Col Lee was commissioned in 2003 through the Platoon Leaders Class while attending Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Upon graduation from The Basic School in 2004 he proceeded to NAS Pensacola for naval aviation flight training where he was designated a Naval Aviator in 2006.

Col Lee was assigned to CH-53E Fleet Replacement Training at HMT-302 and was subsequently assigned to MAG-16 in San Diego, CA. In 2007, Col Lee deployed with HMH-462 in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to Okinawa, Japan where he participated in training exercises in the Philippines and Australia as well has humanitarian efforts in Cambodia while operating aboard the USS Essex. Upon return from the 31st MEU, Col Lee was transferred to HMH-465 where he served as the Flight Line Officer. In 2008, Col Lee was transferred to HMH-466 where he completed two combat deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. During his time at HMH-466, Col Lee earned all CH-53E flight leadership designations including Air Mission Commander (AMC), Weapons and Tactics Instructor, and Flight Leadership Standardization Evaluator. Col Lee served as the Assault Flight Lead and AMC for multiple combat operations while deployed to Afghanistan.   

In 2011, Col Lee checked into the NAVAIR Systems Engineering competency at NAS Patuxent River to serve as the military H-53 Assistant Program Manager for Systems Engineering at PMA-261. After two years of service at PMA-261, Col Lee was selected to attend Class 144 of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. Upon designation as a Naval Test Pilot in 2013, Col Lee checked into HX-21 and reported to the CH-53K Integrated Test Team Detachment based at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, FL. As a CH-53K Developmental Test Pilot, Col Lee participated in initial developmental ground and flight test operations and became the third Marine Corps pilot to fly a CH-53K prototype aircraft. Additionally, Col Lee served as a Project Pilot and Detachment Officer-in-Charge for multiple CH-53E and MH-53E flight test projects.

In 2017, Col Lee reported back to MAG-16 where he served as the HMH-465 Operations Officer. He then reported to VMM-163(REIN) with a detachment of 61 Marines and four CH-53E aircraft as the CH-53E Detachment Officer-in-Charge and squadron’s Executive Officer. In 2019, Col Lee deployed with VMM-163(REIN) throughout the Indo-Pacific and Central Command areas of responsibility while in support of the 11th MEU aboard the USS Boxer. Upon return from deployment, Col Lee received orders to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa, Japan where he served as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G-3) and Force Design Lead.

In 2021, Col Lee returned to the United States after selection as an 8059 Acquisition Officer.  He was assigned to the Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Office, PMA-261, where he served as the Air Vehicle Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead for the CH-53E, MH-53E, and CH-53K. From 2022 to 2023, Col Lee completed Top Level School (TLS) as a Secretary of Defense Executive Fellow assigned to HII under the Executive Vice President of Government and Customer Relations in Arlington, VA. After completion of TLS, Col Lee reported to the V-22 Joint Program Office, PMA-275, where he served as the MV-22 Level I IPT Lead. In 2025, Col Lee was selected by the FY26 Marine Corps Acquisition Screening Board to be the Program Manager of the Tactical Airlift Program Office, PMA-207.

Col Lee’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, the Air Medal with seven strike/flight awards, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars in lieu of fourth award.