LCDR Denis Flynn earned his wings in December 1968 and joined the VA-12 "Clinchers" after completing the A-4 Skyhawk RAG in June of 1969 at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Fla. VA-12 deployed with CAG 8 aboard the Shangri-La, CVA 38, in March of 1970 for a Viet Nam tour, while in SE Asia, he flew approximately 80 missions into Laos and S. Viet Nam, survived a night ejection off the bow of the ship when the catapult prematurely parted from his aircraft due to materiel failure. After completion of the cruise, LT Flynn returned to Jacksonville. After a stint as a nuclear weapons instructor, Flynn left active duty and served in the reserves for an additional five years and was promoted to LCDR. He has approximately 1000 flight hours and 200 carrier landings. He was awarded 5 Air Medals, Unit Commendation Medal, and service medals.