Draft:Kelly Calhoun Sullivan
Kelly Calhoun Sullivan is a colonel in the United States Air Force with over three decades of service in multiple branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. His military career includes roles in the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Navy, with specialization in aviation, emergency management, and joint military operations.
Sullivan began his military service as a 19D Calvary Scout in the Louisiana Army National Guard. He subsequently qualified as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot before transitioning to fixed-wing aircraft through the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program at Reese Air Force Base in Texas. He later served as an F-15C Eagle pilot with the 122nd Fighter Squadron at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in New Orleans.
His operational experience includes deployments in support of Operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch, as well as participation in NATO air operations during the Kosovo conflict. During this period, Sullivan was involved in the interception of Russian bombers near Icelandic airspace, a mission for which he was nominated for the Mackay Trophy for distinguished aviation service.
In 2006, Sullivan transferred to the U.S. Navy Reserve, where he qualified as a carrier-pilot aboard the USS George W. Bush, flying the F/A-18 Hornet. He attained the rank of Commander and served as Department Head with responsibilities over operations, maintenances, safety, and administration.
Domestically, Sullivan has played a role in various disaster response and emergency management efforts. He served as a first responder during Hurricane Katrina and later led military-supported humanitarian efforts during the 2016 Baton Rouge floods and Hurricane Laura. In 2021, he was appointed Joint Director of Military Support (JDOMS) at the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. In this role, he coordinated military support for natural disasters including Hurricane Ida and the 2021 winter storm. In 2023, he became Director of the J5 for the Louisiana National Guard, overseeing Strategic Plans and Policy.
From 2016 to 2020, Sullivan commanded the 122nd Air Support Operations Squadron, where he led Tactical Air Control Parties (TACPs) assigned to support U.S. special operations forces in combat environments.
Sullivan holds a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern State University of Louisiana and has completed professional military education through the U.S. Air Force Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, and Squadron Officer School.
His military decorations include:
- Bulleted list item Meritorious Service Medal with three leaf clusters
- Bulleted list item Air and Space Commendation Medal
- Bulleted list item Army Commendation Medal
- Bulleted list item Navy Commendation Medal
- Bulleted list item Meritorious United Award
- Bulleted list item Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one oak leaf cluster
- Bulleted list item Combat Readiness Medal with two oak leaf clusters