David J. Sullivan

Early on, Dave knew he wanted to become an aviator, and after graduation from High School in 1955, he enlisted in the Air Force. Upon graduating 3rd in his class as a Slick Wing 2nd Lieutenant with the Class of 60-H, Dave chose to join the ranks of fighter pilot in the F-100 "Super Saber." He then completed advanced flying and operational training schools in the F-100 at Luke AFB, AZ, and Nellis AFB, NV in May, 1961.
His first operational assignment was to the 531st Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) at Misawa AB, Japan in 1961. Next came a stateside tour with the 430th TFS at Cannon AFB, NM in 1963. This squadron made frequent overseas deployments, literally around the world, including combat in the Vietnam War after the Gulf of Tonkin Incident on 2 August 1964. Dave?€™s combat records show 34 out-of-country missions between Nov 64-Jan 65 while TDY in the SEA theater.
Then with substantial F-100 experience, including combat, Dave was assigned to the 4510th Combat Crew Training Wing (CCTW) at Luke AFB, the "schoolhouse" for F-100 training courses where he served as an Instructor.
After two years as an Instructor at Luke, Dave was advised that it was his turn to put in a full year PCS tour in Vietnam. So, in 1967, as part of the 37th TFW, he found himself assigned to the 612th TFS at Phu Cat AB, RVN (Republic of Vietnam). Dave was appointed "C" Flight Commander in Jan 1968.
Fatefully, Dave's "promotion" to Flight Commander came exactly eight days before the Tet Offensive, after which the intensiveness of the war went sky high, and the F-100?€™s sortie rates rose proportionally, mostly in support of "troops in contest." This pace continued until the end of his year-long tour in Sep 1968. During this period "Sully" flew over 300 combat missions earning him 2 distinguished flying crosses, 17 Air Medals, Army Commendation Medals, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and numerous other distinctions.
Without reservation, Dave considered this period spent in the preparation and execution of combat missions to be the highlight of his Airforce career. Following his tour, Dave's service continued for several more years in various capacities which allowed him to utilize and share his previous experience. Major Sullivan retired in 1979.
After USAF retirement, Dave worked as a flight instructor for Flight Safety and then in 1981 received a job offer from Learjet. Dave's career at Learjet was no less distinguished than his military career. His primary responsibilities as a Marketing Demonstration pilot was to assist the sales staff in demonstrating the capabilities of the aircraft to potential buyers. Oftentimes this meant flying into remote locations around the world to deliver the customer to his place of business.
He was also tasked with training new owners and/or their pilots. He enjoyed being back in the role of instructor and made quick friends with fellow aviators across the globe.
Dave valued this comradery with other pilots. During his working years and for several years after his retirement from Learjet in 2005, he received calls from pilots all over the world asking for help with a tricky flight plan or his advice on the best approach to a remote location etc. He was always willing to share his experience and expertise.
After retirement, Dave worked independently as a part-time contract pilot for a short while before fully retiring. Following that decision, he and his wife Patti did what they both loved travelling extensively throughout the US and Europe. One of the things that made Dave such a wonderful travel partner was how easily he could fit in and be content, whether in a beer joint in Montana or a 5-star restaurant in London. It didn't matter ?€¦ he loved the adventure, the opportunity to learn new things and enjoyed the varied experiences that only travel can offer. A quiet man who loved his country, his family, aviation and travel. David Sullivan truly exemplified a life well lived.