Col. John J. Sullivan started his aviation career in 1950 with Colonial Airlines in Albany, NY where he performed a wide variety of ground based jobs. He accomplished his first solo in a J-3 cub in 1951 while a college student and working for the airline. He enlisted in the USAF in 1953 as an aviation cadet, advanced to the rank of Colonel and retired from the USAF in 1979. During his USAF career he flew over 30 different types of aircraft including virtually all of the front line fighters. He participated in the flight test programs of the F106, F4, F111 and A-37 in various roles including test pilot, project engineer and avionics maintenance officer. He was the lead project engineer for the F-111 test program at Edwards AFB from 1964-1966. During his career he flew 400 combat missions, earned the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross and 21 Air Medals. His career also included leading the performance of Studies and Analysis at USAF Headquarters that made major contributions to the composition of the USAF force structure. During his final USAF tour with the USAF Electronic Systems Division he contributed to several system acquisition programs that advanced automation of communications, command, control and intelligence as well as computer security.
After retirement from the USAF in 1979 he joined the management team at Texas International Airlines. He continued with the airline after it bought Continental Airlines. During his airline career he helped advance airline automation, flight planning and data communications. He was also the safety manager and qualified as a line pilot.
In 1983, Col Sullivan joined Aeronautical Radio, Inc. (ARINC) where he was responsible for ensuring the reliability and quality of communications services provided to the airlines. He made significant contributions to the design, development and deployment of new technology, including Air Ground Data Links for domestic and international safety services. During his 19 years as a Corporate Officer and Vice President of Quality Management, Col Sullivan made major personal contributions to the high level of safety and regularity of flight that has been achieved by the air transport industry.
In addition to airline and military aviation, Col Sullivan has continued to be active in general aviation since 1951. He has flown over 100 different types of aircraft and holds FAA certification as an Airline Transport Pilot and Flight Instructor. He has continued to contribute his time and experience toward helping United States Naval Academy Midshipmen become military pilots.
Col. Sullivan married Patricia Drury in 1953 and they have 5 children. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1962 with a BSEE and earned an MBA with emphasis in Research and Development Systems Management at the University of Southern California in 1970.