FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii - U.S. Army Pacific bid farewell to Maj. Gen. Charles A. Flynn, outgoing Deputy Commanding General - South during a Flying V ceremony Jan. 29 at historic Palm Circle on Fort Shafter, Hawaii.
The Flying V ceremony welcomes or honors senior officials as they assume duties or depart USARPAC. The "V" refers to the way the colors are posted during the ceremony, which is in the shape of a V.
The host of the ceremony was Gen. Robert B. Brown, commanding general of USARPAC. During his speech, Brown highlighted some of Flynn's contributions during his time in Hawaii.
"Charlie Flynn has had a monumental impact on the Indo-Pacific region during the most geo-politically charged time in the past 60+ years," said Brown. "Monumental impact as a division commander up the hill, and then down here as Deputy Commanding General."
"As a division commander, he got Pacific Pathways up to the next level. He was amazing in the rebalance in the Pacific, and was out and about with small squads all the way up to brigades and division minus in key exercises and establishing relationships," said Brown.
"Charlie established tremendous relationships with local, state and federal elected officials. As the Deputy Commanding General, what he did for readiness across the forces here in the Pacific was unbelievable," said Brown.
As Brown's speech came to a conclusion, he said he was grateful for Flynn's hard work, saying he would always be part of the team.
"Thanks for your friendship, your incredible work, (and) your dedication here," said Brown. "Your legacy will live on here. We will miss you, but you will always be part of the 'One Team' Ohana."
Flynn, who served as the DCG-South since Aug. of 2016, and previously had served as the Commander of 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, thanked Brown for his support while serving with USARPAC.
"All I can say to you is thank you for who you are. Thanks for being an outstanding commanding general, thanks for always being there, thanks for your steady handed leadership, and all you have provided us," said Flynn. "Operating as your deputy has been one of my greatest honors, thank you for allowing me wide latitude on your mission command highway, that street called trust is two ways, and you built both lanes."
During Flynn's speech, he also said he hoped he had helped the USARPAC staff during his time as DCG.
"To the USARPAC staff, you're remarkable selfless servants to the nation; I hope in some small way I was able to assist you as much as you helped me," said Flynn. "I use to say to many of you that generals move the friction, and my hope is that I helped you through any friction by providing some clarity to your job. You and your Soldiers on mission every day are what kept me going."
Flynn, who is an avid surfer and enjoys swimming, brought his speech to a close by relating surfing to life.
"Surfing is a lot like life, you can ride all the waves you want. Some rides are going to be great, they'll end on a smooth kick-out and a soft fall, while some other rides feel like a violent drop," said Flynn. "Regardless of how you fall, what matters is that you work hard to get back to the surface. You get on your board, you straighten out your back, you open your eyes and look on the horizon, which is the future, and as you look to the horizon, all you see is more waves. Even though you may need to paddle through those rough ones and continue to struggle, you point your board forward, you start paddling and you get back out there. You do it because you love it."
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