Col Michael J. Flynn enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in Nov 1983, and graduated from MCRD San Diego in Aug 1984. Col Flynn graduated from the University of San Francisco and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant via Navy ROTC at the University of California, Berkeley in May 1988.
In August 1988, 2nd Lt Flynn reported to The Basic School, Quantico, VA, and in February 1989, reported to Marine Air Control Squadron 5, 2nd MAW, MCAS Beaufort, SC, for duty as an Air Defense Control Officer. While at MACS 5, 1stLt Flynn completed deployments within CONUS, the British West Indies, and Norway.
In Sept 1992, 1st Lt Flynn reported to MACS 4, 1st MAW, MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, and was assigned as the Squadron Operations Officer. While at MACS 4, 1stLt Flynn planned and deployed in support of aviation operations throughout the Western Pacific, that included Team Spirit 1992 (Republic of Korea), Cobra Gold 1992 (Thailand), and Beach Crest 1992 and 1993. 1st Lt Flynn was promoted to Captain on 1 June 1993.
In Sept 1993, Captain Flynn reported to MTACS 38, 3D MAW, MCAS El Toro, CA, and was assigned as the Tactical Air Command Center Officer. During his tour Capt Flynn completed various deployments within CONUS. In Feb 1995 Captain Flynn left active duty.
From Sept 1995 through Nov 1997, Captain Flynn served as the Executive Officer of ‘C’ Battery, 4th Light Anti-Aircraft Missile BN, 4th MAW, Hayward, CA, and was promoted to the rank of Major in October 1997. From Dec 1997 through Oct 2003, Major Flynn served in various command and staff billets that included: Commanding Officer ‘C’ Battery, 4th Light Anti-Aircraft Missile BN, Commanding Officer H &S Battery, 4th Low Altitude Air Defense BN, Operations Officer 4th LAAD BN, and Executive Officer of 4th LAAD BN. In November 2003, Maj Flynn was promoted to LtCol. In March 2004, LtCol Flynn reported to Marine Air Control Group 48, 4th MAW, Great Lakes, IL, and was assigned as a Future Operations Planner.
In Jul 2004, LtCol Flynn returned to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II, and reported to 3D MAW (FWD), Al Asad Airbase, Iraq. In Sept 2004, LtCol Flynn assumed command of Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3 (FWD). While deployed to Iraq, MWHS 3 (FWD) participated in Operation Al Fajr (Fallujah), Iraqi National Elections, and combat operations in Al Anbar Province.
In June of 2005, LtCol Flynn assumed command of Marine Air Support Squadron 6, 4th MAW, Westover Air Reserve Base, Chicopee, MA. During his tour, MASS 6 supported operations/exercises: Urgent Quest (United Kingdom), Weapons & Tactics Instructors Courses, Defense Support to Civil Authorities exercises, and numerous community outreach events. LtCol Flynn mobilized MASS 6 personnel as elements of a Provisional Security Company that deployed to Djibouti, Horn of Africa, ISO OEF. In June of 2007, LtCol Flynn reported to 4th MAW, MCAS Miramar, CA, for duty with TACC Battle Staff (West) as the Operations Officer. In March of 2009 Col Flynn was promoted to his present rank.
In January 2010, Colonel Flynn returned to active duty in support of OEF 10 and reported to I Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD), Camp Pendleton, CA, as the G-5 Red Cell Leader. Colonel Flynn deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan from April 2010 to March 2011. In November 2011, Colonel Flynn reported to I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Main), I Marine Expeditionary Force, as the Commanding Officer.
In October 2012, Colonel Flynn reported to Expeditionary Strike Group 3, U.S. 3rd Fleet, as the Deputy Commander. In June 2013, Colonel Flynn reported to Force Headquarters Group, Marine Force Reserve, as the Deputy Commander. In July 2015 Colonel Flynn reported to the Marine Corps Individual Readiness Support Activity (MCIRSA) as the Deputy Director. In October 2016, Colonel Flynn reported to Marine Forces Reserve/Marine Forces North as the Vice Chief of Staff.
Colonel Flynn’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal with ‘M’ Device, and various campaign and unit awards.