investigating fraud, waste, and abuse, and holding those responsible accountable;
- overseeing criminal investigations in accordance with the law and respecting the rights of service members;
- providing oversight for complaint resolution programs.
Responsibilities and Awards
Stayce Harris was responsible for two field operating agencies.
- The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) – This is a U.S. federal law enforcement agency that reports to the Secretary of the Air Force. It is a U.S. Air Force field operating agency under the supervision and guidance of the Inspector General of the Department of the Air Force. The agency provides independent criminal investigations, counterintelligence, and protective service operations worldwide and outside the traditional military chain of command.
- The Air Force Inspection Agency (AFIA), which reports to the Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General. The agency’s main goal is to promote high readiness and critical accountability through regular inspection, oversight, and reporting.
Harris has received numerous honors, medals, and awards. This includes the U.S. Air Force Command Pilot Badge, as she is a retired command pilot with over 2,500 hours in military aircraft. She has logged over 10,000 hours in civilian aircraft. Stayce Harris also holds the Air Force Inspector General Badge, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Combat Readiness Medal, and many other awards.
Retirement
In one interview, Harris shared that she always felt a passion for military service. She always thought strategically, developed leadership qualities, and genuinely cared for her fellow pilots. Stayce Harris strove for greater organization and collaboration.
The Lieutenant General retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 2019, and her portrait hangs in the Pentagon. She resides in her hometown of Los Angeles.
Stayce Harris made a significant contribution to the development of the U.S. Air Force. Her professional and leadership qualities and dedication to service are an example for many service members.
Member of the USC Board of Trustees
After her retirement, Stayce Harris joined the board of directors in 2023. For her, this is a great honor and responsibility, as she takes every position in her life seriously. The USC Board of Trustees, according to the retired Air Force Lieutenant General, is composed of a successful group of people interested in contributing to the university’s development.
USC President Carol L. Folt spoke highly of Stayce Harris, emphasizing that she is a role model. According to the university president, they are very fortunate that Stayce decided to join the board.
The new position brought back memories, reminding her of her educational journey at USC. Her family lived in Los Angeles for only two years, during which time she was born just minutes from the campus at a local hospital. Even after graduating from USC and building a successful military career, she maintained her connection to the university. For example, she worked with the Tuskegee Airmen to present an annual award (now called the Tuskegee Airmen/General Stayce Harris Award) to a member of the Trojan ROTC. In many interviews, she has stated that she will be a “Trojan for life,” just as she will always be a pilot.
Additionally, Stayce Harris is a volunteer with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the Rotary Club of Los Angeles, and aviation organizations such as Sisters of the Skies. This work is important to her as it helps women, including African American women, become pilots.
