In 2021, she was named the Distinguished Alumna of the Year by the University of St. Thomas. 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. Curran, whose call sign is "Mace," flies Thunderbird No. Demerly studied journalism at Henry Ford College in Dearborn, Michigan. GEICO Skytypers, a team of advanced training aircraft used in World War II, are Noted. 4 jet. 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. Ranges are presented as a guideline only. ", Curran said the shows are meant to inspire people that will "never join the military.". MACE uses her experience in high performance, teamwork, risk assessment, and debriefing to inspire clients to overcome their own challenges and increase performance using the tools of Flawless Execution. Red Bull Air 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. It can be seen onWABC-TV, as well as on WABCsConnected TV AppsonAmazon Fire TV,Android TV,Apple TV,andRoku. annual Jones Beach air show Ive seen almost all of them and though many of Maj. Curran is widely known as a member of the U.S. Air Force Flight Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds. Curran additionally supplied distinctive and candid transparency about her profession and private life, successfully leveraging social media to convey airshow followers and aviation fans contained in the world of a fighter pilot. 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". 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. The perfect example of how to succeed with grace and a role model for anyone with a goal in mind. 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. Day weekend) were flown, including the B-25 Mitchell Bomber used in the Catch Maj. Curran is broadly referred to as a member of the U.S. Air Force Flight Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds. I appreciate your transparency and realness! Its become more accepted, but she is aware of things that women have to navigate that men dont even think about. What happens if you unwittingly commit a faux pas in front of one of the best fliers in the world? She went for it, even competing for a highly coveted pilot spot while still in college. | By Destination Brevard | Facebook Log In Forgot Account? He has logged more than 1,700 flight hours, including more than 280 combat hours over Iraq and Syria in support of Operations Inherent Resolve. The headliners, the US Air Force 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. Curran, whose call sign is "Mace," flies Thunderbird No. She reminds me that not all Thunderbird team members or officers are pilots, and there are many women performing important ground duties. And I am not alone. Like us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures. I think it's important you all understand what drives me and why I made such a surprising leap! He is in his second season with the team and hails from Fort Collins, Colo. I know what I need to do. Four years into that time she became the first female pilot to fly for the 457th Fighter Squadron. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, View Michelle Curran's business profile as Member at U.S. Air Force. 2019 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Theres still a long way to go before the Air Force hits total parity, but Curran doesnt see herself as an outlier. 22 series on Hulu. I live in a fifth-floor walkup, I offered. 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. And then you have the kiddie gloves! 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. I make a mental note to not take this for granted anymore. aircraft, built especially for aerobatics, with seemingly impossible feats at It was something that had popped into my mind from time to time, but I had never set it as a goal because I didn't think I was good enough. While I don't doubt she's right, a third-party fact checker is preferable.-Esprit15d . 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. The of aerobatics; Golden Knights parachutist Maj. Marissa Chierichella and the Red The whole squad gets together, talk about dumb mistakes and then you get a call sign. But the origin remains a secret. 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". Please enter valid email address to continue. See more, including their schedule of performances, at the US Air Force Thunderbirds site, afthunderbirds.com. World War II vintage aircraft from the American Air Power These reactions only made the problem worse. (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. Applying to the team is intimidating and there is a good change of not getting hired, of failure. but I did get hired. has historically had the most female recruits. 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. the performances repeat year after year, or follow a two-year cycle, this show modified and beefed up big time. In a professional way. It's a very unforgiving job if you make mistakes. 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. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, he served as an F-16 evaluator pilot, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Her favorite maneuver is the vertical roll. 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. parachute, and sailing down at 60 mph to the target. After nearly a decade of active service, including deployments to Afghanistan and Japan, Curran applied to the Thunderbirds. And once I got thereI felt completely in over my head. Michelle "MACE" Curran Expand search. The result was: promoted by Yoninah (talk)21:01, 1 December 2020 (UTC). Though theyve only been allowed to fly fighter jets since 1993, women have been enlisting in the USAF proper since 1976. The helicopter is the only 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. Together, It means shes front and center in one of the most visible squadrons in the military. It's a blast. Her aunt Sara Cook, Bill's sister, planned to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, too. 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. I'm just getting started! Lt. Col. Kevin DiFalco is the Director of Operations for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, flying the No. Its all very professional in the air with the comm. Meanwhile, the part of this job that I really love is inspiring others. 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. I was told by others again and again how they could never do what I was doing and that I must be so brave. Source: "Major Michelle Curran, call sign "Mace," is the only female fighter pilot on the Thunderbirds." AviationFreak 01:11, 28 November 2020 (UTC) PORTSMOUTH Maj. Michelle Curran, 34, is the lead solo pilot of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Flying an F-16 also requires an incredibly high degree of athleticism. "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! The movie . commanding the Opposing Solo; Jessy Panzer, the only civilian woman aerobatic pilot in the The three years on the team was the most fun flying of my career. 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. This is Currans third season with theThunderbirds. Maj. Curran is broadly referred to as a member of the U.S. Air Force Flight Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds. 6 [the opposing solo] gives the challenge and the response, but I can hear his energy. fascinating because they demonstrate actual fighting techniques an implosion 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. Hornet, traveling at 700 mph, nearly breaking the sound I was scared to raise my hand when I had a question, because I didn't want anyone else to discover how little I knew. 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. The voice of doubt was still there, but I didn't let it control my decisions and actions. Im hoping to continue to do that through this platform, public speaking, a childrens booklets just say I have a lot of goals and I hope youll continue to come along for the journey. This often begins at Crunchbase, where we find out the basics of the company and its founders, launching points for further research. They practice so much, it is all quite routine, even the communications between pilots. confusion, missing each other by mere feet; opposing craft which come at each 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. by Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate,goingplacesfarandnear.com. people interested in preserving aviation history, flies aircraft from the 1920s. The event over Memorial Day Weekend draws almost 400,000 in the course of three days. And the back-story 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. During the latter part of her role on the team, many airshows were cancelled due to the global pandemic. It was during this time that she realized the flying was incredible, but the best part was inspiring others to overcome their fears and pursue their dreams. MACE started her career at Undergraduate Pilot training, earning one of only two fighter aircraft spots available and going on to fly the F-16. Despite the pandemic, Maj. Curran and the Thunderbirds effectively leveraged social media to maintain visibility of the team across all media channels. I had the wrong hook - How about ALT0c: . 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. Major Michelle Curran, call sign "Mace," is the only female fighter pilot on the Thunderbirds, the Air Force's demonstration team. #SCI is proud to announce Michelle "Mace" Curran will speak at our upcoming convention in Nashville. There wasnt a female pilot at the time, but a woman was narrating the air show from the ground and Curran was in awe. Just 2% of pilots are women. She just has one requirement for her life, post-Thunderbirds: I want to keep flying.. Just in case. Tom Demerly served in an intelligence gathering unit as a member of the U.S. Army and Michigan National Guard. Engine and a General Electric CJ610 (J85) Jet Engine with 3,000 lbs of thrust. As far as branches of the military go, the Air Force has historically had the most female recruits. They barrel out of their plane from an altitude of 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. Early life [ edit] The flight surgeon who cleared me for my ride asked if I ever went to SoulCycle or ran marathons, two things that would make me better at handling g-forces. Police answered a call in the early morning of July 20, 1971, after Curran's roommate found her in their shared bedroom. I couldnt be more excited to meet her if she were Beyonce. She has also served as an F-16 Instructor Pilot and Flight Commander at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas. The $10 event passes to the show can be returned in exchange for two free passes to visit any state park. My question to you is: how do you become your own catalyst for change? How Michelle Curran met the two suspects charged with raping, torturing and killing her on a California ranch is a mystery that continues to puzzle . I confess that I have admired Michelle Curran, only the fifth woman (since 2005) to pilot one of the formidable F-16 jets, since I first saw her in the 2019 Bethpage Air Show, when she was the #6 (opposing solo) pilot. You look absolutely terrifying (Locked-In). Curran has been featured on several leading media publications and programs, including The Kelly Clarkson Show, CBS Evening News, and Glamour. aerobatic helicopter in the US. But from the moment I meet Curran on the scorching hot tarmac, she is warm and funny. You're in such a great position to inspire people. Looking for the right speaker for your audience? 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. Select this result to view Michelle Fami Curran's phone number, address, and more. 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). From 2019-2021, she flew as the only female pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds and performed for millions across the country and internationally. 2023 www.jsonline.com. 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 under the callsign "MACE," she was the second woman ever to fly in the lead solo position for . 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. The Saturday performance was cancelled due to weather, but the rehearsal footage is being livestreamed on WABC . She has founded her company, Upside Down Dreams, to inspire others to overcome setbacks and achieve their goals. 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. These are not breathable, she adds, tugging at her flight jumpsuit. I'll be honest I don't have a favorite in the Super Bowl," said Cook. Before that, the WAFWomen in the Air Forceformed in 1948, but WAFs werent permitted to fly and instead performed ground duties. Combat veteran Michelle MACE Curran led an impressive career as an F-16 fighter pilot during her 13 years in the United States Air Force. This is Currans third season with the Thunderbirds. Vulnerability isnt a weakness, its a super power as a leader! The F-16, he says, is basically an engine with wings it can fly at supersonic speed (though the FAA no longer allows it at air shows). six F-16 Fighting Falcons that roar through the skies, to demonstrate the power So Danvers is a leader in more ways than one. 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. This button displays the currently selected search type. #flyaf It turned out there was a lot more to being a fighter pilot than just flying the jet. 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). It's so important for others to hear your struggles. Major Michelle Curran, call sign "Mace," is the only female fighter pilot on the Thunderbirds, the Air Force's demonstration 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. 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. Her story underscores the importance of perseverance and determination, as well as an unwavering belief that success is only one step away. View Fees Cady Drell is a writer based in New York City. Combat veteran Michelle "MACE" Curran led an impressive career as an F-16 fighter pilot during her 13 years in the United States Air Force. Update: At this writing, the Bethpage Air Show was scheduled for Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. She applied, picking the Air Force as her military arm of choice on a bit of a whim. The Super Bowl was the first public appearance for the current team, which is also performing a flyover at the Daytona 500 in two weeks before the show schedule kicks off next month. Recently, MACE was called back to St. Thomas to receive their Distinguished Alumna of the Year award. Source: USAF Maj. Michelle Mace Curran, Thunderbird #5, to Leave Team, USAF Maj. Michelle Mace Curran, Thunderbird #5, to Leave Team - Click To Share. / CBS News, This story originally aired on November 13, 2019, on the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell.". 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. 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. The third one is confirmed by her own admission. This system allows the plane to achieve feats other stunt planes are unable to During her ten years flying the Viper, MACE flew combat sorties in Afghanistan and taught Polish Air Force pilots in their aircraft. The thing that makes it great are the people I serve with- everyone, the team I work alongside every day. Have a question? 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. "We'll do opposing passes, where we fly right at each other head-on. From 2019-2021, she flew as the only female pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds and performed for millions across the country and internationally. Its like no other organization I have ever been a part of, said Curran, who has been in the Air Force for 12 years. 9 positive Gs and 6 negative Gs. Windmiller, Long Islands 6 jet. 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. From flying an F-16 to her passion for extreme sports, Curran is a thrill seeker. 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". 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. man would weigh 800 lbs. At the end of her undergraduate pilot training, she was one of justtwo in her class of 25 chosen for fighter jets. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js');

Stay connected. Like Curran, he says it is the team of 130 that make the Thunderbirds possible. Norah O'Donnell flies with the Thunderbirds at the Heritage Flight Academy in Ronkonkama, NY. Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. Her favorite maneuver is. Always a thrill seeker at heart, she has a passion for pushing her limits and changing lives. We learn that the parachutes they use, use *This is a free press release. Be sure to look for her at an. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; The original plan was to livestream the rain date of Sunday, May 30, 2021. I'm sure most in your class were feeling the same way. At 24 years old, I had achieved a goal I had worked toward for over five years. What if I call her by the wrong rank? However, a livestream of Fridays practice sessions include footage from go-pros from the pilots and a Thunderbirds chase plane that shadowed the F-16s in their thrilling maneuvers is airing on Saturday, 10-3 pm. There is a charge of adrenalin, but once I take off, it is just focus. I suddenly struggled to succeed for the first time in my life. I'm the first female to fly in that position, which is, I think, one of the hardest positions to fly," Curran said. plane, it is astonishing to learn that the plane is a Taperwing Waco made "We're just bursting with excitement," said Bill Curran. It took me that entire three-year assignment to take ownership for where I was at and decide that only I could change it. USAF Maj. Michelle Mace Curran, Thunderbird #5, to Leave Team. My presence here wont end when I hand off the #5 and I have a lot more to share with you!. 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. He has logged more than 5,800 total flight hours and 1,050 hours in the F-15E, including more than 315 combat hours over Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. I spend time right after I post engaging in the comments so comment early and I'll answer your questions. Michelle "MACE" Curran is an F-16 Mission Commander with over 1800 hours in the aircraft. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, he served as an F-15E Instructor Pilot and Flight Commander of the 334th Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. Pilots call it "pulling 9 G's. I'm the first female to fly in that. During the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds most recent headlining appearance in 2019, over 366,000 attended the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach. For an exact quote, please contact your Leading Authorities representative. It means she's front and center in one of. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. the most daring feats: US Air Force Thunderbirds pilot Michelle Curran, She first saw the squadron during her F-16 training, when they came to her base. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. 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. exquisite, thrilling pas de deux in flight, with incredible precision at 200 The move to my next base acted as a catalyst for change. 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. Maj. Curran flew as Thunderbird #6, opposing solo, before her advancement to Thunderbird #5, lead solo in the 2020/21 airshow season. I was a fighter pilot! She has inspired thousands through her passion for breaking barriers and setting the example of what can be accomplished through hard work. 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. . ", First published on November 13, 2019 / 6:55 PM. 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 year, for the first time, Tucker flew in tandem This is Currans third season with the Thunderbirds. that Michelle Curran was the only female flying with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds as of 2020? Most thrilling at this years Memorial Day weekend He is in his third season with the team and hails from Orlando, Fla. Maj. Ian Lee is the Left Wing Pilot for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, flying the No. A hug! 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).
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