Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the airline pilot celebrated for safely landing US Airways Flight 1549 on New York’s Hudson River in 2009 and saving all 155 people on board, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Sullenberger, 75, shared the news in a heartfelt social media post on Tuesday, writing, “I recently found out I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It is early stage. 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.”

The legendary aviator, whose calm leadership during the “Miracle on the Hudson” made him a symbol of courage and resilience, said the diagnosis has opened his eyes to how the disease affects millions of people around the world and spares no age group.

He described Alzheimer’s as “the unwanted visitor at the door.”

Sullenberger said he is approaching the diagnosis through the lens of a lifetime spent serving others. His career has included service as a U.S. Air Force officer, commercial airline pilot, aviation safety advocate, accident investigator, and U.S. ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

In the years since Flight 1549, Sullenberger has become one of aviation’s respected voices on safety and leadership. Now, he says, his new challenge is finding a different way to serve.

“So this new phase of my life has challenged what it means to be of service,” he wrote. “And the answer is to speak up."

Sullenberger said he hopes sharing his diagnosis will encourage others "living in the shadows with this disease" to come forward and seek support.

“And about hope — so many people told us after Flight 1549 that the outcome gave them hope. Lorrie, my incredible partner of 37 years, says we can all use a little of that hope right now,” he wrote.

He said the diagnoses may impact his memory of the past, but will not prevent him from looking forward and appreciating the future as he navigates this newest chapter.

“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,” he wrote. “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.”

Following the announcement, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America expressed its support for Sullenberger and his family.

“His decision to publicly disclose his diagnosis will help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and show support for the many others living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related illnesses,” the organization said in a statement. “We are grateful for his courage, transparency, and efforts to heighten understanding and compassion for all those living with dementia.”