Nov. 5, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

PASADENA, Calif., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tournament of Roses revealed today that the heroic pilot who masterfully landed US Airways Flight 1549, Captain Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger, III, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2010 Tournament of Roses festivities. Themed 2010: A Cut Above the Rest, the 121st Rose Parade will pay tribute to everyday heroes and the effort to always improve and enhance. As Grand Marshal, Sullenberger will ride in the 121st Rose Parade in front of a worldwide television audience, and toss the coin before the 96th Rose Bowl Game on January 1, 2010.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091105/LA06667)

"Captain Sully saved the lives of 155 people and is an excellent example of the everyday American hero," said Jeffrey Throop, acting president of the Tournament of Roses. "With his theme, A Cut Above the Rest, President Gary DiSano wanted to honor those who strive to make every effort better than the last. Sullenberger has certainly shown how we can do that and we are honored to have him host the 2010 festivities."

"It has long been a family tradition to watch the Rose Parade," said Captain Sullenberger. "I am incredibly honored to be named the Grand Marshal of such a revered American institution."

Sullenberger became an international hero on January 15, 2009 when he and his crew safely guided US Airways Flight 1549 to an emergency water landing in New York City's frigid Hudson River. The Airbus A320's two engines had lost thrust following a bird strike. He and his crew have won international acclaim for their actions that day, including the passage of a Congressional resolution recognizing their bravery.

Professionally, Sullenberger is an aviation safety expert and accident investigator who also serves as the founder and chief executive officer of Safety Reliability Methods, a consulting company dedicated to management, safety, performance and reliability consulting.

He was born and raised in Denison, Texas. After high school, he enrolled at the United States Air Force Academy to pursue his childhood love of aviation. Recipient of a bachelor's degree from the Academy, Sullenberger majored in psychology. In his graduation year at the Academy, he received the Outstanding Cadet in Airmanship Award. In addition to his bachelor's degree he also has two master's degrees, one in industrial psychology from Purdue University and one in public administration from the University of Northern Colorado.

Upon graduation from the Academy, Sullenberger served as a fighter pilot for the United States Air Force from 1975 to 1980. He advanced to become a flight leader and a training officer, attaining the rank of captain.