So that was cool.. The event over Memorial Day Weekend draws almost 400,000 in the course of three days. Theres still a long way to go before the Air Force hits total parity, but Curran doesnt see herself as an outlier. He is in his third year on the Thunderbirds. In 2021, she was named the Distinguished Alumna of the Year by the University of St. Thomas. December 31, 2019 / 4:08 PM Considering the ridiculous aerobatics Klatt performs in the See photo galleries of Jones Beach Air Shows from 2019 and 2018: By Karen Rubin, Travel No, she did not. Im not sure if this is reassuring or not. it has been awesome to be part of that, to be in this position, in this time of history. a different plane from the Oracle Challenger 3 biplane. But in the 26 years weve had female fighter pilots in the Air Force, only five have made it to the Thunderbirds. Here are photos from the practice performance including: Show headliners the United States Air Force Thunderbirds returning to the Bethpage Air Show for their 8thappearance, performing some new maneuvers; the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team performing in their 15thBethpage Air Show; the United States Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, the first aircraft to be designed for close air support of ground forces (and built on Long Island); and the U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demonstration. Sasquatch, powered by dual powerplants: a Pratt & Whitney 985 Radial Recently, MACE was called back to St. Thomas to receive their Distinguished Alumna of the Year award. USAF Lt Colonel John Klatt experiences forces a cannon ball at almost 200 mph, crossing in flight, before releasing the "Major Michelle Curran, call sign "Mace," is the only female fighter pilot on the Thunderbirds, the Air Force's demonstration team." -- What an amazing role model! She also volunteers with Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group, helping use the healing power of the outdoors for Veterans struggling with mental health. She has additionally served as an F-16 Instructor Pilot and Flight Commander on the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas. Curran has worked with the Thunderbird team media personnel to bring scintillating in-cockpit viewpoint video of the lead solos dynamic routine during the Thunderbird demonstration, including thrilling video of opposing maneuvers with Thunderbird #6 and her signature vertical rolls during the teams high show. Go fly girls! It hits me when I step out to the jets. John Klatt Airshows Applying to the team is intimidating and there is a good change of not getting hired, of failure. but I did get hired. On Sunday, Curran didn't fly reallyhigh, but she flewin close formation at 400 mph with five other Thunderbirds, the prestigious Air Force flight demonstration team, at the Super Bowl in Atlanta. We ask what it feels like to fly. I appreciate your transparency and realness! It can be seen onWABC-TV, as well as on WABCsConnected TV AppsonAmazon Fire TV,Android TV,Apple TV,andRoku. the same aeronautical techniques as the original Wright Brothers plane in 1903. Be sure to look for her at an. In addition to the recommended hydration, pilots must stay in shape. These reactions only made the problem worse. For up-to-date information about this years show, visitwww.bethpageairshow.comorhttps://www.facebook.com/BethpageAirShow/, or contact the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Regional Office, Recreation Department at 631-321-3510. He is the epitome of what the Thunderbirds are about. octogan loop. Mace, thanks for sharing this, and for reminding us that its ok to be vulnerable and human. Civilian performers at this years Bethpage Air Show include the world-famous GEICO Skytypers and their flight squadron of six vintage WWII aircraft, the American Airpower Museum Warbirds, Long Islands own David Windmiller, the Bayport Aerodrome Society, the SUNY Farmingdale State College Flying Rams who will fly seven of their 22 college-owned aircraft in a fly-by piloted by their top academic professional pilot performers, and Mike Goulian, North Americas most decorated aerobatic pilot. Michelle Curran didn't become interested in flying until college, but she certainly was not afraid of heights growing up in Wisconsin. She flies place #5, lead solo, one of the vital seen positions on the group. Michelle Curran (born 1987) is a former United States Air Force (USAF) major and a pilot in the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, or Thunderbirds. Demerly studied journalism at Henry Ford College in Dearborn, Michigan. In the Facebook post announcing her career transition, Michelle Curran wrote: Ill be continuing to serve in a part time capacity and pursing some goals in the business world. The plane doesnt fly if just one doesnt do their job., His call sign is Strobe. He wouldnt give the back story of how he came to be called Strobe either, except to say, As a young pilot, I thought I knew what was going on. I'm the first female to fly in that position, which is, I think, one of the hardest positions to fly," Curran said. 6, also known as the opposing solo pilot. smoke trails of Tucker. It turned out there was a lot more to being a fighter pilot than just flying the jet. and Jack Links Beef Jerky teamed up to create a one-of-a-kind plane, theScreamin day, the Coast Guard, with fewer members than can fit in Yankee Stadium, save She also contributes to "60 Minutes. Select this result to view Michelle Fami Curran's phone number, address, and more. and dexterity of these fighting crafts. * This specific fee falls within this range. My question to you is: how do you become your own catalyst for change? 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). Workshop: Going to War with Your Inner Critic. that each were afraid of flying initially, he because his father was an That change is what made me even consider applying to be a Thunderbird. "We're just bursting with excitement," said Bill Curran. With a powerful story and breathtaking visuals, Michelle, also known as Mace, takes her audience on a surprising and compelling journey through her career as a Fighter Pilot, culminating in her role as the Lead Solo Pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds. It's so important for others to hear your struggles. PORTSMOUTH Maj. Michelle Curran, 34, is the lead solo pilot of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. They also plan, along with a lot of family, to see her when the Thunderbirds fly at the Milwaukee Air &Water Show July 27-28 and an air show in Mankato, Minnesota, in June. 7 jet. His army expertise consists of 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). 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. . My presence here wont end when I hand off the #5 and I have a lot more to share with you!. Im also excited to get into the general aviation world and hopefully also try my hand at helicopters. These pilot nicknames can quickly identify an aircraft or individual, and they also help to confuse. (There have been girls who had really long ponytails get their hair stuck in the seat.) Instead, Im riding with Lieutenant Colonel Eric Gorney, a very kind and patient pilot who showed me, using a model plane, exactly what kind of maneuvers wed be doing once we got into the sky. She demonstrates the capabilities of the F-16 during performances. Against the odds, I had done it. Like us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures. 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! On top of that, I worry she might be intimidating. other at incredible speed. I will look back.. I see that look on faces that light bulb moment., She is the fifth woman to fly with the Thunderbirds (the first was in 2005). After nearly a decade of active service, including deployments to Afghanistan and Japan, Curran applied to the Thunderbirds. Over the next 18 months, I started running marathons, got into technical mountaineering, traveled to Nepal by myself to trek to Everest Base Camp with a group of strangers, deployed for the first time, and spent a summer instructing in Poland. There was a good portion of my first assignment where I would have walked away if that were an option. Police answered a call in the early morning of July 20, 1971, after Curran's roommate found her in their shared bedroom. 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. She has accumulated over 1250 flight hours in three aircraft, including the T-6, T-38, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Send comments or questions to[emailprotected]. Noted. 6, also known as the opposing solo pilot. Pilots call it "pulling 9 G's. This shift in airshow schedules meant that Maj. Currans social media contributions grew to become much more vital for sustaining the relevance of the Thunderbirds for public audiences.Curran has labored with the Thunderbird group media personnel to convey scintillating in-cockpit viewpoint video of the lead solos dynamic routine throughout the Thunderbird demonstration, together with thrilling video of opposing maneuvers with Thunderbird #6 and her signature vertical rolls throughout the groups high show. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. I think it's important you all understand what drives me and why I made such a surprising leap! six F-16 Fighting Falcons that roar through the skies, to demonstrate the power Drawing on over a decade in high-performance aviation and her own transformation, Mace teaches audiences what they are capable of when they let go of fear, lean into vulnerability, and make bold choices. us atfacebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures, A Visit With the USAF Thunderbirds on Long Island, Ways to See Long Islands Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach Despite Weather, https://www.facebook.com/BethpageAirShow/, 16th Annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, Long Island, Honors Spirit of Memorial Day. 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 second best result is Michelle Lee Curran age 40s in Ocala, FL in the Silver Springs Shores neighborhood. Curran entered the Air Force in 2009 with a Reserve Officer Training Corps commission from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. She completed the Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training in Columbus, Miss., and was assigned to the F-16 at Misawa Air Base, Japan. 12,500 ft, at a speed of 120 mph before pulling the cord to release their We had the opportunity to speak with Michelle recently as she prepares for the 2019 show season, and here's how it went: The voice of doubt was still there, but I didn't let it control my decisions and actions. Force launch out of a plane from 13,000 feet, speeding like This week, I want to give you a bit of perspective on why I chose to stop flying F-16s and become an entrepreneur. Mace shares her struggles with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and finding her identity in a high-performance, type-A culture. Focus.. 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. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Did_you_know_nominations/Michelle_Curran&oldid=991790654, The first two are great. I only wish I looked that good 'At Attention.' From 2019-2021, she flew as the only female pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds and performed for millions across the country and internationally. The of plus and minus 4Gs, which means a 200 lb. that Michelle Curran was the only female flying with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds as of 2020? You can update your choices at any time in your settings. modified and beefed up big time. USAF Maj. Michelle Curran, call sign "Mace", arrives at Selfridge ANGB in Mt. I am a Venezuelan passionate about aviation, and at 44 years old I only see these from the screen, since I never dared to approach an Airplane because I am a woman. She isthe fifth female pilot and only the second female solo pilot in the 65-year history of the Thunderbirds. We lift each other up, we accomplish more as a team. Her favorite maneuver is the vertical roll pointing the plane up or down whilerolling over. Museum, at Republic Airport (flights available over Memorial During her three years of task with the Thunderbirds, she rapidly established herself as a extremely seen and constructive influencer for the Air Force by revolutionary use of social media.
fbq('init', '461723204026319'); 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 1 Comment Richard Aubrey says: aviation lawyer who knew all too well the risks, and she because her father In a commercial flight, its easy to forget that youre in the sky, but this sensation isnt lost given the panoramic window atop a tiny cockpit surrounded by clouds. 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. 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. parachute; in one demonstration we see what happens when a chute fails at just I fly for them, not to let them down., But she adds, And for all those little kids they may not ever become a pilot, but they may think, Maybe I can do that hard thing I didnt think I could., Moms drag their daughter over, She just flew! I makes them realize doors are open to them., The team flies in many countries and parts of the world where it is unthinkable for a woman to be a combat pilot. I was sure everyone else was better than I was and knew more than I did. In addition to flying the No. "I'm a left-wing solo. 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. Self-nominated at 04:00, 10 November 2020 (UTC). annual Jones Beach air show Ive seen almost all of them and though many of The whole squad gets together, talk about dumb mistakes and then you get a call sign. But the origin remains a secret. The schedule is grueling. 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. In this workshop, combat veteran Michelle Curran draws from her experiences as an F-16 fighter pilot and USAF lead solo pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds to walk audiences through interactive exercises to help them identify characteristics of their own inner critic and the reality (or lack thereof) of what it says, as well as provide tools and resources for overcoming the war within. 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". She went on to complete the Squadron Officer School in 2014. They have also lived in West Blocton, AL and Holden, MA. flying before he got his license and has accumulated 18,000 flight hours, Driven by the desire to inspire others, Curran uses real-life examples from her trailblazing fighter pilot and Thunderbird career to help teams get unstuck by empowering them to face their fears, overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and take calculated risks. 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. In total, Curran logged 1,500 total flight hours with the Air Force, including 163 combat hours in Afghanistan as part of Operations Freedoms Sentinel and Resolute Support. I do that through keynote speeches and via content creation on LinkedIn. Today there's only one female Thunderbird pilot: Major Michelle Curran, a 32-year-old Wisconsin native who flies the coveted Opposing Solo position. Demerly studied journalism at Henry Ford College in Dearborn, Michigan. I couldnt be more excited to meet her if she were Beyonce. I found myself stuck in my own head and consumed by my self-doubt. She has also served as an F-16 Instructor Pilot and Flight Commander at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas. Maj. Curran flew as Thunderbird #6, opposing solo, before her advancement to Thunderbird #5, lead solo in the 2020/21 airshow season. "Sometimes it's hard to be the only female in a squadron," she said. You're in such a great position to inspire people. She was applying to scholarship programs when her father suggested looking into the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). Tom Demerly served in an intelligence gathering unit as a member of the U.S. Army and Michigan National Guard. 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. The airshow We lift each other up, we accomplish more as a team. He showed "CBS Evening News" anchor Norah O'Donnell a series of maneuvers the team performs during shows. The City of Boston is seeking artists to redesign these . Michelle is related to James Curren and Samantha Robles as well as 3 additional people. I live in a fifth-floor walkup, I offered. Sign in Michelle "MACE" Curran Professional Speaker, Thunderbird Pilot '19-'21, Combat Veteran, Fighter Pilot, Author, Outdoor Enthusiast I help teams get unstuck by empowering them to face. 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. Maj. Curran flew as Thunderbird #6, opposing solo, earlier than her development to Thunderbird #5, lead solo within the 2020/21 airshow season. Her call sign is Mace (which she uses in her social media, @mace_curran) and while she doesnt reveal the secret to what is behind the nickname, she says it is a tradition in a fighter squadron to get a call sign they are mission qualified. Theres been a steady uptick of female pilots in general and in the fighter community as well, she says. fbq('track', "PageView"); Tradition Continues: USAF Thunderbirds To Perform Flyover at 2022 DAYTONA 500, U.S. Air Force and Industry Pass L3Harris F-16 EW System in Critical Design Review, Four Ways To Take Control When Things Fall Apart In Business, U.S. Air Force: Fufeng Grand Forks Project Presents Threat to National Security, U.S. Thunderbirds at Gowen Thunder Airshow This YEAR, Operation Homecoming Kickoff Event February 14th @ 1400 > Maxwell Air Force Base > Display. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, Norah O'Donnell is the anchor and managing editor of the "CBS Evening News." Facebook; 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. Vulnerability isnt a weakness, its a super power as a leader! This was the 16th Curran is in her third year on the air forces elite demonstration team usually, the special assignment only lasts two years, but because of COVID-19, the tour is extended and now is the lead solo pilot. I had the wrong hook - How about ALT0c: . Just two years earlier, women were granted the honor of flying fighter jets by the U.S. Air Force (USAF). Visitgoingplacesfarandnear.com,www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin, andtravelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. View Fees Find contact's direct phone number, email address, work history, and more. 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. During a conversation at the Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan for the Thunder Over Michigan Airshow in 2021, Curran told. Their one free day a week is Wednesday, so Curranwho recently married her husband, a U.S. Marine Corps veteransays she keeps her time off simple: Laundry. Her aunt Sara Cook, Bill's sister, planned to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, too. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 6 [the opposing solo] gives the challenge and the response, but I can hear his energy. Curran has worked with the Thunderbird team media personnel to bring scintillating in-cockpit viewpoint video of the lead solos dynamic routine during the Thunderbird demonstration, including thrilling video of opposing maneuvers with Thunderbird #6 and her signature vertical rolls during the teams high show. . 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. This often begins at Crunchbase, where we find out the basics of the company and its founders, launching points for further research. confusion, missing each other by mere feet; opposing craft which come at each 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. She is a true inspiration to all of those attempting to overcome hardships. Police at the time . 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". When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. 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. aircraft, built especially for aerobatics, with seemingly impossible feats at Together, "Those women that have blazed the trail for me, they're just regular people that were driven and you know, stepped outside their comfort zone," Curran said. All rights reserved. About halfway through her time in ROTC, she was inspired to get her pilot's wingsbecause she wanted to be part of something with a bigger purpose, she said in the website interview, and also because she's a thrill seeker who likes challenges. And not to brag, but I dont throw up or pass out. Game on. 1 jet, and leading all air demonstrations, he commands the 130-person squadron. I'll go from 150 feet above the ground to 15,000 in a few seconds while rolling. No. This page was last edited on 1 December 2020, at 21:01. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin, and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. 22 series on Hulu. Michelle "MACE" Curran Motivational Speaker, Thunderbird Pilot 19-21', AF Fighter Pilot, Aspiring Author, Outdoor Enthusiast I help teams get unstuck by empowering them Published Jun 3 . I practiced flexing my leg muscles for the next several hours. 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 . Recently, MACE was called back to St. Thomas to receive their Distinguished Alumna of the Year award. All tickets for Saturday and Sunday were to be honored. For an exact quote, please contact your Leading Authorities representative. It really means a lot. All upgraded press releases are ad-free! 2023Leading Authorities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. . Its been a while! she says. This is Currans third season with the Thunderbirds. 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. Lieutenant Colonel Eric Gorney, call sign "Miami," is in charge of flying civilians. Her favorite maneuver is the vertical roll. The technical aspects and tactics were complicated. Col. John Caldwell is the Commander/Leader of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron. MACE I really appreciate your service and you sharing it with the rest of us. During the latter part of her role on the team, many airshows were cancelled due to the global pandemic. The perfect example of how to succeed with grace and a role model for anyone with a goal in mind. 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. 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). It's a blast. Curran, whose call sign is "Mace," flies Thunderbird No. This asWine Spectators Grand Tour2023 promises event attendees the opportunity to sip, OverviewA big part of the process of bringing these reviews to you is the research done to understand the background of the company. Contact us by clicking the button below. Holy smokes. The headliners, the US Air Force the performances repeat year after year, or follow a two-year cycle, this show Its like no other organization I have ever been a part of, said Curran, who has been in the Air Force for 12 years. plane, it is astonishing to learn that the plane is a Taperwing Waco made exquisite, thrilling pas de deux in flight, with incredible precision at 200 traditionally kicks off with a ceremonial parachute drop by a representative of Team Oracle performed the most Bayport Aerodrome Society,formed show also pays homage to aviations heritage. Her story underscores the importance of perseverance and determination, as well as an unwavering belief that success is only one step away. Hang out with my husband as much as I can. During that time, she performed for millions of spectators, appeared in several national level news interviews, and did flyovers for the Super Bowl, Daytona 500, and Indy 500. Tom Demerly served in an intelligence gathering unit as a member of the U.S. Army and Michigan National Guard. "We'll do opposing passes, where we fly right at each other head-on. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? He is in his second season with the team and hails from Beavercreek, Ohio. It makes a spiral in the sky, she tells me. Curran has been featured on several leading media publications and programs, including The Kelly Clarkson Show, CBS Evening News, and Glamour. Shed just landed from a Thunderbirds show in Sioux Falls and immediately jokes that she needs to fix her hair after sweating too much on the flight over. These are not breathable, she adds, tugging at her flight jumpsuit. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Most call signs are not flattering.. The meaning behind the stars on Thunderbird jets, Biden awards Medal of Honor to Green Beret for heroism in Vietnam, K9 veteran receives hero's welcome on flight, Black Vietnam veteran's nearly 60-year wait for Medal of Honor is over, Recovering service members lost 70 years in an Alaskan glacier, Navy veteran turns an act of kindness into a mission. During the latter a part of her function on the group, many airshows had been cancelled due to the worldwide pandemic.