Wednesday, July 1, 2020

ID4 2020

















The SL Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron Blue Angels present the 5th Independence Day Air Show
ID4 2020

Complete Program and Schedule

Location:
Kyral Threndor International Airport (SLKT) - Absolution
Altitude 390 meters

AIR SHOW CENTER POINT
Location:
Open water -  Benach
Demo altitudes (*)
Demo ceiling 900 meters
MAIN DEMO DECK 415 meters
Hard demo deck 400 meters
(*) except SL Coast Guard Ocean Eagles - same center point but demo at sea level

AUDIENCE
Press and VIP location (**):
Kyral Threndor International Airport (SLKT) - Absolution - 390 meters
(**) to keep the airfield light only press and VIP on July 3 and 4
 
AUDIENCE
Off sim location one:
Audience bleachers - Depace - 390 meters

AUDIENCE
Off sim location two:
Audience bleachers -Binneed - 390 meters

AUDIENCE
Off sim location three:
USS Defiant - Binneed (sea level)
SLUR HERE!
For SLCG Ocean Eagles demo only

Since 2016, the SL United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (NFDS) Blue Angels have celebrated the United States Independence Day with an Air Show. In 2020 we are aiming for a new location where to establish this years long tradition and that location is Kyral Threndor International Airport, owned by the Brightflame™ family.

AIR SHOW SCHEDULE

JULY 2 - THURSDAY
Aircraft Static Display
& Press and Public Day

Use THIS SLUR to attend!

Some squadrons / teams may practice this day - audience welcome at recommended locations.

09:00 - Gates Open
09:00 to 23:00 - Static Display
10:00 to 17:00 - Press and Public Q&A with available pilots (*)

(*) Advertised as it happens on aviation groups

AIR SHOW SCHEDULE

JULY 3 - FRIDAY
Air Show

Center Point (CP) - the region where most maneuvers take place

09:00 - Gates open - audience directions
10:00 - SLCG Ocean Eagles (CP - BENACH Sea Level)
10:30 - NFDS Blue Angels - #7 VIP Ride (CP - BENACH)
11:00 - NFDS Blue Angels -  Fat Albert (CP - BENACH)
11:30 - SLCG Diving Falcons (CP - BENACH)
12:00 - NFDS Blue Angels (CP - BENACH)
13:00 - Patrouille de France (SL) (CP - BENACH)
13:40 - Team Phoenix (CP - BENACH)
14:15 - Anemone Wing Walking (CP - BENACH)
15:00 - EAR Esquadrilha da Fumaca (Smoke Squadron) (CP - BENACH)
16:00 - SL Marine Corps - Tailhook Heritage Flight (CP - BENACH)
17:00 - Static Display
23:55 - Fourth of July Fireworks and Dance (SLKT)

AIR SHOW SCHEDULE

JULY 4 - SATURDAY
Air Show

10:00 - Gates open - audience directions
11:00 - NATIONAL ANTHEM - Old 66 Flag (CP - BENACH/SLKT)
11:30 - NFDS Blue Angels - #7 VIP Ride (CP - BENACH)
12:00 - NFDS Blue Angels (CP - BENACH)
13:00 - Patrouille de France (SL) (CP - BENACH)
14:00 - NFDS Blue Angels -  Fat Albert (CP - BENACH)
14:30 - SL Marine Corps - Tailhook Heritage Flight (CP - BENACH)
15:00 - EAR Esquadrilha da Fumaca (Smoke Squadron) (CP - BENACH)
16:00 - Static Display
20:00 - 4th of July "Last Dance" with DJ AxL yuMoMo's (SLKT) (*)

(*) SLUR to the "Last Dance" stage - CLICK HERE!!

ID4 2020 DEMO SQUADRONS & TEAMS


SL United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron Blue Angels
Established 2016

F/A-18C Hornet:
Blue Angel 1 - Leader - LCDR. Matter "Hawk" Blueskind - SL US Navy
Blue Angel 2 - Right Wing - Maj. Michael "Re-Run" Hampton (trainee) - SL Marine Corps
Blue Angel 3 - Left Wing - Lt. Col. Neil "Mocha" Langdon (trainee) - SL Marine Corps
Blue Angel 4 - Slot - LCDR. Chardy "Hinch" Oak - SL US Navy
Blue Angel 5 - Lead Solo - CDR. Jenny "QB" Kaz - SL Navy
Blue Angel 6 - Opposing Solo - CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron - SL US Navy

Blue Angel 2 stand in - ENS. Viks "Juno" Minette - SL US Navy

F/A-18D Hornet:
Blue Angel 7 - Narrator / VIP Ride - CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron - SL US Navy

C-130T Hercules:
Fat Albert Airlines Pilot - Maj. Gen. Jade "Cheeks" Brightflame - SL Marine Corps



Armée de l'Air - Patrouille de France (SL)
Established 2009

Alphajet:
PAF 1 - Lt. Col. Mara Klaber
PAF 2 - Cmd. Myrisse Loon
PAF 3 - Cmd. Gwenblonde
PAF 4 - Capt. Tidus
PAF 5 - Lt. Col. Paterne Lefavre
PAF 6 - Col. Rhea Thor



Esquadrilha da Fumaça (Smoke Squadron) - EAR, Força Aérea Brasileira (SL)
Established 2014

Embraer EMB-316 Super Tucano:
Leader 1 - Marechal do Ar Felipe Ferraris
Right Wing 2 - Capitão Lion Hydra
Right Wing 3 - Tenente Argon Karu
Hasp 4 - Aspirante Mariane Onell
Ext Left Wing 5 -  Aspirante Charles Fenrir
Ext Right Wing 6 - Tenente VictoriaS89
Isolated 7 - Brigadeiro Marco Antonio Ghennyn

Isolated 7stand in - Coronel Sonia Bulmer

Ground crew:
Anjo 1 (Chefe) - Capitão Lacomplicada
Anjo 2 - Capitão Zaninha Bittencourt Walter
Anjo 3 - Tenente Wolgast Collazo D'Lucca Grau
Anjo 4 - Aspirante Biby Collazo D'Lucca Grau
Anjo 5 - Aspirante Charlotte Einsfeld
Anjo 6 - Interno Markus Black Sp Angel
Anjo 7 - Interno Thaislis


Team Phoenix
Established 2014

TA-4J Skyhawk:
Phoenix #1 - Mr Pilot
Phoenix #2 - Destiny Bellarosa
Phoenix #3 - Diana266
Phoenix #4 - Bambi Baxter



Anemone Wing Walking
Established 2016

WACO- YMF-5:
Flight leader pilot - Mr Pilot - AWW-PD
Wing Walker - Diana - AWW-PD
Pilot - Destiny Bellarosa - AWW-DM
Wing Walker - Melody Nelson - AWW-DM

Team Leader - Flora Fraina



Second Life Coast Guard Ocean Eagles - Helicopter Precision Flight Team
Established 2014

HH-65C Dolphin:
RDML Ansaja Guardian
CDR Michel Rosenstrauch
LT Jess Razor
MCPO Andy
CPO Farryn Moon
CPO Gokyu Ugajin

Second Life Coast Guard Diving Falcons - Parachute Demonstration Team
Established 2014

VC-22 Osprey:
Lead Pilot - CDR Michel Rosenstrauch
Skydiver (OIC) - ENS Deej Kasshiki
Skydiver - CPO Chess Bishop
Skydiver - LT Henry Foggarty
Skydiver - LTJG Coralie Foggarty
Skydiver - CPO Josie Siguer
Skydiver - PO1 David Siguer



SL Marine Corps Tailhook Legacy Flight
Established 2020
Grumman F7F Tigercat:
Pilot - Maj. Gen. Jade "Cheeks" Brightflame

-- | --

Note:
Regrettably the SL RAF Typhoon Demo Squadron can not attend this year's ID4. We wish Squadron Leader Dean de Gracia a speedy comeback. Tally Ho!

ID4 2020 - Independence Day Air Show
SL United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron Blue Angels
Kyral Threndor International Airport

Asra Kron © 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
 

Monday, May 25, 2020

Memorial Day at PAX, May 25, 2020

The Blue Angels Memorial site at NAS PAX River since August 8, 2019, inaugurated August 8, 2018 at NAF El Centro.




















On May 25, 2020, at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Memorial Day was observed at the Blue Angels Memorial Site. Many fellow service members were present, friends and family, real life veterans and guests who answered our call this day. To all of them, who I shall try to name at the end of this record, our heartfelt thank you. Thank you for keeping the flame of remembrance alive.

Click an any of the images to enlarge.


May 24: the EAR delegation takes a tour of the memorial site at PAX.
The Blue Angels Memorial site on the dawn of May 25, 2020.
CPO Black keeps the honor guard. (1)
Guests arriving. EAR personnel getting off their transport in the background.
The command officers present address the guests.

Command Officer Speeches

Especialistas de Aeronáutica (EAR) Brasileira

[2020/05/25 11:16]  Felipe Ferraris (fejeco.ferraris):
Captain Asra, General Temp, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
I’d like to thank you all for taking time out of your day to stand with us in recognition and honor of all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the American nation. On behalf of Brazilian Air Force, I would like to take just a moment and recognize all those among us who have served or are currently serving the American Armed Forces as well as any here who have lost a loved one in service.
 
We are humbled by your sacrifices, as we know they are great, and we commend the demonstrations of courage and strength that you have no doubt shown throughout the most difficult of times. So Memorial Day is a chance to reconnect to the genesis of our nation’s in-numerous freedoms.
I thank you all for joining in today’s tribute. I hope you keep our military men and women - and the sacrifices they made - close to your heart today and throughout the rest of the year.
Sincere respects from the Brazilian Air Force. Thank you all.

Marechal do Ar Felipe Ferraris, EAR (SL)

Royal Aviation Expeditionary Corps

[2020/05/25 11:22]  Temp Harrison (mrharrisonofreaper):
On this day in 1868 the United States showed its respect to those who were lost in the civil war. Men who fought for what they believed.

[2020/05/25 11:23]  Sachin De Saltu (soulofherrera09):
I have poem (*)

[2020/05/25 11:25]  Temp Harrison (mrharrisonofreaper):
As a real life Airmen of the United States Air Force I have lost brothers and sisters who now wait for us in Valhalla and say to them: You will be not be forgotten. You will not be left behind. And you will forever be with us. Coasties, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Soldiers... all of you have given what was asked and more. To the real life veterans in Royal Aviation and Second Life the war never stops.

Rest in Peace Airman Johnathan Saladan of the USAF Security Forces, Kandahar Airfield. Rest in Peace Poppy, Rest in Peace Colonel Sadler. We shall fight on and see you one day in Paradise.
Thank you.

General Temp Harrison (Retired real life USAF), RAEC

CAPT. Asra Kron, NAS PAX River commanding officer.

SL United States Navy Third Fleet

[2020/05/25 11:31]  Asra Kron (x4ten):
Fellow officers and enlisted, distinguished guests,
I would like to recognize you all without exception for being here. Too many to name. Look around you... This is why we serve. I will just make a special recognition to the Brazilian Air Force and the Especialistas de Aeronáutica present. Thank you one and all.
 
This is Memorial Day.
Not a day should go by that we don't remember our fallen, but each year we dedicate a day to honor them. And for us this is the day. In SL United States Navy Third Fleet we do it by paying our respects to the fallen Blue Angels, who lost their real lives when serving with the squadron. This is so because we carry the honor, the privilege and the responsibility of being the home fleet of the SL Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, Blue Angels since 2016 and, God willing, for many years to come.
The Blue Angels Memorial site where we are gathered today was built on Naval Air Facility El Centro, a six region set up built in the image of the real life one in California. NAF El Centro was in SL as it is in real life, the Winter home of the Blue Angels. It was short lived but never forgotten.
When Naval Air Station Patuxent River was built, in July of 2019, the memorial found a place to live again, and since its rebirth on August 8 of that year, on the first anniversary of its inauguration at El Centro, it is again a public space dedicated to the memory of these fallen heroes.

Today is Memorial Day.
A day to remember those who must never be forgotten. The men and women who laid down their lives in service to us all. No matter the cause, no matter the reason, it is not a soldier, sailor or airman's place to question why, but his or her duty to do or die.
Today we honor the dead heroes.
Today we cherish the ones who survived.
Today we show our gratitude to those who serve.
In this sacred site's tradition we do all these things by saying out loud the name of the twenty one Blue Angels who lost their lives while in service with the demonstration squadron in real life.
At each name taps will sound, and when the twenty one are named a twenty second bugle call will sound for all those who served in Second Life and are now resting in peaceful waters and spacious skies.
So, please, join me in their remembrance.

CAPT. Asra Kron, SL United States Navy, Third Fleet

CAPT. Asra Kron recites the names of the 21 fallen Blue Angels.

[2020/05/25 11:43]  Asra Kron (x4ten):
Join me and the United States Naval Academy choir in prayer.

ETERNAL FATHER, STRONG TO SAVE
Performed by the United States Naval Academy choir

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

Eternal Father, grant, we pray,
To all Marines, both night and day,
The courage, honor, strength, and skill
Their land to serve, thy law fulfill;
Be thou the shield forevermore
From every peril to the Corps.

Amen

CPO Gray sounds Taps as each name is called from the stones. (1)
 
[2020/05/25 11:45]  Asra Kron (x4ten): shouts:
MILITARY PERSONNEL: ATTENNN- HUT!

Lieutenant Ross Robinson. United States Navy.
Blue Angel number 4.
Taps, September 26, 1946.

Lieutenant Bud Wood. United States Navy.
Blue Angel number 4.
Taps, July 7, 1952.

Commander Robert Glasgow. United States Navy.
Blue Angel number 1.
Taps, October 14, 1958.

Lieutenant Anton Campanella. United States Navy.
Blue Angel number 3.
Taps, June 14, 1960.

Lieutenant George Neale. United States Navy.
Blue Angel number 4.
Taps, March 15, 1964.

Lieutenant Commander Richard Oliver. United States Navy.
Blue Angel number 5.
Taps, September 2, 1966.

Lieutenant Frank Gallagher. United States Navy.
Blue Angel number 6.
Taps, February 1, 1967.

Captain Ronald Thompson. United States Marine Corps.
Blue Angel number 2.
Taps, February 18, 1967.

Lieutenant Bill Worley. United States Navy.
Blue Angel number 6.
Taps, January 14, 1968.

Lieutenant Larry Watters. United States Navy.
Blue Angel number 7.
Taps, January 8, 1972.

Lieutenant Commander Skip Umstead. United States Navy.
Blue Angel number 1.
Taps, July 26, 1973.

Captain Mike Murphy. United States Marine Corps.
Blue Angel number 4.
Taps, July 26, 1973.

Petty Officer 1st Class Ron Thomas. United States Navy.
Blue Angels Crew Chief.
Taps, July 26, 1973.

Lieutenant Nile Kraft. United States Navy.
Blue Angel number 7.
Taps, February 22, 1977.

Lieutenant Michael Curtin. United States Navy.
Blue Angel number 6.
Taps, November 7, 1978.

Lieutenant Commander Stuart Powrie. United States Navy.
Blue Angel number 5.
Taps, February 22, 1982.

Lieutenant Commander Robert M. Gershon. United States Navy.
Blue Angel number 6.
Taps, July 13, 1985.

Lieutenant Commander Kieron O'Connor. United States Navy.
Blue Angel number 3.
Taps, October 28, 1999.

Lieutenant Kevin Colling. United States Navy.
Blue Angels selected candidate in training.
Taps, October 28, 1999.

Lieutenant Commander Kevin J. Davis. United States Navy.
Blue Angel number 6.
Taps, April 21, 2007.

Captain Jeff Kuss. United States Marine Corps.
Blue Angel number 6.
Taps, June 2, 2016.
 
[2020/05/25 12:03]  Asra Kron (x4ten):
Salutes in silence a final call for all the ones we lost who served in Second Life.

[2020/05/25 12:05]  Asra Kron (x4ten):
Pray with me. Lest we forget our fallen heroes.

AMAZING GRACE
Performed by Cecilia

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind but now I see

Was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed

Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far
And Grace will lead us home

[2020/05/25 12:08]  Asra Kron (x4ten):
Stands in silence for the reprise of the first verse as it is sung.

[2020/05/25 12:09]  CAVY (captaincavy):
GODS SPEED LT POPPY "HI DIVER" ... AMEN
Spoken as Amazing Grace ended.

[2020/05/25 12:09]  Asra Kron (x4ten):
AMEN

The guests prepare to leave but still one thing was to come. So all stood still.
 
[2020/05/25 12:09]  Asra Kron (x4ten):
Thank you all for making this day so special. God bless our fallen heroes and friends and God bless us all. This ceremony is complete. Please enjoy your holiday.

(*) You probably noticed Sachin's line during General Harrison's speech. At several points during the ceremony, this young Second Life Coast Guard recruit was announcing he "had a poem". Due to the strictly timed ceremony layout I could not include this impromptu participation, but as I said good bye to all and they were getting ready to leave, recruit Sachin De Saltu spoke up once more. I smiled and called him to the podium and everyone stood still. And listened.

[2020/05/25 12:10]  Sachin De Saltu (soulofherrera09):
I do have a Memorial Day Poem...

[2020/05/25 12:10]  Asra Kron (x4ten):
Go ahead and say your poem. *smiles bright* Let us hear Sachin's poem before we leave - this was not scheduled. Please read Sachin.

SLCG recruit Sachin De Saltu finally gets to recite his poem.

[2020/05/25 12:12]  Sachin De Saltu (soulofherrera09):
Is it enough to think to-day
Of all our brave, then put away
The thought until a year has sped?
Is this full honor for our dead?
Is it enough to sing a song
And deck a grave; and all year long
Forget the brave who died that we
Might keep our great land proud and free?
Full service needs a greater toll
That we who live give heart and soul
To keep the land they died to save,
And be ourselves, in turn, the brave!
Thank you

[2020/05/25 12:14]  Asra Kron (x4ten):
That was beautiful recruit Sachin. Thank you for sharing young man, well done.

[2020/05/25 12:14]  Asra Kron (x4ten):
Please enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Thank you all from my heart for attending this ceremony,
And please,
Stay safe.

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
TFCOM / NASPAX CO / SL NFDS / SLNFC

National ensign at full staff after the ceremony. The watch never ends.

(1) Shown in this year's images are CPO's Black and Gray, Third Fleet well known work horses (a.k.a. bots) who perform several important duties (always as NPC's) from Honor Guard to Blue Angels ground crew. "Attention to detail will see you through".

Recognition of attendance plaques. (2)

(2) In recognition of their presence at the ceremony held at the Blue Angels Memorial Site, N.A.S. Patuxent River, May 25, 2020, Memorial Day, these small replicas of the monument stones with the Navy and Marines verses of "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" were sent to all who attended.

Thank your for remembering our fallen heroes and friends.

SL military groups represented this year:
SL United States Navy Third Fleet (SL USN / SLNFC) ; Especialistas de Aeronáutica (EAR) Brasileira, Royal Aviation Expeditionary Corps (RAEC / RA); Second Life Coast Guard (SLCG); US 7th Fleet in Second Life (USNSL); Second Life Marinha Brasileira (SLMB); House of Red (HoR); Armée de l'Air Patrouille de France (SL);  N.A.S. Naval Air Station (Firespire) WW2.

Individuals attending the ceremony this day:
mrharrisonofreaper; Cellar Auster; DENISEmyLove Resident; Argon Karu; Honorina Resident; Wolgast Resident; bibygirl Resident; lacomplicada Resident; Blackjack Kowalski; Aviator747 Resident; Vickster Kuhn; Blueskind Resident; Ubiyen Resident; soulofherrera09; Quarlo Quandry; Marzi Zane; lrdHucker Resident; VictoriaS89 Resident; Fejeco Ferraris; lionborbo Resident; Sonia Bulmer; gwenblonde Resident; Victoriacblanc Resident; curiousminette Resident; CAPTAINCAVY Resident; MeesterP Resident; FaythDuke Resident; Serenity Gauntley; HelenQueer Resident; Jennytryit Resident; Quinavery Resident; CISKEDERAT Auster; Floryania Resident; Pretoed Resident; Beatriz Viper; EternalLegendary Resident; BruNoo Marioman; Miily21 Resident; Amanditta06 Resident; murielen Yuhara; Lanai Jarrico; Orion Baral; Thomas1 Bellic; NicolasBernardo Resident; GeneralWillians Resident; Anita Babii; GiseleOsol Resident; XxBishopKingxX Resident; AdiliRoge Resident.
(To those we missed here, my apologies and gratitude.)

SL United States Navy Third Fleet - 2020

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Memorial Day 2020 - May 25



SL United States Navy
Third Fleet

Naval Air Station Patuxent River

The United States Navy Third Fleet Naval Air Station Patuxent River invites you, your family and your friends to the MEMORIAL DAY ceremony, taking place at the Blue Angels Memorial site on

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020 at 1100 hours (11 am SLT)

In keeping with the Blue Angels Memorial tradition, we will remember our real life fallen heroes by recalling their names as taps are sounded.

Uniform:
Full Dress Whites for SL United States Navy personnel.
Full Dress Uniform for other branches (domestic and foreign)

Dress code for civilians and recruits/candidates:
Formal attire


CAPT. Asra Kron
PAXCO, TFCOM


Sunday, May 17, 2020

In Memoriam: Patty Poppy, November 25, 2005 - May 9, 2020


It broke my heart there was a typo in Poppy's name all through this post, gladly I caught it real early and it is now correct. At first I was very sad about it as I love Poppy, but now looking back at it I can't escape the feeling she must have known how hard it is to say her name real fast 10 times in a row. She made me laugh one more time... Thank you, Poppy.

It is with great sorrow I place this remembrance page up for Poppy. She chose autopilotpatty poppy as her name, and was born in Second Life on November 25 of 2005. Her autopilot guided her to the great skies above on May 9 and now we are left to mourn but also to remember.

She was to play her songs at NAS PAX River for our Anniversary Ball just a couple of months away. When asked to do so she replied as she always did, happy to help and with a smile. I shall remember her that day and share her memory as we dance. I think she would have liked to know that's how we remember her: dancing. To all her friends at NAS Firespire and Auburn Bay, her family and all who loved her, my deepest sympathies.


DJ Poppy - Music diversity at it's finest. Music is the voice of the soul.
(from Potty's profile)


"... sometimes the stream is offline for one reason or another – usually my own issue – I try not to let that happen but I’m human and have a real life that’s sorta like herding cats." - Poppy

Poppy, I know you are smiling through just like you always do, for the blue skies drove the dark clouds far away at last for you. We'll meet again.


From her profile, to remember her by...


! CAVY - MY FAVORITE GUY
The heavens and earth conspired when we met. Fate has it's ways. 
I'm so thankful for that. Best friend, confidant, trainer, mentor and overall smarty.
2/26/20 [14:05] CAVY (CAPTAINCAVY): U MAKE MY FACE HURT 
- it's from laughing, folks!

burlesque
Friday Feb 28th  Auburn Bay
Available for private parties. I love sharing music based on your theme! 
Give me a try! ^^  I've been around SL since 2005 sharing music since 2008.
Check out my website here:  https://poppyradio.com/
 photo by Autopilotpatty Poppy

zilch  at =NAS= Auburn Bay
This group of Misfis plays zilch nearly every evening 
aboard one of the Big E's - Auburn Bay in the Jeogeot Gulf or at Firespire.
 
My LL Premium Home in Abiatti
LOVELY LITTLE COTTAGE. THANK YOU LINDEN LABS.



In memoriam
Patty Poppy, November 25, 2005 - May 9, 2020
Patricia Whitaker, October 19, 1939 - May 9, 2020

She was 80 years young.


CAPT. Asra Kron
TFCOM

Sunday, May 10, 2020

SL NFDS Blue Angels 2016 - 2020

Shana Carpool Boeing F/A-18C Hornet v2.0 at PAX, April 2020
 
Second Life Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron
SL United States Navy Blue Angels

Lord, guard and guide the ones who fly
Through the great spaces in the sky.
Be with them always in the air,
In darkening storms or sunlight fair.


Air verse from the Navy Hymn, United States Naval Academy Chaplain's Center

It is everyone's right in Second Life to live the fantasy they wish, play the part they choose. Being a Blue Angel is no exception and we have no exclusive on it - no one does. We only try to do it as well and as similar to real life as possible, and this has been and will be my choice, and it is what sets the SL United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (NFDS) Blue Angels from any other group flying similar colors.

Many, many groups exist in SL, it is what you do and how you do it that sets your group apart. In the SL United States Navy we strive to not only set it apart, but make it exceptional in every way. Existing as a SL United States Navy squadron in Third Fleet since February 14, 2016, the Blue Angels will continue their program as defined in our records (see updated version here).

A little history, for the record. Complete photo album link on the footnotes section.

Vickster Kuhn founded a Blue Angels aerobatic team in Second Life. In her own words that group was founded end of 2015. When I met her, January 9, 2016, I invited her to bring the squadron into a SL United States Navy structure (Third Fleet) and transform it from a group inspired by the Blue Angels into a SL replica of the real life navy demo squadron.

Click on image to enlarge!

At NAS Miramar, formal invitation to join the Fleet on the same day we met.

The changes were implemented following my guidelines respecting all aspects of the squadron, turning it over the course of a few months from a group of unaffiliated stunt pilots into a United States Navy ambassadorship. The guidelines I brought to the table on uniforms, helmets, aircraft structural modifications, practice protocols, squadron positions, public relations, support structures, radio protocols and, most of all, air demonstration ground and air layouts were all designed to make it as close as possible to the real life demo squadron within the limitations of Second Life. But none of this would mean much without the underlying essence of a true United States Navy squadron: the U.S. Navy military culture. None of this existed before 2016.

Click on images to enlarge!

The Tuckaway Cross. Before 3rd Fleet there were no solos in the demos.
A coveted reward: acceptance cases and helmets given to the chosen few.

In the following years, I was privileged to develop some of the most fulfilling projects I ever completed in Second Life, instilling the navy flavor and ethos in the every day life of the Blue Angels squadron, the apex of which was Naval Air Facility El Centro, a stand alone six regions navy facility built as a replica of the real life Blue Angels Winter home. A short lived experience that will live in our memory forever.

Click on images to enlarge!

The Winter home of the Blues built in SL for them.
Angel 1 over El Centro just before the expansion to 6 regions.
Early stages. The facility would get more real life like still.

There was a certain degree of opposition to this philosophy I brought to the squadron. Some saw no use for strategic planning and favored a not much talk and fly only view common to more loosely disciplined groups; some believed we should not follow real life directives and return to the flying circus days; some would prefer not to be in the SL USN at all and have only a flight suit to wear instead of a complete U.S. Navy wardrobe; some wanted the freedom to fly for other aerobatic groups outside the U.S. Navy... The list is long. Had any of those things happened there would be no point in keeping the squadron as the ambassadorship of the United States Navy in this virtual world.
You see, representing the Blue Angels in SL is not just about performing for 45 minutes, it's mainly about everything else. And that's what makes every air show really special.

Click on images to enlarge!

Inspecting the squadron assignments for a new season.
The Blues get their orders for the 2017 Season.
From ground to air and back, a real life performance standard.
Fat Albert Airlines becomes part of the demo.
Briefings, debriefings, safeties. A culture of excellence.
Attention to detail. The key to a clean performance.
Practice is 90% ground work 10% flying.
Hundreds of hours of practice, 45 minutes of air show.
Smoke check on preflight, a real life procedure turned second life tradition.
On the ground as in the air, the same accuracy and detail.

When the Blues joined the SL United States Navy, the aircraft in use was the Shana Aircraft Grumman F9F-8T Cougar two seat used in the late 1950's by the real life Blue Angels. There was no single seat version available. The livery on the aircraft was roughly similar to one of the real life planes but as a whole, the aircraft had a completely different livery in use when it flew with the squadron. Even the tail numbers were a double digit set up, showing "01" in a random font. In collaboration with Shana Carpool I provided the accurate livery and made the necessary structural changes to make the two seat look more like the planes used in real life, and keeping in mind the single seat Cougar would be available soon.

Click on images to enlarge!

Historical accuracy was systematically instilled in the group since 2016.
Pitot tube removed, historic livery applied. All we needed was the F9F-6.
April 2016, the squadron new set up presentation at Miramar.

As soon as the Shana Aircraft Grumman F9F-6 Cougar single seat was launched the squadron immediately transitioned to it keeping the two seat for pilot training and VIP rides (another real life Blue Angels tradition I instilled). But my mind was in an up to date squadron flying the same planes the real Blues fly today. The Hornet. With the Cougar single seat just getting in the air we started working with Shana on the F/A-18C and D Hornets. This labor of love in which I was intimately involved for over a year is described in detail in a NEPTUNE magazine article (see here).

A dream come true.

Following the tradition of previous seasons, the year 2018 calendar for the Blue Angels included traditions established the year before: like the Homecoming Air Show and the ID4 Air Show, both organized by me as part of my responsibilities as Blue Angel 7. With NAS Miramar on hold, the Homecoming will happen at NAS PAX River, moving from season opener to last demo of each season (the real meaning of homecoming). In Second Life the air show seasons last a lot longer than in real life, so expect homecoming to occur sometime in October each year. As for ID4, the 2020 edition will happen July 3 and 4. Details will be released in June.

Click on images to enlarge!

The Blue Angels memorial site built at El Centro now stands at PAX.
Wall of honor in the Blues ops room at PAX. Over 4 years of history.
The Blue Angels ops room is a favorite on any NAS PAX River tour.

The SL United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron Blue Angels represent in Second Life one of the most prestigious and charismatic aerobatic squadrons in the world. It is our privilege to continue to play that part for the benefit of all who fly navy and marines in Second Life and the aviation enthusiasts who live in this virtual world. Just as in real life, I made a point of starting each air demo with the narration intro that states: "Since 2016 the Blue Angels have had the unique privilege of demonstrating to the Second Life public the precision techniques of Naval Aviation, hoping to inspire a culture of excellence and service to country." You will continue to hear these words at every air show we are in and that is the exact definition of what we do.

See you on deck.

Asra "Cougar" Kron
SL NFDS / Angel 7




Complete photo album relative to this post: SEE HERE!

Post Scriptum:

I owe Vickster Kuhn a lot. I owe her accepting me in her group and allowing me to change its culture, I owe her all she did to keep Eagles Nest and Miramar safe, I owe her for many of the best moments I have had flying in Second Life. But it is a two way street. In the end it all came to realize she, like others before her, did not respect me at all and it makes me wonder why the things I owe her for came to pass. Now all I wish is to carry on with the years long body of work I created and refuse to lay down to waste. May the SL skies be fair to us both and those flying on our wings.




Designations:

While operating in the SL U.S. Navy Third Fleet structure, the Blue Angels carried the designation of the original group (NFDT), founded by Vickster Kuhn, and now she is pursuing her goals outside that structure it remains the same.

Blue Angels Aerobatic Team (see group details here)

As a matter of definition, as in real life, the Blue Angels in the SL U.S. Navy Third Fleet structure are assuming the NFDS designation. Personnel and related officials will gradually join this group as we carry on our Third Fleet tradition.

SL NFDS Blue Angels (see group details here)

Footnotes: Words and Deeds

WORDS

Services I provide for the SL NFDS Blue Angels (among others):
Our existing communications system; our aircraft liveries and pilot insignia and helmets; our ground show drill operations; our ground crew support with radio relay for audiences; our air show narration; continued development of engines and frames for our aircraft in coordination with Shana Aircraft; our ground operations setup (including props, markings, runway and taxiway layouts, parking layouts, squadron areas and air show PR - text and graphics, among others); our air show off site audience locations (land, sea and air); our SL Blue Angels graphic image and advertising; our public affairs initiatives (including internet presence, news, motorsports, SLNFC recruitment, among others); our open skies training locations and operational stations (NAS PAX River, NAF Boonootoo); our demonstration layout as established by me in 2016, based on the real life Blue Angels air show program adapted to a 4x2 or 3x2 region demo box (F9, F/A-18, C-130).

DEEDS

Blue Angels in SL United States Navy Third Fleet - Partial body of work:
(click on each title to read - link to posts)

NFDT a.k.a. Blue Angels

Becoming a Blue Angel

It's not easy being Blue...

Pushing the Envelope

Flight of the Angels

Blue Angels over Agrippa

Action Shot 04/16

Happy Holidays!

FLY FOR LIFE - July 4th - Blake Sea

Homecoming is here!

Blue Angels 7 and 8 get new Cougar "2 Up"

Miramar Action Shots 2016

A new Season begins...

Blue Angels Fly for Life again | Flying for Life! | Flying for Life still

One Year of History, One Hundred Years of Brotherhood

Sous le Ciel de Paris... | An American in Paris

Blue Angels award Challenge Coins

Daystar 2017 International Air Show
 
New SCPMU's received

Thank you 7th Fleet

Newbie on deck - LTJG. M. Blueskind
 
Last Newbie of Seventeen

Grumman F9F-8T Cougar Blue Angels

The Barry Foehammer Building

Corsica International Air Show 2018

New Hornets close to Demo Ready Version | New Hornets for the Fleet

2017 Blue Angels Formation Grid Flight

Cougars' Blake Run
 
Happy Holidays from The Blues!

It's coming! | Homecoming Air Show Layout

A New Season starts: Blue Angels Homecoming 2018

Luxor Blue Angels Airshow 2018

Blue Angels 2018 World Tour Prospect Info

Bastille Day at Ville de Coeur - World Tour Stop 1

SL15B

Three for Three

NAF El Centro Inauguration

Setback. Pause. Play.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

CINSAL International Airshow 2019

NFDS Blue Angels in Second Life

Homecoming 2017 Photo Coverage

Homecoming 2018 Photo Coverage

ID4 Air Show 2016

ID4 Air Show 2017

ID4 Air Show 2018

ID4 Air Show 2019

NAS Miramar in SL Aviation Magazine

Last 2016 Blue Angels VIP Rides - Ms. Shana Carpool

Last 2016 Blue Angels VIP Rides - RADM Harcassle

Blue Angels VIP Ride - Miss Salina
  
Blue Angels VIP Ride - CAPT. Sidney Pobieski

Blue Angels VIP Ride - Lcl. Paterne Lefavre

NEPTUNE magazine #1

NEPTUNE magazine #2
  
NEPTUNE magazine #6

 
CAPT Asra "Cougar" Kron
SL NFDS Blue Angels (c) 2020