'Miracle on the Hudson' pilot Captain Sully diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease

Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger III, the celebrated pilot who guided US Airways Flight 1549 to a safe landing in the Hudson River in 2009, has revealed he is battling early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The 75-year-old former Air Force fighter pilot shared the diagnosis on his personal website.

In his statement, Sullenberger described the early signs of the disease, noting that names may not come easily and he sometimes forgets recently told stories. He also mentioned experiencing sleep disturbances. "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, but I am in the beginning of this long journey," he wrote.

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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, but I am in the beginning of this long journey.

Sullenberger, whose calm demeanor and quick thinking averted disaster for all 155 people aboard Flight 1549 after a bird strike disabled both engines shortly after takeoff, emphasized the need for courage in confronting his new health challenge. He drew a parallel to the collective bravery displayed during the Hudson River landing, stating, "Now we need that courage to battle this disease. I am now part of a larger community with many of you, and we will be courageous together."

After retiring as a pilot in 2010, Sullenberger continued to advocate for aviation safety. His heroic 2009 landing was later depicted in the 2016 film "Sully," starring Tom Hanks.

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Over the years, when people would ask about the successful outcome of Flight 1549, I would say that 'courage can be contagious,' and on that day it helped everyone band together to get everyone off that airplane successfully. Now we need that courage to battle this disease. I am now part of a larger community with many of you, and we will be courageous together.