During his 28-year career as a Naval Officer/helicopter pilot, Professor Lynch served in several ASW and Training squadrons, completed multiple deployments on several aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, and did several staff tours, including a NATO tour. He taught for the Naval War College in the Fleet Seminar Program from 2000-02 and in the resident program from 2005-10. After retiring from the Navy in 2010, and before returning to the Naval War College in 2016, he taught Middle School Math and coached baseball. In March of 2020, Professor Lynch began serving as the Strategy & Policy Department Head.