From Blue Angels to Thunderbirds: 2 Elite Aviators Share their Experiences

I recently had the privilege of speaking with Michelle “MACE” Curran, one of only a handful of women to make it to the elite level of the Air Force Thunderbirds. She blazed her own trail in the skies and found her purpose in inspiring and empowering others. As a fellow aviator, I was intrigued to explore the shared yet distinctive experiences we both had – me as a Us Navy Blue Angels, and her as a Thunderbird.?

Cultivating a Culture of Continuous Improvement?

One of the most striking facets of our conversation centered around the debrief culture in the military, especially within our demonstration teams. As Mace rightly pointed out, this culture of continuous improvement is deeply ingrained in the military, and more specifically, in the fighter culture.?

The concept of continuous improvement doesn’t just exist within the framework of our aviation skills. It extends to the mission, the teams, and in truth, to life itself.?

The Power of Debrief: Bridging Military Strategies to Life?

The importance of the debrief process is something we both agreed on. This process of reviewing our performance, identifying deviations, and finding ways to rectify them is a critical element of our work.??

And interestingly, it's a process that can be just as effective in civilian life, in companies, in families, or in any setting where you’re seeking progress and growth. It was fascinating to hear Mace talk about the debriefs with the Thunderbirds and how they broke into smaller groups for more in-depth instruction after the full team debriefs – a slight variation from my time with the Blues.?

Confronting Unique Challenges in High-Performing Military Teams?

We also touched on the unique challenges that come with being a part of such high-performing teams. I think Mace put it best when she described it as a "game of whack-a-mole" - a constantly evolving landscape where you have to adapt and overcome new challenges as they pop up, even if you've successfully navigated them before.?

It's a humbling reminder that no matter how skilled or experienced you are, there's always room for growth and learning.?

Reflecting on Privileges and Challenges of Being a Thunderbird?

But perhaps the most compelling part of our conversation was the personal reflections we shared. Mace spoke about the privilege of being a part of the Thunderbirds and the perspective it provided her. Like all privileges, it came with its own set of challenges – the physical toll, the grueling schedules, and the time away from family.?

But these challenges were counterbalanced by the exceptional caliber of people she worked with and the profound impact they were able to make.?

Harnessing Military Lessons for Future Endeavors?

As Mace transitions from her active-duty role and charts a new path for herself, she carries with her the invaluable lessons she learned from her time with the Air Force and the Thunderbirds. The skills she gained, the friendships she made, and the experiences she had – all these have equipped her for whatever lies ahead.?

Resilience: The Key to Success in Life?

In the cockpit of life, resilience is another trait that both Mace and I have found to be paramount. Being a part of the Thunderbirds or the Blue Angels is no small feat. It requires an unwavering commitment to excellence, an insatiable hunger for learning, and an unyielding resilience to recover from setbacks.??

Mace’s reflections on the physical and emotional toll that the role took on her, and her ability to bounce back and adapt, were a powerful testament to the grit and perseverance that define military aviators.?

Finding Meaning Beyond the Flight Deck?

In the end, it's not just about the flights we've piloted or the maneuvers we've executed. It's about the people we've met, the lessons we've learned, and the experiences that have shaped us. As we navigate the skies of life, remember to be grateful, to learn, and to continually strive for improvement. Because in the high-performance zone of life, we’re always Glad To Be Here.?

Watch the full discussion below and let me know which part intrigued you the most.