Squadron Integration Program

CAPT. Asra Kron by a VT-10 PC-21 Pilatus BuNo 19013 at NAF Boonootoo, July 2019.

 
In order to integrate new naval aviators and naval flight officers in Third Fleet squadrons we are implementing a new program that verifies and complements with local considerations the officers' OCS and Basic Flight Training with a hands on time sensitive protocol. This protocol is named Squadron Integration Program, or SIP.

When arriving to the Fleet and prior to deployment with their intended squadrons, NAs and NFOs will go through two fast paced, concise stages of integration. Stage one consists of theory and practical assessments with TRAWING 6 instructors at Naval Air Facility Boonootoo, using VT-10 and HT-28 assets. Stage two consists of a series of practical assessments made by senior officers from the officers squadrons of deployment, using those squadron assets and a variety of locations depending on the nature of each assessment. For illustration purposes we will use VF-84 as the deployment squadron in this rundown of the Squadron Integration Program.

NAFBO hangar with all aircraft types visible, July 2019.

 
S.I.P.
Squadron Integration Program

1. TRAWING 6 - NAF Boonootoo, Nautilus, COMNAVAIRNAU

1.a. 2 hours - Naval Officer conduct and customs
1.b. 3 hours - Theory of Naval Operations
1.c. 6 hours - Practice with VT-10 (PC-21 and T-2C) or HT-28 (MD-900)
1.d. 1 hour - Oral Test

2. VF-84 "Jolly Rogers" - NAS Patuxent River, Jeogeot, COMNAVAIRJEO

All practices with F-14A Tomcats and F-4J Phantoms (Vietnam)
2.a. 2 hours - Ground protocols and ATC
2.b. 6 hours - Continental navigation
2.c. 4 hours - Multi-aircraft air operations
2.d. 2 hours - Carrier operations qualification

Aerial view of NAFBO at Paragon Residential Airport, Boonootoo.

Notes on SIP evaluation.

Stage one is evaluated through successful completion of an oral test. Stage two is evaluated by four marks given to the NA or NFO by the deployment squadron evaluating officer, rated 1 to 5 points. In order to clear SIP, the attending officers must pass Stage One test and achieve a minimum of 13 marks during Stage Two.

Notes on Stage Two marks.

Top rating at 20 points with all marks at 5 points:
  5+5+5+5 points
High rating under 20 and above 16 points with no mark under 3 points:
  from 5+5+5+4 to 5+4+4+4 points
Medium rating equal or under 16 and above 13 points with no mark under 3 points:
  from 4+4+4+4 to 4+4+3+3  points
Minimum rating at 13 points with no mark under 3 points:
  4+3+3+3 points *

* Officers passing SIP with minimum rating are referred to as "Lucky Thirteens"

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron at NAFBO, July 2019.

Details on each stage and respective assessments to be added here prior to the first SIP.
Best regards to all in the naval service in Second Life.

CAPT. Asra Kron
SL United States Navy, Third Fleet