When Cmdr. Terrance Flournoy enlisted in the Navy in 1994, the then 27-year-old was almost a decade older than some of his fellow recruits. As he wraps up a career of more than 30 years as a Sailor, Flournoy retires after helping decades of young Sailors achieve their goals while defending the country. 

After learning the ropes as an enlisted man, Flournoy said the people around him inspired him to pursue and complete the Limited Duty Officer program to join the leadership ranks.  

"I was very fortunate to be around a lot of great mentors, those who were prior enlisted, prior chiefs who became commissioned officers, who were such phenomenal leaders. And it made me think about the position that they held. They were in a position to really stand up for the Sailors," Flournoy said. "They represented junior Sailors because they were once junior Sailors themselves. It was an opportunity to be that guy, to represent them by telling the commanding officer 'Sir, yes we can." Or 'Sir, no, we can't.' But, at the same time, to provide solutions as well."  

After growing up in Piermont, NY, Flournoy's professional career started not at a recruiting station, but at a masonry union hall in New York City. With a young child to support, Flournoy said he wanted a career that would provide for his family better than his inconsistent work in the city.  

Before coming to Lakehurst as the Officer-in-Charge for Naval Aviation Technical Training, Detachment Lakehurst, Flournoy served as the Aircraft Handling Officer on Reagan, based out of Yakuska, Japan. He then transitioned to his current role, where he enjoys working with the cutting-edge technology and the sailors and civilians who support the warfighter. 

“The Sailors and professionals, the engineers, and everybody else that we have here are certainly the brightest and the best at what they do,” Flournoy said.  

Cmdr. Adam Pawlak, Lakehurst’s Officer-in-Charge said Flournoy “has been a pillar of the ALRE and Aviation boatswain’s mate communities for three decades.” 

“His unique brand of leadership will not be easily replaced, but he has done an outstanding job training his relief and leaves the Navy in capable hands,” Pawlak added. 

After dedicating most of his adult life to serving his country, Flournoy said joining the Navy was one of the best decisions he ever made.  

“I've got friends that I consider family and lifelong friends," Flournoy said. "Guys that I've served with over 30 years ago on my first ship, we are in contact with each other as if we never left."  

As he gets ready to end his active-duty career, Flournoy said he will still be in the area but spending more time doing the things he likes, like renovating his home, landscaping, and anything else he can do with his hands. He also plans to spend more time on the water, not as an aircraft handler, but as an angler trying to reel in the big fish.