Ted Nugent Blames Taylor Swift And Her Fans For Ruining ‘Real Mᴜsic’

Having wraᴘped up his final tour, ‘Adios Mofo ’23,’ in Julʏ, Ted Nugent recently appeared on ‘The Joe Pags Show.’ While comparing new and old music during the episode, he accused Taylor Swift of ruining ‘real mᴜsic,’ saying:

“So, I’m afraid to say in this world ᴛhat’s gone down the toilet in all aspects, I’m afraid the success of Tᴀylor Swift, aɴd God bless her work ethic, God bless her musical dreams, but that’s cartoon music. I meaɴ, it doesn’t have any piss and vinegar. There’s no fire; there’s no sensualiᴛy in that. It’s all poppy nᴏnsense aꜱ far as I’m concerned, and it’s the most popular stuff in the world, which is an indictment to the music indusᴛry and mᴜsic fans.”

About some older baɴds, he continued:

“They’re not looking fᴏr that fire from a ZZ Tᴏp or from a Mitch Ryder And The Detrᴏit Wʜeels or from a Brownsville Station or an Amboʏ Dukes. And I ᴍisꜱ thᴀt. Thank God I’m still around. We still deliver the fire that The Beatles did [at clubs] in Germany.”

These comments aren’t new ꜰrom Nugent, as he previoᴜsly slammed Swifᴛ’s music aꜱ ‘cartoonish’ in an October episode of his ‘The Nightlʏ Nuge’ show.

Ted Nugent’s Older Comments On Swift’s Music

The singer said he was lucky to be ʙorn in aɴ era supporting ‘quality musiᴄ’ and ᴀppreciaᴛed bands like Foo Fighters for trying to carry the torch. Still, he clᴀimed the new artists didn’t have the same ‘fire’ as the old ones.

Giving Sᴡift’s music as an example, Nugent shared:

Buzzwift. That music, to me, souɴds like cartoon music. It sounds like if I bumped into a child’s cartoon show oɴ a Saturdᴀy morning, I would probably hear the No. 1 country song, or I would hear the No. 1 pop song!”

Criticizing the pop singer’s music for not being ‘organic,’ he added:

“It’s all formulated to give a certain vocal delivery and a certain chᴏrd ᴄhange and a certain tempo that they examine so closelʏ that it’s not organic and instinctive and sexy and unleashed and genuine and believable…”

In another chat in 2021, Nugent also claimed artiꜱts liᴋe Swift made music for numbers.

In a recent outburst that could rival a fireworks display, Kid Rock, known for his outspoken nature

took to the airwaves to express his rather colorful opinions on the state of modern music.

In what can only be described as a verbal mosh pit, the rockstar-turned-commentator didn’t hold back, declaring, “Taylor Swift ruined real music, ban her from Grammys!” With the subtlety of a sledgehammer, Kid Rock’s remarks echoed through the Twittersphere, leaving fans and critics alike scratching their heads.

Amidst the chaos, Swifties mobilized, their keyboards serving as weapons of mass communication, while others simply shrugged, pondering whether Kid Rock’s time machine had malfunctioned, leaving him stranded in a bygone era.

As the dust settles, one thing remains certain: in the symphony of celebrity feuds, this latest cacophony takes center stage.

6 May 1944, RAF Hucclecote Hawker Tempest Mark Vs, new and shiny, after leaving the Gloster Aircraft Company production line.

Read more: Hawker Hurricanes and the Battle of Britain

 

In 1934 the British Air Ministry issued specification F.36/34, for a monoplane eight-gun fighter.

The response of Hawker and its associated companies became the iconic Hurricane – 100 mph faster than anything previously flown. More specifically, the Hawker Hurricane was the first monoplane fighter of the Royal Air Force and the World’s first eight-gun monoplane fighter capable of surpassing 300 mph in level flight with a full war load.

Designed by Sydney Camm, the Hurricane was based on his earlier biplane fighters and would go on to influence such later aircraft as the Typhoon, Tempest and Sea Fury.

The Hawker Hurricane was in full production at the outbreak of war in 1939 and, with Mitchell’s Spitfire which shared the same Rolls Royce Merlin engine, it formed a major part of Fighter Command strength during the Battle of Britain. The News Chronicle hailed Camm as the man who saved Britain and he was made CBE in 1941.

The first prototype Hurricane flew on 6 November 1935 and production examples began to equip 111 Squadron in January 1938. In February 1938, Squadron Leader John Gillan flew a 111 Squadron Hurricane from Edinburgh to London in 48 minutes, averaging 408.7 mph, or seven miles a minute. In contrast, the same journey by rail at the time would have taken six hours.

More Hawker Hurricanes were used in the Battle of Britain than any other RAF fighter type and their pilots claimed 75 % of all victories. In fact, 29 squadrons of Hurricanes took part in the Battle of Britain compared to just 19 of Spitfires. In RAF Fighter Command’s 11 Group, covering the South East of England, 17 squadrons of Hurricanes served alongside 8 of Spitfires.

Moreover, Flight Lieutenant James Nicolson, who was Fighter Command’s only VC in the Second World War, flew a Hurricane. Nicolson, of Boscombe Down based 249 Squadron, was awarded his decoration after an engagement with Messerschmitt 110s near Southampton on 16 August 1940, when he was hit by 4 cannon shells, 2 of which wounded him while another set fire to the gravity tank.  When about to abandon his aircraft because of the flames in the cockpit, he sighted another Messerschmitt 110.  This he attacked and shot down, although as a result of staying with his aircraft he sustained serious burns to his hands, face and legs.  Afterwards, Nicolson did bail out and was convalescing in Torquay when he heard that he had been awarded the VC.

Although slower than a Spitfire due to its thicker wing, the Hurricane had a smaller turning radius (of 800 compared to 880 feet) and could also out turn its Luftwaffe adversary the Messerschmitt Me109. Unlike both the Spitfire and the Messerschmitt too, the Hurricane had a wide track undercarriage, making it easier to land on either a grass airfield or the deck of an aircraft carrier.

Indeed, one advantage of the thick wing and closer concentration of guns was making the Hurricane a steady gun platform compared with the Spitfire, which tended to wobble when the eight machine guns were fired. Once on the ground after a sortie, too, the Hurricane was faster to rearm and refuel – taking just nine minutes to the 25 of the Spitfire.

Similarly , compared to the all metal Spitfire, the fabric fuselage of the Hurricane was relatively easy to repair. Altogether during the Second World War, 4 000 damaged Hurricanes were put back into service and 60% of all Hurricanes that crashed on British soil were put back into service.

Hawker Hurricanes continued in use until the end of World War II and its rugged design lent itself to the ground attack role with rockets, bombs and even 40mm tank-busting canon.

The Mark 1 Hurricane combined fabric covered wings with a Rolls Royce Merlin II engine and 2 600 rounds of .303 ammunition for its eight machine guns. The Mark 1 revised, with metal covered wings, armour plating for the cockpit and a constant speed metal propeller, saw 4 200 examples produced.

The Mark IIA introduced the Merlin XX engine with two speed supercharging while the IIB had 12 Browning guns in the wings. Some IIBs were also fitted with bomb racks and tropical variants had Vokes filters to keep dust out of the engine.

Known as the “Hurribomber”, the Mark IIC was fitted with a pair of 20mm Hispano Canon in each wing as well as hard points for bombs. 4 711 were built, while the IID had two Vickers 40mm canon for attacking tanks and armoured vehicles. This was nicknamed “The Flying Can Opener” (pictured above) while the Mark IV had a universal wing which could carry a wide range of armament.

During 1941-2, Hurricats – Hurricanes launched by rocket powered catapult from 35 merchant ships – played a vital role in the Battle of the Atlantic. Nine German aircraft attacking the convoys were shot down although without any landing options after their flight the Hurricat pilots were obliged to ditch in the sea. After 1942, Catapult Aircraft Merchantmen were replaced by escort carriers.

The first Gloster-built Hawker Hurricane appeared on 27 October 1939 and the 1 000 th example exactly a year later. A total of 2 750 Hurricanes were built by Glosters up to March 1942: with as many as five aircraft being completed each day.

Up to the end of 1944, a total of 14 583 Hurricanes had been built, including 1 400 in Canada, 100 in Yugoslavia and 80 in Belgium. More than 2 000 Hurricanes were also exported to the USSR to fight Germany on the Eastern Front and non aligned export customers included Portugal, Turkey and the Irish Free State.

The example here combines brown and green camouflage – ideally suited for combat over land – with the half-black half-white underside paint scheme used as a recognition aid by the RAF early in World War Two.

N2358 – as modelled above – was flown in these markings by 73 Squadron RAF Berry-au-Bac, France in May 1940 although the same machine – with the same prominent letter Z – had been flown by Pilot Officer C.D. “Pussy” Palmer of 1 Squadron  at Vassincourt in November 1939 with lighter shades of brown and green camouflage and a light grey underside.

On 7 October 1940 meanwhile, Pilot Officer Ken Mackenzie of 501 County of Gloucester Squadron ran out of ammunition in combat so used the wingtip of his Hawker Hurricane to knock the tail plane off a Messerschmitt Me109, sending it plummeting into the sea. He then managed to land his stricken Hurricane with a damaged wing, earning the nickname “Super Mack”.

 

Slightly later in the war, Hawker Hurricane IV KW919 wore the FJ code of 164 Squadron RAF. The Argentine-British unit reformed at Peterhead, Aberdeenshire on 6 April 1942, initially with Spitfire VAs. In January 1943 the squadron moved to South Wales to train as a ground-attack unit, where it was equipped with both Mark IID “Can Opener” and Mark IV universal wing Hawker Hurricanes. Operations against enemy shipping and coastal targets with rocket projectiles and bombs began in June 1943 until the squadron re equipped with Hawker Typhoons in February 1944. 164 eventually became 63 Squadron RAF on 31 August 1946.

Although the RAF Victory fly-past over London in September 1945 was composed entirely of Spitfires, in 2015 there were still 13 Hawker Hurricanes flying around the World.

Named The Last of the Many, the final Hawker Hurricane built was a IIC allocated the serial number PZ865.  First flown at Langley, Buckinghamshire on 22 July 1944, it was retained by its manufacturer for trials work and moved in 1950 to the Hawker factory at Dunsfold Aerodrome. On 1 May 1950, PZ865 was given the civil registration G-AMAU and flown to second place in the 1950 King’s Cup Air Race by Group Captain Peter Townsend. Ten years later, G-AMAU was used as a chase plane during trials of the P1127 VTOL aircraft seen in the background above. G-AMAU also appeared in the 1969 Guy Hamilton film The Battle of Britain and in 1972 was donated to the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The Messerschmitt Bf 109F Friedrich, a pivotal aircraft in World War II aviation history, represented a significant leap forward in both aerodynamics and armament over its predecessor, the E series.

Developed by German engineers, the Bf 109F boasted numerous enhancements that aimed to optimize performance and combat effectiveness on the battlefield.

Externally, the Bf 109F exhibited several notable aerodynamic improvements over previous models. One of the key modifications was the addition of a metal shield on the left-hand exhaust of later aircraft variants. This shield served a crucial purpose by preventing exhaust fumes from entering the supercharger intake, thereby ensuring optimal engine efficiency and performance.

Furthermore, the canopy design of the Bf 109F remained largely unchanged from the E-4 variant, with one specific alteration outlined in the handbook for the F model. The forward, lower triangular panel on the starboard side was replaced with a metal panel equipped with a port for firing signal flares. Additionally, a two-piece, all-metal armor plate head shield was installed on the hinged portion of the canopy, providing enhanced protection for the pilot. Although some variations of this shield lacked the curved top section, it nonetheless represented a significant improvement in pilot safety.

Pilots also had the option to install a bullet-resistant windscreen, further enhancing the aircraft’s defensive capabilities. These enhancements underscored the German engineers’ commitment to improving pilot survivability and safety during combat operations.

In terms of aerodynamic performance, the Bf 109F featured a boundary layer duct that facilitated continuous airflow through the airfoil above the radiator ducting. This innovative design allowed for optimal cooling efficiency, a critical factor in maintaining engine performance during prolonged combat missions. Additionally, mechanically linked split flaps and a thermostatic valve system regulated the position of the upper split flap and forward bath lip, ensuring maximum cooling effectiveness under varying flight conditions.

Another significant improvement introduced in 1941 was the incorporation of “cutoff” valves, which allowed pilots to shut down either wing radiator in the event of damage. This feature proved invaluable in combat situations, as it enabled pilots to preserve the remaining coolant and extend their operational capabilities. However, these valves were initially supplied only as kits to frontline units, with limited availability for reasons that remain unclear.

The redesigned wings of the Bf 109F featured new leading-edge slats and rounded, removable wingtips, which increased the wing span slightly compared to the E series. These modifications rendered internal gun mounting impractical, necessitating revisions to the aircraft’s armament.

The armament of the Bf 109F consisted of two MG 17 machine guns above the engine, along with a Motorkanone cannon firing through the propeller hub. The specific cannon varied across different F variants, with early versions featuring the MG FF/M cannon, later upgraded to the 15 mm MG 151, and eventually the 20 mm MG 151/20 from the F-4 model onwards.

To address concerns about firepower, later variants of the Bf 109F could be equipped with underwing-mounted 20 mm cannons. However, this enhancement came at the cost of some performance compromises, highlighting the ongoing balance between firepower and aircraft maneuverability in wartime aviation design.

Overall, the Messerschmitt Bf 109F Friedrich represented a significant advancement in both aerodynamics and armament technology during World War II. Its innovative design features and enhanced combat capabilities contributed to its reputation as one of the most formidable fighter aircraft of its time.

From flags to jerseys, the colors red, white and gold have been everywhere lately as the San Francisco 49ers get ready to take on the Detroit Lions in a conference championship game on Sunday.

For most fans, it’s an important game deciding who goes on to the Super Bowl, but the matchup is taking on a new level of importance for Lodi’s Frank Wright.

“I’m a talker and I’m a storyteller,” said Wright, a 99-year-old WWII veteran and longtime 49ers fan.

Wright is used to being the talker, but the talk of the town and at his senior center this week, have been about him.

“We had about 100 people in there at least going through and saying, ‘Did you hear that Frank is going to the game?’” said Wright.

Excitement is all around as Wright prepares to be honored as a frontline hero during the NFC Championship Game on the field of the 49ers’ Levi Stadium.

Ever since he found out about the invitation days ago, the anticipation for the 99-year-old has been overwhelming.

“I could hardly sleep that night when he said it’s a possibility… and a possibility to see the team play — that’s something I haven’t seen in ages,” said Wright.

It was an emotional moment when Wright’s friend and fellow longtime 49ers fan Juan Barragan found out as well.

“I had tears,” said Barragan, a Marine veteran. “You don’t understand what he means to us, to me. He and I have a bond that many people will never understand because we’re not just Marines, we’re brothers.”

Barragan will be watching from home as Wright walks on the field Sunday — taking in the emotions as his friend is honored.

“It’s tears of happiness, joy,” said Barragan.

Barragan and Wright have different parts to look forward to the most.

“They put the big old flag on the field, the red white and blue, the flyovers, the national anthem,” said Barragan. “It brings us to tears.”

As for Wright, being honored will be just as exciting as meeting some of his favorite players.

“I understand I may be able to see Joe Montana,” said Wright.

Both feel appreciation.

“Every veteran out of the 209 is grateful and thankful that the gold standard of franchises has done this for Frank and made his dream come true,” said Barragan. “Thank you San Francisco 49ers, we love you.”

While he’s still busy preparing, there’s really only one thing on mind for Wright.

“Of course, we know we’re going to beat the Lions anyways,” said Wright. “Go Niners!”

The Truth Behind Royce Williams’ Legendary Dogfight was Hidden for 50 Years

Photo Credit: 1. USN / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain 2. Austin Rooney / Defense Media Activity / DVIDS / Public Domain (Brightness, Contrast & Saturation Increased)

The years following the Second World War were tricky. While Russia had been an ally to the United States during the conflict, the two frequently butted heads afterward. This tenuous relationship led one of the most famous dogfights in naval aviation history to be be kept a secret for decades. The American pilot involved: Royce Williams.

Royce Williams’ upbringing

Royce Williams. (Photo Credit: Austin Rooney / Defense Media Activity / DVIDS / Public Domain)
Elmer Royce Williams was born in Wilmot, South Dakota on April 4, 1925. He and his brother were interested in learning to fly and, following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, both enlisted in the US Navy. Royce, who was in college at the time, qualified as a naval aviator in 1945, and later learned how to pilot the Grumman F9F-5 Panther.

Williams was deployed to Korea following the outbreak of the war in June 1950. While there, he flew a number of combat missions, one of which would make him a legend within the US Naval Academy.

A legendary dogfight

Royce Williams was flying a Grumman F9F-5 Panther during his dogfight with six Soviet-piloted Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15s. (Photo Credit: National Museum of the U.S. Navy / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)
On November 18, 1952, Royce Williams was serving with Fighter Squadron 121 (VF-121) onboard the USS Oriskany (CV-34), as part of Task Force 77. Despite having already flown a mission that day, he and three pilots took to the skies some 12,000 feet over Hoeryŏng, North Korea. The naval airmen spotted Russian Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15s in the air, at which time the flight leader and his wingman turned back toward the aircraft carrier, citing an issue with his fuel pump.

Williams and his wingman rose to 26,000 feet, where they were fired upon by the fighters. His wingman managed to break away and return to Oriskany, and before he knew it, Williams was in a dogfight with 7 MiGs – a terrible situation. He later said of the engagement:

“I was engaged mentally at the time. A lot of it was awareness of where they were and how I had to maneuver to avoid them. They were taking turns. I decided if I concentrated on shooting them down, then I’d become an easy target. So my initial goal was to look for defensive opportunities when they made mistakes.”

The fight continues

After a 35-minute dogfight, Royce Williams was able to safely return to the USS Oriskany (CV-34). (Photo Credit: National Museum of Naval Aviation / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)
If pilots are faced with the kind of situation Royce Williams was, their training tells them to run, if possible. However, Williams was locked in the fight and attempted to handle it the best he could. That meant taking a defensive position and waiting for the Soviet pilots to make mistakes – and that they did.

Most dogfights last for only a few minutes. This one, however, continued for an excruciating 35 minutes, making it the longest dogfight in the history of the US Navy. Williams is confirmed to have taken out four of the opposing flyers, and it’s believed he hit two others.

By the end, the pilot was left one-on-one with the remaining MiG. At this point, he was out of ammunition and his hydraulics were shot. The latter was the result of a cannon fire hit from one of the enemy fighters. Despite this, he was able to escape and make it back to the USS Oriskany. While he was uninjured, his F9F-5 had suffered 263 bullet holes.

Nobody knew about Royce Williams’ heroism

From 1969-71, Royce Williams served as the captain of the USS Eldorado (AGC-11). (Photo Credit: United States Navy / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)
Despite his incredible feat, Royce Williams never became known to the American public. In fact, the US military worked to keep the dogfight a secret. The Soviet Union was not thought to be involved in the Korean War, and Navy officials believed that, if the story got out, the Soviets would become more involved. The pilot himself was sworn to secrecy for more than 50 years, until the records were declassified in the early 2000s.

Despite the records being sealed in the US, those on the Soviet side were released in the 1990s, following the collapse of the USSR. In them, it was confirmed that out of the seven MiGs to take to the skies that day, only one returned to base.

Williams continued his service in the Navy long after the Korean War. His career continued until 1980, when he retired as a captain. He flew 110 missions during the Vietnam War, and from 1969-71 served as the captain of the USS Eldorado (AGC-11). Over the course of his career, he received the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 11 Air Medals, a Bronze Star, two Meritorious Service Medals and the Legion of Merit with Combat “V,” among others.

Righting a wrong

Royce Williams is confirmed to have downed four Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15s during his famous dogfight. It’s also believed he downed two others. (Photo Credit: USAF / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)
The general public may not have known about Royce Williams’ actions, but those within the Navy certainly did. Following his decorated career, the pilot retired to San Diego, home of the legendary TOPGUN flight school. Those who attended the program were well aware of the former aviator’s exploits.

For years, there has been a push for Williams to receive the Medal of Honor, with a group of Congress members pushing for him to be presented with it. In December 2022, it was announced the veteran would, instead, be awarded the Navy Cross, the second-highest award for valor in combat. In a press release, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro stated:

“Having reviewed the findings of now numerous investigations related to the case of Capt. Royce Williams, I have determined the case to be special and extraordinary. Lt. Williams took the lead of an incredibly critical mission during the Korean War, which led to the protection of Task Force 77 from enemy attack.

“I authorize the Navy Cross be awarded for his valorous actions committed from personal bravery and self-sacrifice to country. His actions clearly distinguished himself during a high-risk mission and deserves proper recognition.”

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Cal) echoed Del Toro’s sentiments, telling the media, “The heroism and valor he demonstrated for 35 harrowing minutes 70 years ago in the skies over the North Pacific and the coast of North Korea saved the lives of his fellow pilots, shipmates, and crew. His story is one for the ages, but is now fully told.

Seeing the new “Top Gun” movie sequel starring Tom Cruise is not the only way for a Tommie to experience dramatic air maneuvers this summer. A University of St. Thomas graduate will be flying the number three right side slot when the United States Air Force Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron headlines the annual Duluth Air Show on July 16.

Major Lauren “Threat” Schlichting ’12 is one of only six female pilots in the 69-year history of the squadron and the second female Thunderbird to have graduated from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota.

During the show, Schlichting and her fellow Thunderbirds will push their F-16 Falcons to the limit in the type of highly choreographed near misses that can test the nerve of even the most elite Air Force fighter pilot.

The first time she attempted a tight formation loop, Schlichting realized how unnatural it was to be inverted at 500 mph with another fighter so close she could almost reach out and touch it.

“You have to ignore some pretty basic survival instincts,” Schlichting said. “I don’t know if people have a sense for how close we actually get to one another. There are times when my commander’s missile rail is about 18 inches away from my canopy.”

Major Lauren “Threat” Schlichting ’12 is one of only six female pilots in the 69-year history of the squadron and the second female Thunderbird to have graduated from the University of St. Thomas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicolas Myers)

Schlichting clearly remembers the spark that ignited her passion for aviation. “In second grade, two astronauts from NASA came to speak at our school in my hometown of Stillwater, Minnesota. The funny thing is that I was way more interested in the fact that they were pilots than the fact that they were astronauts,” Schlichting said.

For Schlichting, the choice to attend St. Thomas was simple. ROTC Detachment 410 had a strong reputation for cultivating cadets, and the university offered a unique subsidy covering any remaining tuition, room and board after ROTC scholarships. St. Thomas is an attractive option for ROTC candidates; the university received the Military Friendly School Gold Award in 2022.

As a math major, Schlichting appreciated the patience and dedication of the faculty and how their example inspired her later in her career.

After graduating from St. Thomas in 2012, Schlichting received her commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and attended flight school, where she earned a coveted fighter pilot assignment. In 2018, she deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Freedom where she logged over 420 combat hours in her F-15E Strike Eagle.

Upon her return from deployment, Schlichting went on to become an Air Force flight instructor, where the example set by her math professors from St. Thomas proved very useful.

“I would spend long hours with my students in simulators, and I would think back to my professors at St. Thomas and how patiently they helped me work through proofs,” Schlichting said. “It’s definitely something I wanted to emulate.”

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” practice during the team’s inaugural winter training trip Jan. 20, 2021, at Spaceport America, New Mexico. This trip provides the team a month of air show practice in different conditions and terrains. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicolas Myers)
Major Lauren “Threat” Schlichting ’12 is one of only six female pilots in the 69-year history of the squadron and the second female Thunderbird to have graduated from the University of St. Thomas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicolas Myers)

Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force
Major Lauren “Threat” Schlichting ’12 is one of only six female pilots in the 69-year history of the squadron and the second female Thunderbird to have graduated from the University of St. Thomas. (Photos courtesy of U.S. Air Force)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” practice during the team’s inaugural winter training trip Jan. 20, 2021, at Spaceport America, New Mexico. This trip provides the team a month of air show practice in different conditions and terrains. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicolas Myers)

Major Lauren “Threat” Schlichting ’12 is one of only six female pilots in the 69-year history of the squadron and the second female Thunderbird to have graduated from the University of St. Thomas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicolas Myers)

Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force

As a female Thunderbird pilot, Schlichting is often approached by young girls who want to follow in her footsteps. “I think it’s really important when you have a dream that you see yourself in someone else who’s accomplished that dream. I go out to events, and little girls want to come talk to me. It’s special to me because I was that girl,” Schlichting said.

Schlichting appreciates the benefit of setting this example because it was another University of St. Thomas graduate and female Thunderbird pilot who inspired her to apply. Michelle “Mace” Curran ’09 served in the Air Force from 2009-21. Curran completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2016, and in 2019 she became just the fifth female pilot in Thunderbird history.

Michelle “Mace” Curran ’09 served in the Air Force from 2009-21. Curran completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2016, and in 2019 she became just the fifth female pilot in Thunderbird history. (U.S. Air Force photo)

During the selection process, current Thunderbird pilots have an opportunity to weigh in on candidates.

“When Lauren applied to become a member of the Thunderbirds, I was involved in the hiring process, and I was a huge advocate for her, but if her skills and her personality weren’t there, it wouldn’t have mattered how much I advocated for her,” Curran said. “She had all of the skills, she had a great reputation and she was one of the nicest human beings I’ve ever met, which was also very apparent to everyone else. So it was cool to be able to help push for her a little bit because she was just the perfect person for the job.

“I knew Lauren from St. Thomas. She was a freshman when I was a senior, and we were in Detachment 410 together. I wonder if me becoming a Thunderbird pilot had any impact on Lauren becoming one too,” Curran said.

Schlichting left little doubt. “I followed Michelle through her career. When she got a pilot slot in the Thunderbirds, I thought she was so cool, and I knew it was what I wanted to do,” Schlichting said.

As commander of ROTC Detachment 410, Lt. Col. Mike Fiandt keeps a close eye on the careers of former officers in training. “It’s always exciting to hear about the amazing accomplishments of our Det 410 alumni and what they’re doing out on active duty. Major Schlichting’s selection as a Thunderbird pilot is a testament to her dedication, character, and excellence, not only as a pilot but as a U.S. Air Force officer,” Fiandt said. “Major Schlichting and Michelle Curran exemplify the culture of leadership, service, teamwork, and excellence produced by our Air Force ROTC program and the St. Thomas community.”

Visit the U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 410 webpage to learn more about ROTC at St. Thomas.

In a heartwarming display of camaraderie and talent aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD 20), sailors have formed a new RnB group dubbed “Port and Starboard.” This musical ensemble, comprised of sailors serving on the forward-deployed amphibious landing dock ship, brings a fresh and uplifting vibe to life at sea.

The USS Green Bay, a vital component of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is currently operating in the Philippine Sea alongside the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. This fleet, the largest forward-deployed numbered fleet of the U.S. Navy, plays a crucial role in promoting stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

On February 12, 2024, amidst their operational duties, sailors aboard the USS Green Bay took a break from their rigorous routines to showcase their musical talents. Responding to a simulated main space fire exercise, the sailors of “Port and Starboard” infused the atmosphere with their soulful RnB melodies, lifting spirits and fostering a sense of unity among the crew.

The creation of “Port and Starboard” not only highlights the diverse talents and interests of the sailors but also serves as a reminder of the importance of morale and camaraderie in naval operations. Through music, these sailors find a way to connect, unwind, and bond amidst the demanding responsibilities of serving at sea.

As the USS Green Bay continues its mission in the Philippine Sea, “Port and Starboard” stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the sailors who proudly serve their country. Their harmonious melodies serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reflecting the unwavering commitment of the U.S. Navy to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

In preserving peace and stability at sea, the sailors of the USS Green Bay and their musical talents remind us of the human element behind the uniform, where creativity and camaraderie flourish even in the most challenging of environments. “Port and Starboard” embodies the spirit of unity and resilience that defines the men and women of the U.S. Navy, showcasing their ability to excel not only in operational duties but also in the arts.

While the vast expanse of the Philippine Sea might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about the next big musical sensation, a group of sailors aboard the USS Green Bay is proving otherwise. These dedicated service members have formed an acapella group called “Port and Starboard,” bringing their musical talents and passion to the high seas.

More Than Just a Drill:

The news of Port and Starboard’s formation emerged amidst a seemingly unrelated announcement from the U.S. Navy. A press release detailed a training exercise aboard the USS Green Bay, simulating a main space fire and showcasing the crew’s preparedness. However, nestled within the official statement was a brief but intriguing mention of the ship’s newfound acapella group.

Harmony Amidst Duty:

While details about Port and Starboard remain scarce, their existence highlights the diverse talents and interests that flourish within the U.S. Navy. Serving their country undoubtedly takes precedence, but these sailors demonstrate that dedication and service can coexist with artistic expression and a love for music.

A Glimpse into Navy Life:

The emergence of Port and Starboard offers a unique glimpse into the lives of sailors beyond their military duties. It showcases their ability to find creative outlets and build camaraderie through shared passions, even amidst the demanding environment of a deployed warship.\

Intriguing Potential:

While information is limited at this stage, Port and Starboard’s story has sparked curiosity and garnered attention online. With the growing popularity of acapella groups and the inherent interest in the lives of those serving in the military, there’s a chance this group could gain wider recognition in the future.

A Call for Further Information:

The brief mention of Port and Starboard leaves many questions unanswered. What kind of music do they perform? How did the group form? What impact do they have on the morale and spirit of the crew? Hopefully, future updates from the U.S. Navy or the sailors themselves will shed light on these aspects, offering a deeper understanding of this unique musical endeavor at sea.

Why Taylor Swift won’t be meeting any Aussie fans or go sightseeing while touring the country: ‘They cannot risk it, because of her current mysterious condition..’ – Travis will be cheering..

However, the global superstar, 34, won’t be hosting any personal meet and greets with fans – for a very good reason.

‘When Taylor is on tour, strict measures are put into place to stop her interacting with anyone outside of her bubble,’ a music industry insider’They cannot risk her getting sick under any circumstances.

 

 

Even those in her bubble, including dancers and managers, are restricted in what they can do and where they can go during downtime.’

They added these strict measures were necessary to minimise the chances of Swift contracting an illness, which could potentially result in cancelled shows.’Going on a world tour may sound exciting, but the reality of it is each day just consists of going from a hotel room to the venue and repeat.’

Swift previously held personal meet and greets with fans during her prior Australian tour in 2018, but these have reportedly been scrapped due to Covid.

While she may not be meeting may of her Aussie fans, the songstress shared a sweet message to them after performing three sold out concerts as part of her Eras Tour at the Melbourne Cricket Ground over the weekend.

WATCH: “Patrick Mahomes Celebrates Friend’s Bachelor Party in Las Vegas, Dines at Luxury Steakhouse, Spends $1,160 on Tequila Round, Joined by Travis Kelce After Departing Taylor Swift’s Company in Sydney”

is week, just two weeks after hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at Allegiant Stadium.

The signal caller is said to have been in Sin City since Thursday, hitting The Strip for his friend’s Bachelor party.

Mahomes led a party of 20 to Carversteak at Resorts World, where they dined in the Whiskey Room, the private dining space at the luxury steakhouse, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

The Super Bowl MVP is said to have splashed out on a round of Don Julio 1942 tequila, which is listed as $58 per serving on the menu, for the table.

Hey Patrick Mahomes is here … It’s his buddy Brennan McDaniel’s bachelor party …Secluded in the private space, the group are believed to have dined out on Wagyu cheesesteak bites, crab legs, while sinking Coors Light along with their round of tequila.

On Friday night, the party were then seen dancing the night away at Zouk Nightclub – another familiar haunt of Mahomes’. The Chiefs had kickstarted their Super Bowl celebrations at the club before taking the party into the wee hours at XS Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas.