Lee was designated naval aviator in 1929. Joined Fighting Squadron Five based in the USS Lexington (CV-2). Further duties were: War Plans Division of CNO and aide at the White House; Asiatic Fleet in the minesweeper USS Heron (AM-10) and heavy cruiser USS Augusta (CA-31)

naval attaché for Air, Caracas, Venezuela. Air officer and later XO of the aircraft carrier USS Essex (CV-9), which participated in action against Marcus Island, Wake, Rabaul, Tarawa, Kwajalein, and Truk. In 1944 was CO of the Manila Bay, involved in the invasions of Leyte, Mindoro, and Lingayen Gulf. In 1945 was Public Relations Officer for CinCPac, then Naval Aide to Hon. John Sullivan, remaining with him when he became SecNav. Was Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, CinCPac during first year of Korean War. In 1951 was CO of the large aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42). After stateside duty, in 1955 he was Commander Fleet Air, WestPac. He served as Commandant of National War College from 1964 until his retirement in 1967.