Curator's Chronicles

In this powerful episode of Curator’s Chronicles, host and Museum Curator Christian Gurling speaks with retired Colonel Timothy Duffy, one of the first fighter pilots over New York City in response to the attacks of September 11, 2001.After a report of a hijacked aircraft came in, Colonel Duffy and his wingman were scrambled from Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts. With little information and no clear directives, they raced toward the chaos unfolding in lower Manhattan. From the cockpit of his F-15, Colonel Duffy witnessed the devastation below — including the collapse of the Twin Towers — and helped lead combat air patrols in the critical hours that followed.

Join us as we speak with Michael Cooper, a passenger aboard the infamous flight hijacked by D.B. Cooper in 1971. Hear his firsthand account of the hijacking, his impressions of the mysterious man, and the surprising twist when he was briefly suspected of being the hijacker himself.”

In this captivating interview Tillamook Air Museum Curator Christian Gurling, interviews Linda Hunt, a former member of Lockheed’s legendary Skunk Works, shares her experiences working in technical publications during the secretive F-117 stealth fighter program. Linda takes us behind the scenes of a time when national security demanded secrecy so intense that she couldn’t even share details with her own family. Her story provides a unique perspective on the unsung heroes of aerospace engineering—those who ensured the success of cutting-edge technology while safeguarding the nation’s most sensitive secrets. Music track: Cinematic by Aylex Source: https://freetouse.com/music Music for Videos (Free Download)

Join us for an in-depth interview with retired Navy Captain Russ Bartlett, former commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. Captain Bartlett shares his experiences from leading the elite flight team, including insights into the rigorous training, challenges, and what it truly takes to wear the blue flight suit. A must-listen interview for aviation enthusiasts! Music track: Cinematic by Aylex Source: https://freetouse.com/music Music for Videos (Free Download)

In this episode of “Curator’s Chronicles,” Tillamook Air Museum Curator Christian Gurling interviews Captain Brock Booher, an Air Force veteran and current Southwest Airlines pilot. Brock shares his profound encounter with Hani Hanjour, the 9/11 hijacker who piloted American Flight 77 into the Pentagon. In early 2001, while working under contract as a flight instructor at a company called Jet Tech in Phoenix, Arizona, Brock sensed something was off about Hanjour and reported his concerns to the school's manager. Remarkably, Brock’s wife and kids, in the spirit of kindness, once even gave Hanjour a ride, unaware of his dark intentions. Don’t miss this gripping and little-known story from the events leading up to the September 11th attacks.

Tillamook Air Museum Curator Christian Gurling interviews veteran actor Duke Stroud on his role in the film "Top Gun" where he plays "Air Boss Johnson," who famously has multiple cups of coffee inadvertently spilled on hm throughout the film. Listen as Duke describes the filming of the movie, and his encounter with the REAL "Air Boss" aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise while filming the movie.

Tillamook Air Museum Curator Christian Gurling interviews Ret. Col. Scott Crogg on escorting Air Force One on September 11, 2001. Listen to this remarkable, first-hand account of how Col. Crogg was tasked with a mission of unparalleled importance: escorting Air Force One as it carried the President of the United States after the worst attack ever on America. From the initial moments of realization to the execution of this critical mission, his story is one of bravery, precision, and dedication to duty.

On this episode of Curator's Chronicles, Tillamook Air Museum Curator, Christian Gurling, brings you the sobering tale of Private First Class Bill Bradley, a U.S. Army veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, serving in the 99th infantry division. Heard in Bill Bradley's own words, this 1993 first-hand account takes you to the front lines of the bloodiest battle that was fought during the Second World War.

Tillamook Air Museum Curator Christian Gurling interviews former New York Center Air Traffic Controller, Chris Tucker, on the September 11th attacks. At his that fateful Tuesday morning, Chris was an eyewitness to the worst attack ever on America. Through his courage and skill that day, Chris no doubt helped save countless more lives that might otherwise have been lost. One such bit of heroism that day included vectoring several aircraft out of the way of United Flight 175, the second aircraft that would hit the south tower of the World Trade Center. Without the wherewithal and quick thinking on the part of Chris, these aircraft may have collided with one another.

Tillamook Air Museum Curator Christian Gurling interviews TWA Captain, George Ceshker, about his experience piloting TWA Flight 3 on September 11, 2001. When nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives on this day, Flight 3 narrowly avoided United Flight 175, the second aircraft that struck the south tower of the World Trade Center. Listen as Captain Ceshker describes the incident and reflects on the lasting legacy of September 11th.