Cathal Flynn

Rear Admiral Cathal “Irish” Liam Flynn passed away suddenly but peacefully of natural causes

on February 25, 2021, in Coronado, California. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, on July 15, 1938.

He attended schools in Ireland, France, and Spain, and graduated from the University of Dublin,

Trinity College, in 1959.

In 1960, he was commissioned in the U.S. Navy and soon was given the nickname “Irish.” He

completed Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) replacement training, thus beginning 30 years

active service, predominantly in the fields of naval special warfare, joint special operations,

measures to combat terrorism, and international security affairs.

He served in UDT-11 and SEAL Team One, led SEAL detachments in Vietnam in 1964 and

1967-68, and commanded UDT-12. Later, he commanded Naval Special Warfare Group ONE

and served in the Joint Special Operations Command. In intervals between operational tours, he

served on the staffs of the Chief of Naval Operations, Naval Sea Systems Command,

Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet, and Secretary of Defense. He graduated with distinction from

the Naval War College (Command and Staff Course) and the National War College.

Promoted to Rear Admiral in 1985, Cathal Flynn served successively as Commander, Naval

Security and Investigative Command (and concurrently as Assistant Director of Naval

Intelligence for Counter-Intelligence and Anti-Terrorism), Director of Plans and Policy at US

Special Operations Command, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special

Operations. Following his retirement from the Navy in 1990, he joined Science Applications

International Corporation and concurrently served on committees of the National Research

Council and the Defense Science Board.

From 1993 to 2000, Admiral Flynn was the Associate Administrator for Civil Aviation Security

in the Federal Aviation Administration. During that time, the FAA introduced far-reaching

changes of regulations to improve air carrier and airport security programs within the United

States and abroad. Subsequently, he was an independent consultant for a number of years on

aviation security.

Admiral Flynn's awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (2), Defense Superior

Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2), Defense and Navy Meritorious Service Medals, Vietnam

Service Medal (5 campaigns), and Superior Achievement Awards from the FAA and Department

of Transportation. He received M.A. and B.A.I. (Civil Engineering) degrees from the University

of Dublin and an M.A. (International Affairs, East Asian Studies) from the American University.

In retirement, he took great pleasure in volunteering with the Optimist Club, the Coronado

Hospital Auxiliary, and in a school reading program, working with and enjoying the friendship of

many. Most of all, he experienced much happiness spending time with his grandchildren.

Cathal Flynn and Edith Kurtz were married in Coronado in 1963. Cathal will be lovingly

remembered by Edith, daughters Elizabeth Granquist (Gunnar) and Kathleen Ramirez (Chris),

grandchildren Kelsey Grey, Morgan Flynn-Granquist, Ryan and Maeve Ramirez,

great-granddaughter Olivia Grey, and brother, Anthony Flynn (Atsuko). He was predeceased by

his son, Patrick, brother, Seamus, and sister, Mary.

A private family graveside service will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery on March 18th. A

Celebration of Life will take place at a later date when it is safe to gather.