Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2024: A Day of Inspiration and Exploration at the National Naval Aviation Museum

Pensacola, Fla. – (September 16, 2024) – The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, in partnership with Women in Aviation International, is thrilled to announce, “Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2024,” an empowering event dedicated to inspiring young women with a passion for aviation and aerospace careers. This highly anticipated event will take place on November 16, 2024, at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.

Event Highlights:

• Exciting Guest Speakers: We are thrilled to announce that one of our special guest speakers will be Michelle Curran, a former United States Air Force (USAF) major and trailblazing pilot with the USAF Thunderbirds. Curran, known by her callsign “Mace,” served as the lead solo pilot for the Thunderbirds and was only the fifth woman to fly with the elite demonstration squadron.
• Meet Aviation Trailblazers: Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with accomplished women from various sectors of the aviation industry, including air traffic control, aviation maintenance, and service members from the US Coast Guard (USCG), Navy (USN), Marine Corps (USMC), and Air Force (USAF). These role models will share their experiences and insights, highlighting the diverse career paths available in aviation.

 

She joined the Thunderbirds in 2019, flew as the opposing solo pilot that same year, and led the solo team in 2020 and 2021. Her remarkable career, including her expertise in flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon as part of the Thunderbirds’ Delta formation, will inspire attendees as she shares her journey and the challenges she overcame as a woman in aviation.

• Interactive STEM Stations: The event will feature engaging, hands-on STEM activities designed to captivate and educate young minds. Highlights include:
  • Lockwire Bracelets: Discover the engineering principles behind this crucial aviation tool while crafting your own personalized bracelet.
  • Straw Rockets and Airplane Launches: Explore the basics of aerodynamics through interactive experiments.
  • Fling Flyer Badge: Girl Scouts can complete the Fling Flyer Badge with the Girl Scout Gateway Council.
  • Simulator Flights: Experience the thrill of flight with hands-on simulator sessions guided by female aviators.

In addition to these STEM activities, participants can enjoy fun, aviation-themed activities such as decorating their own aviator sunglasses, ensuring a creative experience for all attendees.

Event Details:

• Date: November 16, 2024
• Location: National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, FL

• Time: 10 to 1 pm
• Cost: $5 non-refundable registration fee
• Ticket purchase link: click here

 

Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2024 promises to be a day of discovery, learning, and empowerment. Whether you’re a young woman dreaming of a career in aviation or a supporter eager to foster these ambitions, this event is an opportunity to ignite passion and explore the limitless possibilities within the field.

Mark your calendars and prepare to embark on an inspiring journey as we celebrate and support the next generation of women in aviation.

Media Note: For more information, please visit our National Naval Aviation Museum Facebook Page or email Hannah Pennell at hpennell@navalaviationmuseum.org.

About the National Naval Aviation Museum

The National Naval Aviation Museum features nearly 350,000 square feet of displays and is one of the world’s largest aviation museums. Located aboard Pensacola Naval Air Station, the facility boasts more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation. Be sure to visit Hangar Bay One, displaying aircraft of the post-WWII era including presidential helicopter, Marine One. Among the countless things to touch, see and experience are thrilling HD flight simulators. Don’t miss the drama and power of the new laser-powered Giant Screen digital theater. The Cubi Bar Café offers a unique dining experience, and the Flight Deck Store is the perfect place to find a souvenir that captures the spirit of Naval Aviation. Museum admission is FREE.