Local Man To Fly this Saturday At King’s Coronation in England

Jasper County native Dewayne Sorrells, who grew up in Shady Dale, will be a part of the king’s coronation this Saturday May 6, when King Charles takes the throne in England.

Major Sorrells has been stationed in England since January 2022, training British pilots how to fly the F-35. He and his family live in DownHam Market near London. He said they live on a farm in a little village that has a small town feel much like home.

He explained that the U.S. has an exchange program, and he is in England for three years. He is the executive officer for the Royal Air Force Squadron, and he is second in command of the British pilots. He talked about how much he loves flying and loves the Marine Corps. The F-35 is American built, creating a diverse opportunity, he said.

He explained the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy will be taking part in the flyover, and that every type of plane the U.K. military has will fly Saturday. There will be six F-35s, and he’ll be flying one of them. The photo shows pictures from the dress rehearsal. Others flying the F-35s will be three members from the Royal Navy, one member of the Royal Air Force, a member of the U.S. Air Force, and Sorrells who is a U.S. Marine.

He said the flyover is a really coordinated event, very precise, in a small window of time. It was the only full rehearsal, but the F-35s have individual practices.

He talked about living in England, and how it’s a unique time to be here. They saw the queen reign, and the country in mourning when she died. He said it was really special to be there at such a historic time. He reminded me it’s the first coronation in more than 70 years, and said it is amazing to be a part of it. He said that they are using this time to travel as much as possible, and his wife just enjoyed a girls’ weekend in Spain. The children attend a private British school, and he said they wear Harry Potter-like uniforms. He talked about language differences, both in spelling and meaning.

Mr. Sorrells said what he missed from the United States is Chick-fil-A, American sports, and, of course, his family. He talked about missing having grandparents and other relatives around. However, he said his father has been to see him graduate every course and for most promotions in rank.

Mr. Sorrells has been in the Marines for almost 20 years, and was eligible for retirement before being deployed aboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth and on to England where he is halfway through a three-year stint.

A 2003 graduate of Jasper County High School, he went to boot camp in January 2004. His wife, the former Laurie Spitler is also from Newborn, and she spent several years in the Marines. She has been supportive of him throughout his career, and she has her own business, and handles household duties, as Mr. Sorrells is often away. They have two children, Cora, 10, and Colt, 8. Mr. Sorrells also said his wife is the full time planner for their travel.

Mr. Sorrells has been deployed numerous times, including stints in Iraq and Afghanistan. After he made Sergeant, the Marines sent him to college. He was in the Naval ROTC program while earning a political science degree. Then he became 2nd Lieutenant.

He is thinking he may retire after 26 years, and move back to the area. When asked what he would do, he was uncertain, but relayed info on his youth. He was big in FFA as a student, he said, and he can see himself helping that organization out some. He said it’s cool to see what they are doing now. He talked about how much his involvement with FFA taught him leadership skills…something he clearly is blessed with.

Mr. Sorrells said at this time he has been away from home longer than he was home. He looks forward to seeing the new Dairy Queen…a place he worked in his youth. He said that he keeps up with people and home through Facebook, and is tickled to keep up with what’s going on over here.

The coronation, and flyover, will be this Saturday, May 6. Check local listings for the televised time.