تدريب الضباط
Upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, Curbeam commenced Naval Flight Officer training in 1984. In 1986 he reported to Fighter Squadron 11 (VF-11) and made overseas deployments to the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas, and the Arctic and Indian Oceans on board the aircraft carrier . During his tour in VF-11, he also attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN).