Upon graduation from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy LtCol Lynch was commissioned a 2ndLt in the United States Marine Corps in June of 2001. After completion of The Basic School in June 2002, he reported to NAS Pensacola for Naval Flight Training and was designated a Naval Aviator in January 2004.
1stLt Lynch received orders to MAG-29, MCAS New River, North Carolina and trained to fly the CH-53E Super Stallion at HMT-302 for follow on orders to the “Ironhorse” of HMH-461 in July 2004. 1stLt Lynch deployed to Djibouti, Africa in December 2004 through April 2005 with Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA). In February 2006, Captain Lynch deployed back to CJTF-HOA in Djibouti, Africa with HMH-461 as the Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer. In August 2007, Captain Lynch was assigned with a detachment from HMH-461 to Medium Marine Helicopter Squadron 365 Reinforced (HMM-365, REIN) and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Captain Lynch deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan from March to October 2008 as the Quality Assurance Officer. Upon his return to HMH-461 in December 2008, Captain Lynch was the Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer until he departed the squadron in June 2009.
Captain Lynch was then selected for Presidential Support duties at Marine Helicopter Squadron 1 (HMX-1), MCAF Quantico, and reported for duty in June 2009. While at HMX-1 Major Lynch served as CH-53E NATOPS Officer, Operations Duty Officer, Operations Flight Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer. Major Lynch was designated a Command Pilot and Marine One Aircraft Commander, directly responsible for safe helicopter transport of the President.
Following HMX-1, Major Lynch attended the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College, graduating in June of 2014. Following school, Major Lynch reported back to MAG-29 and immediately deployed with HMH-366 to Operation Enduring Freedom 14.2. Post deployment, Major Lynch served as the Operations Officer and Executive Officer in addition to graduating from MAWTS-1 Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-15. Major Lynch served as the CH-53E Detachment OIC to VMM-264 (REIN) with the 22D MEU where he served as the Maintenance Officer, LPD ACE Detachment Commander, WTI, and participated in Operation ODYSSEY LIGHTNING during the deployment. Prior to reporting to MAG-29 Current Readiness, LtCol Lynch was promoted to his current rank and served as the Air Officer with II Marine Expeditionary Force from April 2017 to May 2019.
LtCol Lynch’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal w/ two Gold Stars, Air Medal w/ Gold Star and Combat “V”, Air Medal w/ Flight Strike Numeral 5, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Presidential Service Badge. As a Naval Aviator, he has compiled more than 2,800 mishap free flight hours in the CH-53E, VH-3D, and VH-60N helicopters.