The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, in collaboration with Women in Aviation International, proudly presents Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2024, an event aimed at inspiring young women to explore careers in aviation and aerospace. Set for November 16, 2024, at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, this empowering event promises an exciting day filled with inspirational speakers, interactive STEM activities, and the chance to connect with trailblazing women in aviation.

Event Highlights:

One of the main attractions of the day will be guest speaker Michelle Curran, a former United States Air Force (USAF) major and pilot for the prestigious Thunderbirds. Known by her callsign “Mace,” Curran was only the fifth woman to fly with the elite demonstration squadron and served as the lead solo pilot. Curran, who flew the F-16 Fighting Falcon in the Thunderbirds’ Delta formation, will share her journey, providing attendees with an inside look at the challenges she faced and the triumphs she achieved in her groundbreaking career.

In addition to hearing from Curran, attendees will have the chance to meet women professionals from various aviation fields, including air traffic control, aviation maintenance, and service members from the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. These role models will offer insights into the many career paths available within the aviation industry.

Interactive STEM Activities:

The event will also feature a range of hands-on STEM stations designed to engage and educate young minds, including:

•Lockwire Bracelets: Learn the engineering behind this vital aviation tool by creating your own bracelet.

•Straw Rockets and Airplane Launches: Dive into aerodynamics through fun, interactive experiments.

•Fling Flyer Badge: Girl Scouts can earn this badge with the Girl Scout Gateway Council.

•Simulator Flights: Experience the excitement of flight with female aviators guiding participants through flight simulations.

Additional activities include decorating aviator sunglasses, allowing attendees to embrace their creative side while celebrating aviation.

Event Details:

•Date: November 16, 2024

•Location: National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, FL

•Time: 10 AM to 1 PM

•Cost: $5 non-refundable registration fee

Tickets can be purchased online, and early registration is encouraged for what is expected to be a day of discovery, learning, and empowerment. This event aims to ignite passion and inspire the next generation of women aviators.

About the National Naval Aviation Museum:

The National Naval Aviation Museum, located on Pensacola Naval Air Station, is one of the world’s largest aviation museums, housing over 150 restored aircraft and spanning nearly 350,000 square feet. It showcases the rich history of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviation and offers immersive experiences such as HD flight simulators and a giant screen digital theater. Admission to the museum is free, making it an ideal destination for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.

Mark your calendars and join us for Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2024, where dreams will take flight and the possibilities within aviation will be on full display.

For more information, visit the National Naval Aviation Museum Facebook Page or contact Hannah Pennell at hpennell@navalaviationmuseum.org.