The Museum of Flight launches into Women's History Month in full afterburner with a presentation by the first woman Thunderbird pilot, USAF Maj. Nicole Malachowski. In 2005 at age 30, Malachowski busted the gender barrier when she was chosen to be in the Air Force's elite flight demonstration team, the Thunderbirds. She was a member of team for the next two years. Now a White House Fellow, Malachowski has earned a reputation as an entertaining and inspirational speaker. This is her first Seattle appearance. Malachowski will present her story and share her experiences during a program on March 7 at 2 p.m. She will field questions with the audience and sign autographs following the program. The program is free with Museum admission or Museum membership.
Malachowski graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1996. She has served as a pilot in three operational F-15E fighter squadrons, where she was a Flight Commander and an Instructor pilot. Malachowski has flown homeland defense missions as part of Operation NOBLE EAGLE, and has acquired over 185 hours of combat time in Operation DELIBERATE FORGE and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. She also served alongside the United States Army 2nd Infantry Division as an Air Liaison Officer at Camp Red Cloud, Republic of Korea.
As the historic first female pilot on any U.S. jet demonstration team, Malachowski performed before millions of spectators in 140 airshows across the United States and seven foreign countries.
The White House Fellows program is America's most prestigious program for leadership and public service. White House Fellowships offer exceptional young men and women first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the federal government. As a White House Fellow Malachowski served on the Presidential Transition Support Team until Feb. 1, 2009. She is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. General Services Administration.
