He received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in 1973 and immediately commenced training in the navy's Nuclear Propulsion program.

He has deployed to the North and South Atlantic; the Mediterranean, Baltic and Red Seas; the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and the Persian Gulf.

On January 24, 2008, Harvey was nominated by President George W. Bush for reappointment to the grade of vice admiral and assignment as Director, Navy Staff (N09B).

[3] With the removal of previous Director, Navy Staff, Vice Admiral John Stufflebeem, Harvey assumed those duties on March 24, 2008.

[9] In accordance with legislation signed by Governor McAuliffe in March 2014, his post was renamed as the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs.