Rear Admiral James H. Flatley III (Retired) enjoyed a very successful career in Naval Aviation, commanding at every level in the operational arena. He was a Navy Test pilot, flew 347 combat missions in Vietnam, commanded the aircraft carrier SARATOGA and Carrier Striking Group 8. Twenty-one of his 1608 carrier landings, third highest total in Naval Aviation, were uniquely accomplished in the C-130 Hercules! His recognitions include the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit (5 awards), Distinguished Flying Cross (3 awards), Bronze Star, Air medal (30 awards) and the Presidential Unit Citation (2 awards).
Retiring in 1987 after 31 years of naval service, Admiral Flatley has since served his community as he served his country, including 7 years as CEO of Patriots Point Development Authority and Executive Director of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, and 24 years as a Roper St Francis Healthcare Trustee.
Jim and Nancy Flatley have been married for 63 years, and are proud parents of six children and 24 grandchildren, many of whom are carrying on the family’s Navy tradition, to include three third-generation fighter pilots, a Navy flight surgeon, a Navy SEAL, four Marine Corps Captains and a Sargent to keep his four Captain cousins at dress parade, an Ensign in Flight Training to become a 4th generation fighter pilot, and a Naval Academy Midshipman 2/C – THUS FAR!.
