Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the legendary pilot who safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 on New York’s Hudson River and saved all 155 people onboard, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The 75-year-old aviation hero announced the diagnosis on Tuesday, saying he is at the beginning of a “long journey.”
“For now, this means a name may not come easily to me, I forget a story I have recently told, or I don’t sleep as well,” Sullenberger said. “This new phase of my life has challenged what it means to be of service. And the answer is to speak up.”
Sullenberger became a global symbol of aviation skill and courage on January 15, 2009. Shortly after US Airways Flight 1549 departed New York’s LaGuardia Airport for Charlotte, North Carolina, the Airbus struck a flock of birds and lost thrust in both engines.
Realizing the aircraft could not safely return to LaGuardia, Sully made the extraordinary decision to ditch the plane in the Hudson River.
All 150 passengers and five crew members survived — an event forever remembered as the “Miracle on the Hudson.”
His remarkable story later inspired the 2016 film “Sully,” starring Tom Hanks.
Now facing a different battle, Sullenberger says he hopes speaking publicly about his diagnosis will encourage other families affected by Alzheimer’s to step forward.
“Courage can be contagious,” he said. “Now we need that courage to battle this disease… and we will be courageous together.”
Wishing Captain Sully strength and courage as he begins this new journey. 
