U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Sean Patrick Sullivan made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, family and community July 19 when his MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter crashed during a heavy-lift operation in the country of Oman.

Fellow Aircrewman Second Class Joseph P. Fitzmorris also perished during this incident. Three fellow crewmen survived the crash.

Chief Sullivan, known as “Sully” to his friends, graduated from Lindbergh High School in 1990. A fourth-generation sailor, he joined the Navy in 1991 and attended recruit training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Ill. Chief Sullivan attended Aircrew Candidate School along with many specialized training schools. He served overseas in Japan and Sigonella, Sicily.

Chief Sullivan served many duty stations in the United States, including the Naval Recruiting District in St. Louis.

Fighting for our freedom, Chief Sullivan served during Operation Desert Storm, Desert Shield and Operation Iraqi Freedom before his last deployment to Oman. He had selfless devotion to duty and an unwavering commitment to the United States of America and to the United States Navy.

His personal awards include: three Strike Flight Air Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal — three awards — the Army Achievement Medal and numerous campaign and unit awards. Chief Sullivan was a small-arms expert with ratings as a rifle and pistol expert.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Amy, many family members and countless friends who adored him.

Chief Sullivan will be forever remembered by a grateful country and community as his name is inscribed in the city of Crestwood’s Veterans Memorial located at City Hall.

Crestwood Veterans Memorial Committee or The Wounded Warrior Project C/O Connie Melching

Crestwood Police Department

1 Detjen Drive

Crestwood, Mo. 63126