Errol retires after 33 years

AFTER 33 years of active service in numerous conflicts, Royal Naval Warrant Officer First Class Gary Flynn is ready to enjoy a more leisurely life with both feet firmly on dry land.

WO1 Gary Flynn, known to his colleagues as “Errol” is an engineer at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton. He joined the Royal Navy in October 1979 and his entire squadron time has been divided between 707, 848 and 846 Naval Air Squadrons.

This makes Gary a “Junglie” through and through, the nickname derived from the Malayan Jungle conflict in the 1950’s,  Squadrons now known as The Commando Helicopter Force.

During his career as an engineer, he has seen active service in most of the conflicts of the last 30 years including The Falklands, Lebanon and the First Gulf war. He has worked on 13 Aircraft types from Swordfish to Sea Kings and embarked on 15 Ships including Ark Royal, Invincible and Ocean.

Gary said: “I can’t believe it! It’s all gone by like a blur; I’ve absolutely loved every minute of it. It’s the people in the Navy that make it so fantastic it’s been a pleasure working with each and every one and sharing some fantastic experiences.''

In between his busy Naval career Gary has managed to represent the Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Navy at football as well as attending three Royal Garden Parties.

When asked how he plans to spend his retirement Gary said: “I plan to continue with five-a-side football and I am looking forward to more family time with a trip to Barcelona in a month’s time to catch a game of football.”

Gary’s day was marked by a meeting with First Sea Lord, Admiral Mark Stanhope, who was visiting the Royal Naval Air Station and the presentation of a cake made by the Engineering Forward Workshop.

PHOTO: Warrant Officer Gary Flynn, right, with First Sea Lord, Admiral Mark Stanhope.

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