She went on to complete the Squadron Officer School in 2014. My favorite moment was when this little girlshe was probably six or sevencame up to the autograph line after a show and said, Im going to take your job. I was like, 'Yes! 6 jet. They practice so much, it is all quite routine, even the communications between pilots. During a conversation at the Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan for the Thunder Over Michigan Airshow in 2021, Curran told. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School and has logged more than 3,100 flight hours with 667 hours of combat pilot experience. WAYS TO SEE LONG ISLANDS BETHPAGE AIR SHOW AT JONES BEACH DESPITE WEATHER, 16TH ANNUAL BETHPAGE AIR SHOW AT JONES BEACH, LONG ISLAND, HONORS SPIRIT OF MEMORIAL DAY, PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS FROM 15THANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY BETHPAGE AIR SHOW AT JONES BEACH, LONG ISLAND, 2021 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. The thing that makes it great are the people I serve with- everyone, the team I work alongside every day. A native of Orlando, Florida, he reflects that he first saw the Thunderbirds when he was just four or five years old, and was so awed, he wanted to fly. Bill Curran said his daughter was encouraged to apply for the Thunderbirds by friends in the Air Force. Its all very professional in the air with the comm. People come up and say Im so proud of you, something your mother would say. Drawing from her 13 years as a Fighter Pilot, Curran delivers actionable content and wit to leave audiences both informed and entertained. Im also excited to get into the general aviation world and hopefully also try my hand at helicopters. Opinions do not represent the USAF linktr.ee/macecurran Posts Reels Videos Tagged Show More Posts from mace_curran He is the epitome of what the Thunderbirds are about. The Power of Vulnerability. Her evolution from struggling with a crippling fear of failure to flying inverted only inches from other aircraft at 500 mph will inspire audiences to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the launch of the Neighborhood Sign Redesign program in partnership with the Office of Arts & Culture, the Department of Property Management, and the Department of Innovation and Technology. In addition to the recommended hydration, pilots must stay in shape. . And once I got thereI felt completely in over my head. The Saturday performance was cancelled due to weather, but the rehearsal footage is being livestreamed on WABC . She earned a degree in criminal justice in 2009 because she consideredbecominga crime scene investigatorbut also thought it would be cool to become a pilot. aerobatic helicopter in the US. Focus.. Curran also provided unique and candid transparency about her career and personal life, effectively leveraging social media to bring airshow fans and aviation enthusiasts inside the world of a fighter pilot. of aerobatics; Golden Knights parachutist Maj. Marissa Chierichella and the Red

fbq('init', '461723204026319'); As far as branches of the military go, the Air Force has historically had the most female recruits. To order presentation-ready copies for distribution to your colleagues, clients, USAF Maj. Michelle Mace Curran, Thunderbird #5, to Leave Team, U.S. Air Force Flight Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds, Oenophiles to Savor Over 200 Top-Rated Wines at Wine Spectators Grand Tour 2023, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger Bought More Stock. it has been awesome to be part of that, to be in this position, in this time of history. It's a very unforgiving job if you make mistakes. The original plan was to livestream the rain date of Sunday, May 30, 2021. The Super Bowl was the first time Curran's parents had seen their daughter performing with the Thunderbirds. I had never truly experienced failure, I hadn't developed grit, and my identity was wrapped up in my achievements. *This is a free press release. Looking for Michele Curran online? She has also served as an F-16 Instructor Pilot and Flight Commander at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas. annual Jones Beach air show Ive seen almost all of them and though many of He is in his third season with the team and hails from LaGrange, Ill. Maj. Kyle Oliver is the Opposing Solo Pilot for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, flying the No. GEICO Skytypers, a team of advanced training aircraft used in World War II, are 6, also known as the opposing solo pilot. Today theres only one female Thunderbird pilot: Major Michelle Curran, a 32-year-old Wisconsin native who flies the coveted Opposing Solo position. There was a good portion of my first assignment where I would have walked away if that were an option. Just in case. Recently, MACE was called back to St. Thomas to receive their Distinguished Alumna of the Year award. In 2021, she was named the Distinguished Alumna of the Year by the University of St. Thomas. He performs snap rolls, inverted flat spin She reflects that last year, the personal contact with people was lacking, but the team did city- flyovers, honoring health workers, essential workers and first responders. US Air Force Major Michelle Curran is aware that she is such an inspiration to women and girls everywhere a role she embraces, along with her mission, as a member of the Thunderbirds demo team to recruit, retain, inspire. It is hard to say which she enjoys more the look on a young girls face when she realizes that Curran was flying those death-defying maneuvers in her F-16 fighter jet, or the thrill of flying those death-defying maneuvers in her F-16 fighter jet, going from 1500 feet altitude straight up to 15,000 feet in a matter of seconds. Most thrilling at this years Memorial Day weekend John Klatt Airshows "I'm a left-wing solo. ), First Woman Thunderbird Pilot, Combat Veteran, & Fighter Squadron Commander, Army Ranger School Graduate, Leadership and Peak Performance Expert, Curran has been featured on several leading media publications and programs, including. 7 jet. It means she's front and center in one of. The demonstration squadron boasts some of the worlds most elite fliers, and those skilled enough to make it serve a two-year assignment. that each were afraid of flying initially, he because his father was an MACE flew as Thunderbird #6, the Opposing Solo, for the 2019 season and as #5, the Lead Solo, for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. "We're just bursting with excitement," said Bill Curran. No matter how confident and independent we appear to be, we all face pressure to fit in, be liked, and meet the expectations of others. Send comments or questions to[emailprotected]. David Since transitioning out of the military, she has founded her company, Upside Down Dreams, and is committed to empowering men and women of all ages to overcome obstacles and the fear of failure. She also volunteers with Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group, helping use the healing power of the outdoors for Veterans struggling with mental health. After serving in the Air Force, Michelle Curran is dedicated to continuing her service by helping others realize their dreams as the founder and president of Upside Down Dreams. Across Boston, neighborhood signs welcome residents and visitors to the diverse communities that make up the City. The Air Force turns 72 years old this month. But when were down on the ground, and talk to each other, we might say, Wow, we worked hard. Or We really crushed it., I do normal things in the morning. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. We have music associated with all our maneuvers and for that one I got to pick the song. RELATED:Kenneth Sweet survived Pearl Harbor attack, helped found Wisconsin Air National Guard, RELATED:Fly along on an F-16 while we tell you what will take its place at Truax Field. I'm the first female to fly in that. Its been a while! she says. Looking for the right speaker for your audience? It really means a lot. Its become more accepted, but she is aware of things that women have to navigate that men dont even think about. do. Tom Demerly is a feature writer, journalist, photographer and editorialist who has written articles that are published around the world on TheAviationist.com, TACAIRNET.com, Outside magazine, Business Insider, We Are The Mighty, The Dearborn Press & Guide, National Interest, Russias government media outlet Sputnik, and many other publications. For the best Barrons.com experience, please update to a modern browser. The third one is confirmed by her own admission. Vulnerability isnt a weakness, its a super power as a leader! It can be seen onWABC-TV, as well as on WABCsConnected TV AppsonAmazon Fire TV,Android TV,Apple TV,andRoku. 12,500 ft, at a speed of 120 mph before pulling the cord to release their and dexterity of these fighting crafts. For the best Barrons.com experience, please update to a modern browser.GoogleFirefox This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. I'm the first female to fly in that position, which is, I think, one of the hardest positions to fly," Curran said. All tickets for Saturday and Sunday were to be honored. Tom Demerly is a characteristic author, journalist, photographer and editorialist who has written articles which are revealed world wide on TheAviationist.com, TACAIRNET.com, Outside journal, Business Insider, We Are The Mighty, The Dearborn Press & Guide, National Interest, Russias authorities media outlet Sputnik, and lots of different publications. At least 10 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 18; more than a dozen missing, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days, Tom Sizemore, actor known for "Saving Private Ryan" and "Heat," dies at 61, Alex Murdaugh trial: What to know about the double murder case, Female Thunderbird pilot inspiring others to "chase a dream". I'm sure most in your class were feeling the same way. Hang out with my husband as much as I can. No matter how confident and independent we appear to be, we all face pressure to fit in, be liked, and meet the expectations of others. Curran has been featured on several leading media publications and programs, including The Kelly Clarkson Show, CBS Evening News, and Glamour. . In 2021, she was named the Distinguished Alumna of the Year by the University of St. Thomas. Force launch out of a plane from 13,000 feet, speeding like six F-16 Fighting Falcons that roar through the skies, to demonstrate the power When Curran isnt speaking, she volunteers as part of the Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group, spends time with her stepson and husband rock climbing, and pursues her mountaineering goals. 1 jet, and leading all air demonstrations, he commands the 130-person squadron. I also realized I was in a unique position to use my own story and what I had learned to empower others. Really, what we do is life and death sometimes," Curran said. Checking in with Major Michelle Curran call sign "Mace" of the Air Force Thunderbirds as they prepare for this weekend's @Space & Air Show at Orlando. During a conversation at the Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan for the Thunder Over Michigan Airshow in 2021, Curran told TheAviationist.com that, These are long days sometimes, but this is the best job in the world. Major Michelle Curran, call sign "Mace," is the only female fighter pilot on the Thunderbirds, the Air Force's demonstration team. South China Seas, Pacific, Persian Gulf and wherever the US has forces.The air Before that, the WAFWomen in the Air Forceformed in 1948, but WAFs werent permitted to fly and instead performed ground duties. These pilots are at the mercy of a lot of g-forcesthat is, the gravitational force caused by rapid accelerationand its intense on the body. Maj. Curran is broadly referred to as a member of the U.S. Air Force Flight Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds. This shift in airshow schedules meant that Maj. Currans social media contributions became even more important for maintaining the relevance of the Thunderbirds for public audiences. The City of Boston is seeking artists to redesign these . I make a mental note to not take this for granted anymore. It turned out there was a lot more to being a fighter pilot than just flying the jet. Contact us by clicking the button below. Maj. Curran flew as Thunderbird #6, opposing solo, before her advancement to Thunderbird #5, lead solo in the 2020/21 airshow season. I didnt realize I was nervous about the day ahead, though, until I was halfway to the 177th Fighter Wing of the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base. flying for Embry Riddle, performs maneuvers in which he experiences as much as Show organizers instead held the first Bethpage Virtual Air Show which enabled fans to experience performances straight from the pilots cockpits. American flag to a tiny target on Jones Beach. I was so excited, I called everyone in my familyand none of them answered their phones, she deadpans. Be sure to look for her at an. Maj. Curran is widely known as a member of the U.S. Air Force Flight Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds. My question to you is: how do you become your own catalyst for change? MACE is a 2009 received her degree from the University of St. Thomas where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Criminal Justice. In the hours following our interview, Im ushered from a flight surgeon to on-the-ground training for my flight to a fitting for the g-suit to one rather alarming explanation of how to use the planes ejector seat. speeds of up to 220 mph that keep his peers and his fans in awe. I'm the first female to fly in that position, which is, I think, one of the hardest positions to fly," Curran said. MACE I really appreciate your service and you sharing it with the rest of us. Her last assignment was with the Air Forces elite demonstration squadron, The Thunderbirds. We learn that the parachutes they use, use the same aeronautical techniques as the original Wright Brothers plane in 1903. Add to List. USAF Maj. Michelle Curran, call sign "Mace", arrives at Selfridge ANGB in Mt. Engine and a General Electric CJ610 (J85) Jet Engine with 3,000 lbs of thrust. In a Facebook put up from Wednesday afternoon, October 27, 2021, USAF Maj. Michelle Curran, name signal "Mace", introduced she is, "about to make a big career pivot and will be leaving the Active Duty Air Force in the new year". Most of us work out five days a week, Curran tells me. Day weekend) were flown, including the B-25 Mitchell Bomber used in the Catch Initially I credit the breathtaking beauty and the roller-coaster-like thrill of the experience for this, but then I remember another thing the flight surgeon told me: Women tend to have a lower center of gravity, giving them something of a natural advantage against high g-forces. These are not breathable, she adds, tugging at her flight jumpsuit. The number of her jet, 5, and on her uniform, and the uniform of her crew (who are also women), are upside down, because in her role, she spends most of her time inverted, even as she makes that thrilling opposing pass. In a Facebook post from Wednesday afternoon, October 27, 2021, USAF Maj. Michelle Curran, call sign Mace, announced she is, about to make a big career pivot and will be leaving the Active Duty Air Force in the new year. Flying under the callsign MACE, she was the second woman ever to fly in the lead solo position for the Thunderbirds since the teams founding in 1953. Windmiller has The headliners, the US Air Force The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach is one of the largest and most respected air shows in the country. Although Curran isnt flying with meher plane, #6, isnt a two seatershe gave me the excellent advice to braid my hair and tuck it into my suit. Before joining the Thunderbirds, Curran completed high-impact combat missions across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, where the challenges were tough, but the rewards were greater. In an interview posted on the Thunderbirds' website, Curran was asked what it was like to climb into the distinctive red, white and blue Thunderbird jet for the first time. So now, Im not only anxious about puking or passing out in front of a badass pilot but also concerned Ill be late to meet this badass pilot. All rights reserved. Mace shares her struggles with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and finding her identity in a high-performance, type-A culture. Flying under the callsign "MACE," she was the second woman ever to fly in the lead solo position for . We were treated to the final appearance of Sean D. Tuckers specially-engineered plane that enables him to do feats never before imagined, the Oracle Challenger 3, will be donated to the Smithsonians National Air & Space Museum in Washington, where it will be part of a new Thomas W. Haas We All Flygallery, opening in 2021. Tom Demerly served in an intelligence gathering unit as a member of the U.S. Army and Michigan National Guard. Lieutenant Colonel Eric Gorney, call sign "Miami," is in charge of flying civilians. the most daring feats: US Air Force Thunderbirds pilot Michelle Curran, Then, with a vertical climb, Im in the air. Demerly is an skilled parachutist, holds superior SCUBA certifications, has climbed the very best mountains on three continents and visited all seven continents and has flown a number of kinds of gentle plane. Courtesy of Wine SpectatorThis years tour to feature 10 completely new wineries that have never previously poured at this highly anticipated annual event Oenophiles in Florida, Chicago and Las Vegas up for an unforgettable evening of exceptional wines are in for a treat. She has founded her company, Upside Down Dreams, to inspire others to overcome setbacks and achieve their goals. with Jessy Panzer, the only female civilian air show pilot in the USA. She went on to full the Squadron Officer School in 2014. And not to brag, but I dont throw up or pass out. a cannon ball at almost 200 mph, crossing in flight, before releasing the Though she wasn't really interested in football. Prior to the Thunderbirds, she was an F-16 Instructor Pilot and Flight Commander at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. I got to watch the USAF Thunderbirds arrive at MacArthur Airport ahead of their headlining appearance at the Bethpage Air Show over Memorial Day Weekend at Jones Beach State Park, and then got to speak with the pilots. My passion is to inspire individuals and teams to make bold decisions, empower them to face fears, and help them find inner strength to reach their true potential. Eventually she was selected. He This year, she is the lead solo doing the daring-do maneuvers, where two opposing fighters come at each other at, like, 1200 mph. You look absolutely terrifying (Locked-In). parachute; in one demonstration we see what happens when a chute fails at just The result was: promoted by Yoninah (talk)21:01, 1 December 2020 (UTC). The event over Memorial Day Weekend draws almost 400,000 in the course of three days. I actually helped buckle Brie Larson into this very seat, one replies. Olympic Champion Swimmer; 10x Olympic Medalist, 15x World Champion, 14x World Record Breaker, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2015-2019), World-Renowned Futurist; Founder & CEO of the Future Today Institute and Professor, Strategic Foresight at New York University Stern School of Business, Former Director, Executive Recruiting at Google and Holistic Leadership Strategist, Request an Invite to Events In Washington, DC, Olympic Champion Katie Ledecky, New LAI Exclusive, Essential Video Content: Pre-Recorded Content, Combat Veteran: USAF Thunderbird Lead Solo, F-16 Fighter Pilot and Founder of Upside Down Dreams, Renowned Leadership Expert and Colonel, USAF (Ret. He is a 2005 graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, and commissioned from Officer Training School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., in 2010. The whole squad gets together, talk about dumb mistakes and then you get a call sign. But the origin remains a secret. man would weigh 800 lbs. I made a promise to myself that I would stop letting my self-doubt and fear of failure control every decision. She flies position #5, lead solo, one of the most visible positions on the team. The amount I needed to learn was so overwhelming that I avoided it by procrastinating. This page was last edited on 1 December 2020, at 21:01. Col. John Caldwell is the Commander/Leader of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron. In a Facebook post from Wednesday afternoon, October 27, 2021, USAF Maj. Michelle Curran, call sign "Mace", announced she is, "about to make a big . She demonstrates the capabilities of the F-16 during performances. Drink a beer. At this writing, there was no decision on whether the Sunday performance would take place. Stay connected. Pair that with Captain Marvel providing more visibility to female pilots earlier this year, and the timing seemed right to experience a day in the life of the only female Thunderbird. The Thunderbirds dont see combat, but that doesnt mean its an easy life. Police at the time . I think it's important you all understand what drives me and why I made such a surprising leap! Michelle is one of few women in aviation history to fly with the elite fighter pilot squadron, the Thunderbirds, and is known by her call sign "Mace". We had the opportunity to speak with Michelle recently as she prepares for the 2019 show season, and here's how it went: The F-18 Super 22 series on Hulu. His military experience includes being Honor Graduate from the U.S. Army Infantry School at Ft. Benning, Georgia (Cycle C-6-1) and as a Scout Observer in a reconnaissance unit, Company F, 425th INF (RANGER/AIRBORNE), Long Range Surveillance Unit (LRSU). I knew it was something I wanted to do not that the dream would come true but there are steps and I could do the best I could., He didnt imagine then he would become one of the Thunderbirds, and even now, reflects being proficient is one thing, but it takes luck and timing to get the F-16.. What if I call her by the wrong rank? Curran holds a Bachelor of Arts diploma in Criminal Justice from the University of St. Thomas and is a 2010 graduate of the Air and Space Basic Course, Squadron Officer College. Clemens, Michigan when the team staged from the U.S. for an airshow performance in Canada during the global pandemic lockdown. Kenneth Sweet survived Pearl Harbor attack, helped found Wisconsin Air National Guard, Fly along on an F-16 while we tell you what will take its place at Truax Field, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; Together, Michelle Curran didn't become interested in flying until college, but she certainly was not afraid of heights growing up in Wisconsin. Created by AviationFreak (talk). Her favorite maneuver is the vertical roll pointing the plane up or down whilerolling over. Prior to commissioning, he flew as a commercial flight instructor, cargo pilot and airline pilot. Its especially important to have strong leg, calf, and thigh musclestheyre what you squeeze while going into a maneuver with a high amount of g-forces in order to keep the blood in your head from pooling into your lower extremities. a different plane from the Oracle Challenger 3 biplane. Among the thrilling maneuvers by the US Air Force Thunderbirds, is this high-speed opposing attack by solo pilots Michelle Curran and Kyle Oliver, seen during Friday's rehearsal of the 17 th annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach State Park, Long Island over Memorial Day weekend. that Michelle Curran was the only female flying with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds as of 2020? In a Facebook post from Wednesday afternoon, October 27, 2021, USAF Maj. Michelle Curran, call sign Mace, announced she is, about to make a big career pivot and will be leaving the Active Duty Air Force in the new year. I found myself stuck in my own head and consumed by my self-doubt. that, These are long days sometimes, but this is the best job in the world. Team Oracle performed the most was particularly exciting with the infusion of new energy. December 31, 2019 / 4:08 PM MACE served as Chief of Scheduling, Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, and a Flight Commander at various squadrons. I kicked off my newsletter series with a heavy hitter right out the gate. An air show first, livestream viewers will be treated to a special inside look at performances. There are people at almost every air show that are like, I didnt even realize women could fly in combat aircraft., Its clear this rankles a bit. Send comments or questions to [emailprotected] Tweet @TravelFeatures. You can update your choices at any time in your settings. This often begins at Crunchbase, where we find out the basics of the company and its founders, launching points for further research. (Being in a spinning cockpit thousands of miles from the ground will do that to you.) Have a question? At the end of her undergraduate pilot training, she was one of justtwo in her class of 25 chosen for fighter jets. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. All upgraded press releases are ad-free! Museum, at Republic Airport (flights available over Memorial And she is aware of what seeing a woman in her role can mean. He is in his third year on the Thunderbirds. I was told by others again and again how they could never do what I was doing and that I must be so brave. I suddenly struggled to succeed for the first time in my life. He is in his second season with the team and hails from Beavercreek, Ohio. ", Curran said the shows are meant to inspire people that will "never join the military.". PORTSMOUTH Maj. Michelle Curran, 34, is the lead solo pilot of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Anyone with information about Curran's case is asked to call the Riverside County Sheriff's Office at (909) 341-8817 or the Metropolitan Police Department's Missing Persons Detail at 229-2907. . (It was not known whether Sundays show would also be canceled for weather). I was a fighter pilot! She is a true inspiration to all of those attempting to overcome hardships. Your content is extremely powerful, I am sure that you will be able to support both people and companies to direct their energy in a better way to achieve their goals. The schedule is grueling. 9 positive Gs and 6 negative Gs. Always a thrill seeker at heart, she has a passion for pushing her limits and changing lives. the performances repeat year after year, or follow a two-year cycle, this show This button displays the currently selected search type. What happens if you unwittingly commit a faux pas in front of one of the best fliers in the world? For one, Id been told most people who go up in a F-16 for the first time throw up or pass out (for reasons Ill explain later). Theres been a steady uptick of female pilots in general and in the fighter community as well, she says. One of their pilots, is 92-year After nearly a decade of active service, including deployments to Afghanistan and Japan, Curran applied to the Thunderbirds. As we hop along the New Jersey coastline, experiencing minor Gs, I take in a view of the beach. Curran thinks it might be a perception problem. At another we hit 9 g'sthats close to the highest g-force these planes can take. So in a way, women make for more natural fighter pilots. In addition to her role with the Thunderbirds, Mace Curran is an experienced F-16 combat fighter pilot with 163 combat hours over Afghanistan in support of operations Resolute Support and Freedoms Sentinel. Her favorite maneuver is. Michelle "MACE" Curran Public figure Speaker, Author, Thunderbird Pilot 19-21' Lover of mountains, fitness, and adventure! I thought, Thats really cool. Early life [ edit] She just has one requirement for her life, post-Thunderbirds: I want to keep flying.. This is Currans third season with the Thunderbirds. Her story underscores the importance of perseverance and determination, as well as an unwavering belief that success is only one step away. I'll go from 150 feet above the ground to 15,000 in a few seconds while rolling.