Laughlin XLer: Capt. David Sullivan, 85th FTS

Published July 23, 2015
By 47th Flying Training Wing

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Unit and job title: 85th Flying Training Squadron flight commander and T-6 instructor pilot

Why he XLed: Capt. Sullivan was the point of contact for the Civil Air Patrol Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training familiarization course, where he lead a 45-member team that demonstrated Team XL's capabilities to 30 teens. He volunteered 250 hours to the Civil Air Patrol and coordinated with 20 base/local agencies to ensure the success of a one-week encampment. He handled student pilot physiological emergencies in a timely manner that helped to save the lives of Airmen and $4.5 million. He instructed 8 flights, completed one high-profile progress evaluation, and displayed professional judgment for a $387,000 decision that was vital to a 65-percent manned squadron. Lastly, Sullivan commanded 18 officers, executed over 600 events worth $299,000, helping graduate 17 student pilots with zero syllabus deviations.