At another we hit 9 g'sthats close to the highest g-force these planes can take. 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. 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. 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. Pilots train from March to November, often away from the teams home base in Las Vegas. Michelle "MACE" Curran Public figure Speaker, Author, Thunderbird Pilot 19-21' Lover of mountains, fitness, and adventure! She went on to complete the Squadron Officer School in 2014. The Power of Vulnerability. Theres been a steady uptick of female pilots in general and in the fighter community as well, she says. Up in the air, they were spinning so fast, they created a gravitational force nine times their body weight. This often begins at Crunchbase, where we find out the basics of the company and its founders, launching points for further research. MACE currently lives in Las Vegas with her family. . I made a promise to myself that I would stop letting my self-doubt and fear of failure control every decision. I kicked off my newsletter series with a heavy hitter right out the gate. do. All rights reserved. Maj. Curran is broadly referred to as a member of the U.S. Air Force Flight Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds. "I just want to see the (Thunderbird) planes. John Klatt Airshows 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. Looking for Michele Curran online? Curran defined what it is to be a modern Air Force officer for many outsiders, providing a valuable insight into the Air Force experience and showcasing the opportunities of an Air Force career. The technical aspects and tactics were complicated. The unit adopted the name Thunderbirds, influenced in part by the strong Native American culture and folklore from the southwestern United States where Luke Air Force Base is located. There wasnt a female pilot at the time, but a woman was narrating the air show from the ground and Curran was in awe. I couldnt be more excited to meet her if she were Beyonce. 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. He The voice of doubt was still there, but I didn't let it control my decisions and actions. 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. Source: "Major Michelle Curran, call sign "Mace," is the only female fighter pilot on the Thunderbirds." AviationFreak 01:11, 28 November 2020 (UTC) He expects he will go back to a combat air squadron after this assignment is finished, and based on his age and experience, could become the director of operations. The helicopter is the only Like Go fly girls! "She climbed a tree taller than our house when she was 2," said her father, Bill Curran. 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. Eventually she was selected. Police at the time . 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). He is in his second season with the team and hails from Beavercreek, Ohio. Major Michelle Curran, call sign "Mace," is the only female fighter pilot on the Thunderbirds, the Air Force's demonstration team. See more, including their schedule of performances, at the US Air Force Thunderbirds site, afthunderbirds.com. 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. Just in case. High five!'. People come up and say Im so proud of you, something your mother would say. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School and has logged more than 1,700 flight hours, including more than 470 combat hours in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedoms Sentinel. Curran has been in the Air Force for 11 years, but flying wasnt always her goal. 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! Its become more accepted, but she is aware of things that women have to navigate that men dont even think about. Usually I'll go in the swimming pool in the backyard for a few minutes. Curran fiercely resisted her assailant, police said. "A lot of people who see the Thunderbirds or the Blue Angels. 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 also realized I was in a unique position to use my own story and what I had learned to empower others. Considering the ridiculous aerobatics Klatt performs in the 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. | By Destination Brevard | Facebook Log In Forgot Account? Contact us by clicking the button below. of plus and minus 4Gs, which means a 200 lb. She went on to full the Squadron Officer School in 2014. Maj. Curran is widely known as a member of the U.S. Air Force Flight Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds. Applying to the team is intimidating and there is a good change of not getting hired, of failure. but I did get hired. Just two years earlier, women were granted the honor of flying fighter jets by the U.S. Air Force (USAF). including 8,000 doing aerobatics. 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 can be seen onWABC-TV, as well as on WABCsConnected TV AppsonAmazon Fire TV,Android TV,Apple TV,andRoku. Major Michelle Curran, call sign "Mace," is the only female fighter pilot on the Thunderbirds, the Air Force's demonstration team. And I am not alone. 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. 2019 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. Engine and a General Electric CJ610 (J85) Jet Engine with 3,000 lbs of thrust. The headliners, the US Air Force #SCI is proud to announce Michelle "Mace" Curran will speak at our upcoming convention in Nashville. 9 positive Gs and 6 negative Gs. Created by AviationFreak (talk). Thank you for the inspiring honest humility of being new at accomplishing a very big dream, and putting a name to what some very real struggles are, in order to succeed and overcome. I chose [No Doubts] Im Just a Girl.. 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. He is in his second season with the team and hails from Fort Collins, Colo. Michelle MACE Curran is an F-16 Mission Commander with over 1800 hours in the aircraft. 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). The Air Force turns 72 years old this month. In a professional way. Since Curran began . After some reflection on that last 13 years, I realized the thing I found the most rewarding was the ability to inspire people that I suddenly had as a Thunderbird. aerobatic helicopter in the US. For an exact quote, please contact your Leading Authorities representative. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js');

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. ", Curran said the shows are meant to inspire people that will "never join the military.". I made a commitment to start saying ''yes" to those from then on. In Captain Marvel, Brie Larson plays Carol Danvers, an Air Force fighter pilot who uses the special powers she gains during an accident to save the galaxy. Curran has flown more than 1,500 hours in the F-16, including 163 combat hours over Afghanistan in support of operations Resolute Support and Freedoms Sentinel. 12,500 ft, at a speed of 120 mph before pulling the cord to release their Most thrilling is when the two opposing Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, he served as an F-16 evaluator pilot, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. We lift each other up, we accomplish more as a team. Curran has been featured on several leading media publications and programs, including The Kelly Clarkson Show, CBS Evening News, and Glamour. That change is what made me even consider applying to be a Thunderbird. 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. love this - an excellent and inspirational example of a path for those who are coming to the end of flying / military service and are young enough and open enough to start a new exciting life . 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. by Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate,goingplacesfarandnear.com. and dexterity of these fighting crafts. Lieutenant Colonel Eric Gorney, call sign "Miami," is in charge of flying civilians. 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. Have a question? All rights reserved. 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. In Captain Marvel, Brie Larson plays Carol Danvers, an Air Force fighter pilot who uses the special powers she gains during an accident to save the galaxy. the performances repeat year after year, or follow a two-year cycle, this show hometown hero (from Melville), thrills spectators in his Zivko Edge 540 2023Leading Authorities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. As I mentioned before, people unaccustomed to the feeling often go into g-LOC (g-force induced loss of consciousness) or experience extreme motion sickness. Early life [ edit] The event over Memorial Day Weekend draws almost 400,000 in the course of three days. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, he served as the Chief of Weapons and Tactics of the 79th Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. Curran and her family enjoy their home city of Las Vegas as a hub to adventure from. Speaker fees are subject to change without notice. I'm the first female to fly in that position, which is, I think, one of the hardest positions to fly," Curran said. It makes a spiral in the sky, she tells me. She has founded her company, Upside Down Dreams, to inspire others to overcome setbacks and achieve their goals.

fbq('init', '461723204026319'); 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. Michelle is related to James Curren and Samantha Robles as well as 3 additional people. Maj. Curran flew as Thunderbird #6, opposing solo, earlier than her development to Thunderbird #5, lead solo within the 2020/21 airshow season. The third one is confirmed by her own admission. 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. Against the odds, I had done it. But in the 26 years weve had female fighter pilots in the Air Force, only five have made it to the Thunderbirds. Opinions do not represent the USAF linktr.ee/macecurran Posts Reels Videos Tagged Show More Posts from mace_curran As a team of uniform-clad airmen help me get into the back passenger seat of Thunderbird plane #7, I joke that I feel like Captain Marvel. While I don't doubt she's right, a third-party fact checker is preferable.-Esprit15d . Find contact's direct phone number, email address, work history, and more. I had never truly experienced failure, I hadn't developed grit, and my identity was wrapped up in my achievements. 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. Select this result to view Michelle Fami Curran's phone number, address, and more. Recently, MACE was called back to St. Thomas to receive their Distinguished Alumna of the Year award. 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. 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. Norah O'Donnell flies with the Thunderbirds at the Heritage Flight Academy in Ronkonkama, NY. Demerly studied journalism at Henry Ford College in Dearborn, Michigan. 2. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Its these videos which will be streamed in place of Saturdays performance. We lift each other up, we accomplish more as a team. 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. Her skill is all the more apparent since she is flying Update: At this writing, the Bethpage Air Show was scheduled for Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. It hits me when I step out to the jets. 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.. Curran was assigned to the F-16 Fighting Falcon and spent three years stationed in Japan flying throughout the Pacific. Self-nominated at 04:00, 10 November 2020 (UTC). This week, I want to give you a bit of perspective on why I chose to stop flying F-16s and become an entrepreneur. Focus.. The second best result is Michelle Lee Curran age 40s in Ocala, FL in the Silver Springs Shores neighborhood. Michelle Curran (born 1987) is a former United States Air Force (USAF) major and a pilot in the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, or Thunderbirds. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match . 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. 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. that Michelle Curran was the only female flying with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds as of 2020? Really, what we do is life and death sometimes," Curran said. everything happens for a reason - it makes you better,stronger and more resilient. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin, and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. MACE served as Chief of Scheduling, Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, and a Flight Commander at various squadrons. 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. We had the opportunity to speak with Michelle recently as she prepares for the 2019 show season, and here's how it went: with Jessy Panzer, the only female civilian air show pilot in the USA. You look absolutely terrifying (Locked-In). Matt Chapman, Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, he was an F-22 Instructor Pilot at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. 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. The amount I needed to learn was so overwhelming that I avoided it by procrastinating. South China Seas, Pacific, Persian Gulf and wherever the US has forces.The air This pressure often leads to us becoming our own harshest critic and standing in the way of our own success. 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. They have also lived in West Blocton, AL and Holden, MA. This was the 16th Mace shares her struggles with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and finding her identity in a high-performance, type-A culture. And not to brag, but I dont throw up or pass out. Mace shares her struggles with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and finding her identity in a high-performance, type-A culture. During the latter part of her role on the team, many airshows were cancelled due to the global pandemic. Cady Drell is a writer based in New York City. Curran was the lead solo pilot for the Squadron. She flies position #5, lead solo, one of the most visible positions on the team. 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. "There was still definitely a surreal moment, while holding short of the runway, where I was in a bit of disbelief that I had actually been selected and was about to take off for my first flight.". This button displays the currently selected search type. field including Bi-Planes, Champs, and Cubs. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Did_you_know_nominations/Michelle_Curran&oldid=991790654, The first two are great. To really complete the picture, the Air Force even offered a flight in a F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft (which, I learn via military.com, is a mainstay of the combat fleet). The whole team then returns for ", First published on November 13, 2019 / 6:55 PM. Most call signs are not flattering.. At 24 years old, I had achieved a goal I had worked toward for over five years. "I was definitely nervous and excited, but there was so much to learn that is specific to the Thunderbirds that those feelings were overshadowed by the focus needed to keep up with the jet," said Curran. The perfect example of how to succeed with grace and a role model for anyone with a goal in mind. I'm happy to admit struggles and failures if it gives others perspective on what they are going through. See photo galleries of Jones Beach Air Shows from 2019 and 2018: By Karen Rubin, Travel USAF Maj. Michelle Mace Curran, Thunderbird #5, to Leave Team. 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. All tickets for Saturday and Sunday were to be honored. The fighter is flown by the United States Navy and Marines. The US Air ForceThunderbirdsheadlined the 16th Annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach State Park, Long Island, flying the thrilling red, white and blue F-16s. has historically had the most female recruits. In addition to her function with the Thunderbirds, Mace Curran is an skilled F-16 fight fighter pilot with 163 fight hours over Afghanistan in help of operations Resolute Support and Freedoms Sentinel. Known to many as the Greatest Show on Long Island, the Bethpage Air Show was canceled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Michelle is a native of Medford, Wisconsin, and has been in the Air Force nearly 10 years. (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 just has one requirement for her life, post-Thunderbirds: I want to keep flying.. other at incredible speed. Among the 12 pilots, there will be only one woman, Major Michelle Curran, helping her fellow Thunderbirds make the occasion special. This is Currans third season with theThunderbirds. The Curran, whose call sign is "Mace," flies Thunderbird No. And she is aware of what seeing a woman in her role can mean. 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 . 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.