7 jet. 22 series on Hulu. In the Facebook put up saying her profession transition, Michelle Curran wrote: Ill be continuing to serve in a part time capacity and pursing some goals in the business world. What happens if you unwittingly commit a faux pas in front of one of the best fliers in the world? He is a 2005 graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, and commissioned from Officer Training School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., in 2010. "I'm a left-wing solo. In her much less seen however equally essential function with the Thunderbirds, Mace Curran served as Chief of Standardization and Evaluation for the group, a management function which is able to positively affect the trajectory of the group in upcoming seasons. 2. 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. Just two years earlier, women were granted the honor of flying fighter jets by the U.S. Air Force (USAF). annual Jones Beach air show Ive seen almost all of them and though many of The movie is fairly realisticnot in the all-powerful superhero scenes, of course, but in the sense that its set in 1995. At the end of her undergraduate pilot training, she was one of justtwo in her class of 25 chosen for fighter jets. 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. The 31-year-old Medford native isthe first female demonstration pilot for the Thunderbirds since 2014. 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. I was told by others again and again how they could never do what I was doing and that I must be so brave. Her aunt Sara Cook, Bill's sister, planned to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, too. It means shes front and center in one of the most visible squadrons in the military. He showed "CBS Evening News" anchor Norah O'Donnell a series of maneuvers the team performs during shows. aerobatic helicopter in the US. The Air Force turns 72 years old this month. * This specific fee falls within this range. I found myself stuck in my own head and consumed by my self-doubt. People would send photos and such, showing how moved they were to see the flyover. I do that through keynote speeches and via content creation on LinkedIn. For the best Barrons.com experience, please update to a modern browser.GoogleFirefox This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. 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. 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. confusion, missing each other by mere feet; opposing craft which come at each She serveda two-month deployment in the skies over Afghanistan in 2016, flying 125 hours in combat and was serving in the 355th Fighter Squadron in Fort Worth, Texas, whenshe was chosen for one of the coveted spots in the Thunderbirds, who train at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Red Bull Air During the latter part of her role on the team, many airshows were cancelled due to the global pandemic. Former F-16 Instructor/Thunderbird Pilot, USAF. 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". plane, it is astonishing to learn that the plane is a Taperwing Waco made I'm the first female to fly in that. 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. Before that, the WAFWomen in the Air Forceformed in 1948, but WAFs werent permitted to fly and instead performed ground duties. Theres been a steady uptick of female pilots in general and in the fighter community as well, she says. During the latter a part of her function on the group, many airshows had been cancelled due to the worldwide pandemic. This pressure often leads to us becoming our own harshest critic and standing in the way of our own success. 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. Michelle is related to James Curren and Samantha Robles as well as 3 additional people. Contact us by clicking the button below. The amount I needed to learn was so overwhelming that I avoided it by procrastinating. 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. During her ten years flying the Viper, MACE flew combat sorties in Afghanistan and taught Polish Air Force pilots in their aircraft. Subscribe to this newsletter, follow me on here, and click the bell in the upper right corner of my profile to get notified when I post daily. He is a graduate of the USAF Weapons School, a 2016 and 2020 NASA Astronaut Air Force nominee and has logged over 1,900 hours of flight time, including more than 297 hours of combat pilot experience. Shes badass, Curran says. Curran has been featured on several leading media publications and programs, including The Kelly Clarkson Show, CBS Evening News, and Glamour. Mace, thanks for sharing this, and for reminding us that its ok to be vulnerable and human. 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. 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. And I am not alone. a different plane from the Oracle Challenger 3 biplane. Major Michelle Curran, call sign "Mace," is the only female fighter pilot on the Thunderbirds, the Air Force's demonstration team. 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. 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. ", Curran said the shows are meant to inspire people that will "never join the military.". They act as the public face for the USAF, performing jaw-dropping maneuvers at air shows around the country. 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 . 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). The whole squad gets together, talk about dumb mistakes and then you get a call sign. But the origin remains a secret. 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. Her favorite maneuver is the vertical roll. I'm just getting started! a cannon ball at almost 200 mph, crossing in flight, before releasing the Focus.. . One way to mitigate the nauseating effects is to drink lots of water, but that meant double the bathroom breaks on the drive there. Maj. Curran is widely known as a member of the U.S. Air Force Flight Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds. And, keep others in the saddle who are struggling. Michelle Curran (born 1987) is a former United States Air Force (USAF) major and a pilot in the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, or Thunderbirds. You look absolutely terrifying (Locked-In). I know what I need to do. 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. The 2005 Medford High School graduate attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota,on an ROTC scholarship. They barrel out of their plane from an altitude of "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. My presence here wont end when I hand off the #5 and I have a lot more to share with you!. Drawing the audience in with action-packed stories tied to lessons of grit, perseverance, determination, and teamwork, she shares hard-won lessons on how to reframe challenges, shift your mindset to shift your trajectory, realize the power to success that lies within you, and turn the voice of self-doubt into your biggest cheerleader on the path to success. At one point I fly the plane into a barrel roll with Gorneys help. She spends so much time flying upside down, that the number 5 on the aircraft is painted upside . 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". There was a good portion of my first assignment where I would have walked away if that were an option. Matt Chapman, 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. See photo galleries of Jones Beach Air Shows from 2019 and 2018: By Karen Rubin, Travel cbsnews.com Female Thunderbird pilot inspiring others to chase their dreams They practice so much, it is all quite routine, even the communications between pilots. He majored in Communication Technology and Music and earned his commission in 2010 as a graduate of Ohio State Universitys Reserve Officers Training Corps program. 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. The thing that floors me is that some people still dont realize its an option, she says. Play Video He majored in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder and earned his commission in 2004 through the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps program. I also get to chat with Maj. Zane Taylor, the right wing pilot flying the No. 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. people interested in preserving aviation history, flies aircraft from the 1920s. September 27, 2019, 5:00 AM. This is Currans third season with the Thunderbirds. Its like no other organization I have ever been a part of, said Curran, who has been in the Air Force for 12 years. She went on to full the Squadron Officer School in 2014. 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. 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. Maj. Curran flew as Thunderbird #6, opposing solo, earlier than her development to Thunderbird #5, lead solo within the 2020/21 airshow season. flying before he got his license and has accumulated 18,000 flight hours, Like us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures. Its all very professional in the air with the comm. 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. 12,500 ft, at a speed of 120 mph before pulling the cord to release their During the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds most recent headlining appearance in 2019, over 366,000 attended the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach. (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. Visitgoingplacesfarandnear.com,www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin, andtravelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. 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. day, the Coast Guard, with fewer members than can fit in Yankee Stadium, save We ask what it feels like to fly. GEICO Skytypers, a team of advanced training aircraft used in World War II, are 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. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, he served as the Assistant Director of Operations of the 555th Fighter Squadron and Director of Operations for the 31st Operations Support Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy. in 1972 ands composed of aviation professionals, recreational pilots, and Lt. Col. Kevin DiFalco is the Director of Operations for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, flying the No. Curran was the lead solo pilot for the Squadron. While I don't doubt she's right, a third-party fact checker is preferable.-Esprit15d . Michelle is a native of Medford, Wisconsin, and has been in the Air Force nearly 10 years. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. 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. We lift each other up, we accomplish more as a team. Most thrilling at this years Memorial Day weekend Once she visited a base and heard the roar of the jets, though, she knew she wanted to pursue the pilot route. The thing that makes it great are the people I serve with- everyone, the team I work alongside every day. My time in that role was coming to an end after the 2021 season regardless of what I was going on to do next. Always a thrill seeker at heart, she has a passion for pushing her limits and changing lives. 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). 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. It shows the impact we are having, she says. Today there's only one female Thunderbird pilot: Major Michelle Curran, a 32-year-old Wisconsin native who flies the coveted Opposing Solo position. Imposter syndrome is real! . I live in a fifth-floor walkup, I offered. 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 . died in an airplane crash. You are truly a Hero. The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach is one of the largest and most respected air shows in the country. If the key to flying F-16s is extensive training and rock-hard leg musclesboth things women have access towhy arent there more female Thunderbirds? The whole team then returns for 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. In addition to flying the No. 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.