Blue Angels VIP Ride - Lcl. Paterne Lefavre

 
On August 21, 2019, the Blue Angels gave Lieutenant Colonel Paterne Lefavre, Patrouille de France (SL), the VIP Ride certificate relative to his flight aboard Blue Angel #7 during the 2019 edition of the ID4 Air Show. The French aerobatic squadron was present for the occasion and graced the Blues with a private aerobatic demonstration at NAS Patuxent River. The certificate was handed to Lcl. Lefavre in the Blue Angels operations room at PAX. 

The two sister squadrons have planned an exchange of special aerobatic aircraft in operation, in what is being called the 3-4-3 exchange: three special F/A-18C Hornets in internship colors for three special Alphajets in GE 314 (Groupement école) 'Christian Martel' colors. (see Three for Three!)

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NFDTXO / Angel 7

Blue Angels VIP Ride - CAPT. Sidney Pobieski

CAPT. Pobieski is awarded her V.I.P. Ride certificate by CAPT's Vickster Kühn and Asra Kron, Angels 1 and 7, 11/11/2017.

Opening the 2017 Veterans Day celebrations on the deck of the USS Kitty Hawk (see here), Captain Asra Kron, Angel 7, took CV-63's Skipper, Captain Sidney Pobieski, for a very special V.I.P. Ride. Launching from the Kitty Hawk, CAPT. Pobieski could experience first hand the capabilities of the Navy Flight Demonstration Team's Cougar, as CAPT. Kron went through some of the maneuvers performed by both the Diamond and the Solos in this season's demo layout.

No need for paper bags during flight as the Skipper is a seasoned naval aviator, and after touching down on the Kitty Hawk's deck she was quick on her feet and on her wits, taking the opportunity to ask very interesting questions about the Cougar's performance she had just gone through.

The Blue Angels wish to extend their gratitude to Captain Sidney Pobieski in her support for the squadron, namely allowing 7th Fleet naval aviators to serve with the NFDT, making our effort to be the ambassadors of the United States Navy in Second Life more rewarding and meaningful, as our pilots come from different fleets and USN inspired groups.

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NFDTXO / Angel 7

Blue Angels VIP Ride - Miss Salina

Miss Salina is awarded her V.I.P. Ride certificate at NAF Eagles Nest by the Blue Angels Boss and Angel 7, 07/22/2017.

On the occasion of this year's Independence Day Air Show at CinSal Airport, in Agrippa (see here), the Blue Angels invited the local owner and long time supporter of the Navy Flight Demonstration Team for a V.I.P. Ride aboard the two seat Angel 7 Cougar. Today she was invited to the Blues home, Naval Air Facility Eagles Nest, to receive her V.I.P. Ride certificate.

Miss Salina invited the Blue Angels to CinSal Airport for their first show of the 2016 Season (see here), which marked the beginning of the team's service as a Second Life United States Navy squadron, assuming the role of Navy ambassadors in Second Life just as their real life counterparts do for the United States Navy. Agrippa became the seminal milestone for the Blues and since then we try to visit CinSal at least once every demo season.

The team extends the most sincere thank you to Miss Salina, for her support over the years. Few places in the grid makes us as proud and happy to perform at like CinSal Airport, and this year's ID4 Air Show was perhaps the best squadron performance to date. Thank you kindly, Salina.

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NFDTXO / Angel 7

Last 2016 Blue Angels VIP Rides - Ms. Shana Carpool

Ms. Shana Carpool receives her V.I.P Ride certificate from Angel 7 and the Boss, at N.A.S. Miramar, 12/31/2016.

For the longest time the Blue Angels wished to give their chief engineer and engine maker two things: the honorary title of Angel Zero, as a true member of the team, and the V.I.P Ride she of all the very important people in Second Life deserved.

Shana Carpool, owner and chief engineer of Carpool Aircraft, the manufacturer of the engines that power the Grumman Cougars F9F-8T and F9F-6, has been outstanding in her support of the team and effective response to all their engine and avionics needs. As an example, the F9F-8T (Carpool Aircraft stock designation TF-9J) the Naval Flight Demonstration Team flew during the 2016 Season went through three engine and avionics upgrades. Her commitment to her work and the great job she does with the Blue Angels are unparalleled.

On December the 31st, 2016, "Operation Cinderella" was launched. Objective: to provide the Blue Angels V.I.P. Ride to Ms. Shana Carpool before midnight SLT. The operation was accomplished. At 18:22 SLT, on the tarmac of Miramar, Angel Zero was aboard Blue Angels 7, with CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron. For this very special ride, the Boss, CDR. Vickster "Speed" Kuhn, Angel 1, would fly as lead Solo, providing Ms. Carpool with a unique V.I.P. Ride made of two Blue Angels jets flying a Solos routine.

[2016/12/31 18:22] :: ((Blue)) CDR Asra "Cougar" Kron - Angel 7: Comm check BLUE
[2016/12/31 18:22] :: {Blue} CDR Vickie "Speed" Kuhn NFDTCO (Vickster Kuhn): acknowledged
[2016/12/31 18:23] :: {Blue} Shana Carpool: helloooooooooooooooooooo
[2016/12/31 18:23] :: ((Blue)) CDR Asra "Cougar" Kron - Angel 7: haha Copy that Angel Zero

The rest is now part of history.

As usual, click on the photos to enlarge

Shana in her Angel Zero varsity jacket before the ride, with "Speed" and "Cougar".

Angels 1 and 7 hot and static at Miramar. "Ready to take off?" "Ready Boss!"

The Blue Angels, all of us, across team compositions in the year 2016, wish to dedicate the following song to Shana Carpool as it says all that our hearts hold for her. She is truly the wind beneath our wings and we fly high in the sky because she makes it possible for us to shine. Her strength is our glory, and our glory is hers. She is our hero. From all of us, a heartfelt thank you. Thank you, Shana.

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
Angel 7

Last 2016 Blue Angels VIP Rides - RADM Harcassle

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron ready for helmet on with RADM. Isaac "Izzy" Harcassle in #7, BuNo 131219, 12/29/2016.

There were two last rides the Blue Angels wished to give in 2016 to two very important people in their lives, and they managed to do so starting with RADM. Isaac Harcassle, who, accompanied by his wife, LCDR. Daniella Harcassle, NBNVCO, on the 29th of December joined the Blue Angels at N.A.S. Miramar for the V.I.P. ride aboard Angel 7. On that occasion, RADM. Harcassle inspected the new NFDT delta line up with the Grumman F9F-6 BA v1.0 Cougars, after which he took place on the "two-up" F9F-8T number 7 for the ride.

As usual, click on the photos to enlarge.

RADM. Isaac L. Harcassle, Third Fleet Commander, U.S.N.S.L. and the F9F-6.

From port side, Blue Angels 3, 8, 6 and 7 observe RADM. Harcassle's inspection.

From the Blue Angels, numbers 3, LT. Jenny "QB" Kaz, 6, LCDR. Elspeth "Torch" Westminster, 7, CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron, and 8, LCDR. An "Mistell" Rainbow were present. The new single seat Cougars received the seal of approval for service with the Navy Flight Demonstration Team and will continue the Blue Angels tradition of excellence in flight the "two-up" Cougars established.

RADM. Harcassle gears himself up before boarding #7.

Preflight starts. Angel 8 was in charge of GOPS and ATC in the tower.

The guests observe the warm up from building A's terrace with Angels 3 and 6.

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron is Angel 7 alpha, Narrator and PR for the N.F.D.T., serving also as Slot and Opposing Solo alternate in the team, she is in charge of taking V.I.P.'s on these rides, and this one was a Hotel Sierra type of ride. LCDR. An "Mistell" Rainbow, Angel 8 alpha, Events Coordinator/Ground Ops Coordinator, serving also as alternate Right Wing, was in charge of ground operations and air traffic control for this flight over Miramar.
Angels 3 and 6, LT. Jenny "QB" Kaz and LCDR. Elspeth "Torch" Westminster, observed from the main building terrace with the guests (Shown in the photo above are LCDR.'s Dehner and Harcassle). "QB" held "No Balls" close, as usually, and yes, CDR. Kron did pet her before the flight.

Radio communications from preflight check to take off:

[2016/12/29 14:27] :: ((NASM)) CDR Asra "Cougar" Kron - Angel 7: Preflight complete
[2016/12/29 14:28] :: ((NASM)) CDR Asra "Cougar" Kron - Angel 7: BA ATC, Angel 7 static permission to taxi to 36 L and TO for VIP Ride with RADM Harcassle
[2016/12/29 14:28] :: {NASM} LCDR An "Mistell" Rainbow - Angel 6 (Anan Ariantho): Angel 7, NASM ATC clear to taxi to 36L. hold on short stop.
[2016/12/29 14:29] :: ((NASM)) CDR Asra "Cougar" Kron - Angel 7: Copy that ATC, taxi to 36 L and stop
[2016/12/29 14:29] :: ((NASM)) CDR Asra "Cougar" Kron - Angel 7: Angel 7 rolling

[2016/12/29 14:31] :: ((NASM)) CDR Asra "Cougar" Kron - Angel 7: ATC, 7 hot and static
[2016/12/29 14:32] :: ((NASM)) CDR Asra "Cougar" Kron - Angel 7: Permission to Take off
[2016/12/29 14:32] :: {NASM} LCDR An "Mistell" Rainbow - Angel 6 (Anan Ariantho): Angel 7, NASM ATC six sim pattern is clear, take off when ready over.
[2016/12/29 14:32] :: ((NASM)) CDR Asra "Cougar" Kron - Angel 7: Thank you ATC
[2016/12/29 14:32] :: ((NASM)) CDR Asra "Cougar" Kron - Angel 7: Angel 7 is changing it's Call Sign to FLEET ONE
[2016/12/29 14:33] :: ((NASM)) CDR Asra "Cougar" Kron - Angel 7: Fleet CO on board
[2016/12/29 14:33] :: {NASM} LCDR An "Mistell" Rainbow - Angel 6 (Anan Ariantho): FLEET ONE, NASM ATC roger.
[2016/12/29 14:33] :: ((NASM)) CDR Asra "Cougar" Kron - Angel 7: FLEET ONE taking off  (...)

"Full dirty" inverted pass over Miramar's 18/36 axis. "Cougar" and "Izzy".

RADM. Harcassle experienced some of the maneuvers performed by the Blue Angels Solos and Diamond such as the "Dirty Roll" on take off, the "Dirty Loop" and "High Speed Roll", the "Vertical Roll", the "Dirty Inverted Pass", the "Knife" and the "Section High Alpha Pass".
"Izzy" did A-OK and was able to deplane on his own when the F9 Cougar was secured by hangar A. No paper bags were required during the 23 minute ride.

[2016/12/29 14:56] Izzy Harcassle stands up super slowly and cool like Ben Affleck in Pearl Harbor.

RADM. "Izzy" Harcassle talks to the officers on deck by hangar A after the ride.

In the photo above, from port side:

CDR. Kron, RADM. Harcassle, LCDR. Harcassle and the Harcassle twins!, LCDR. Dehner,

LCDR. Westminster, LCDR. Rainbow and ENS. O'Mara 

[ UPDATED ENTRY BELOW - 01/05/16]

The V.I.P. Ride was a success and the Blue Angels now can proudly say their High Commander flew like one of them. Hooyah. A few days later, during the New Year's Eve celebrations at N.S.T.C., the RADM was awarded his V.I.P. Ride certificate and a special gift from all the Angels: a Blue Angels guest helmet with two stars and the signed call signs of all the 2016 last composition team members on the visor guard.

RADM Isaac Harcassle receives the certificate and the signed guest helmet at NSTC from CDR. Kron, few minutes into 2017.

The guest helmet case and the team's 75 Years 2016 V.I.P. Ride certificate awarded.

Detail of the guest helmet case, similar to the ones NFDT aviators get on admission.

The Navy Flight Demonstration Team wishes Rear Admiral Isaac Harcassle all the best in the New Year and express the most sincere gratitude for all the support Third Fleet has given the team all through 2016.
Go "Izzy"! Go Navy!

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
Angel 7

Photos by CDR. Asra Kron and LCDR. An Rainbow