Setback. Pause. Play.

And the Blues play on...

Crap happens, as we all are well aware, and when it does all you can do is brace for impact and hope for the best. That's what happened to me, in a nutshell. I knew that, eventually, I would come back - and those of you who really know me pretty much knew it too - and here I am.

Adding to the downward spiral that my real life became late 2018 and early this year, the total loss of Naval Air Facility El Centro and the six sim setup I created hit me a lot harder than I could have imagined. Throughout my thirteen years in Second Life I developed a thick skin. I owned a few regions, spent thousands of hours creating true to life environments, lived in them, called them home... and lost them. As time went by the expression "they are just prims" became adequate and exact, I would shrug and move on to the next project but... Not this time.
Some day I will post here the El Centro history so at least it will live on as a record of what was and is no more. So we remember. And then came the demise of my beloved Miramar.

Naval Air Station Miramar was thought by many to be one of the top tier military installations of its kind in Second Life, among very few others. For nearly three years it stood tall and proud as a symbol of the United States Navy in this virtual world we live in. A true home to many and a familiar sight to countless others who flew to and from it over the years. Nearly 24,000 flights in NAS Miramar's history are a testament to this fact. The last flight out of Miramar was a JAS-39, taking off from runway 18L at 23:43 hours on December 12, 2018. And then it went dark.

I would like to take a moment here to thank my sisters in arms and friends Vickster Kühn, An Rainbow, Jenny Kaz and Margot Fenring along many many others who supported NAS Miramar when it became rough for me to hold it on my own. I owe them all a debt that can not be repaid.

Losing El Centro was hard. But the loss of Miramar was one of the most impactful setbacks I endured in the last 13 years in Second Life. Putting the two losses together with the turmoil my real life had become made me come to a halt. And think it over. Little by little, I started to come back in world as my life and state of mind allowed... And now, as we near the fourth Independence Day Air Show performed by the Blue Angels, on their fourth consecutive year of aerial demonstrations in Second Life, I can say I am back. Not as I would like to, but as I can be. My focus in our esteemed Third Fleet is on the Demonstration Squadron, of which I remain Angel 7. As for my place in the Fleet's command, due to my present condition and current inability to rebuild NAS Miramar (which I will), I stepped down from the Trident, being replaced by a fine officer, Commander Chrissy Dehner, that along with Captain Vickster Kühn and Commander An Rainbow will continue to provide leadership to Third Fleet.

So... After a long pause, it was time to hit play. And so it begins again.
Thank you for waiting.

Captain Asra "Cougar" Kron
NFDT / Angel 7

That Monday in May

Observing today's remembrance, a Memorial Day ceremony took place at Naval Air Station Miramar, attended by SL US Navy and SL USMC service members from Third and Seventh Fleets, as well as USCG in SL members. Here is a record of the event. As usual, click on the images to enlarge.

The guests started arriving early at Miramar.

CDR. An Rainbow is escorted by CAPT. Vickster Kühn for the Memorial flight.

Miramar's main entrance was the stage of the ceremony.

CAPT. Sidney Pobieski delivers her remarks.

 
CAPT. Sidney Pobieski's remarks.
SFCOM, CV-63CO

Good morning. I only found out I was going to speak about an hour ago, so I am going to have to be uncharacteristically brief. I should wrap this up in 45 mins or so.
I was speaking with a woman at Church yesterday who is rather on in years, and she was lamenting that we no longer call today "Decoration Day". Which is used to be called until, I think, 1970, at which time it was renamed and moved to a Monday to give the Post Office a long weekend.

A lot of people think Decoration Day refers in some way to military medals or badges. It does not. In fact the name came about when groups of women in the South began to "decorate" the graves of fallen Confederate soldiers in the years after the Civil War. In 1868, a group of women in northeastern Georgia were doing just that when they noticed the intended cemetery containing the graves of Union soldiers nearby. It was in sad disrepair and many of the women were appalled by this. So they took to "decorating" the graves of all fallen soldiers, (...). It caught on with a National Union Veterans Group and became a National Holiday from there, with the intent of caring for the physical graves and the communal memory of all soldiers who gave their lives in all wars.

That is what we need to be remembering today. That real people, children often, died a real death so that we can behave as disgracefully as we do today - politically, socially and personally. We've made a game of it here, but its not a game to many families. So as you go about your SL military careers, try to do so in a way that reflects credit upon the institution and the people who have been part of it.

I will conclude with this... "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works." - Revelations 20:13. I do not concern myself that any of our war dead need be concerned when their time to be judged arrives.

Senior Commanding Officers of the USS Kitty Hawk and NAS Miramar.

CAPT. Vickster Kühn making her speech, after CAPT. Pobieski.

CAPT. Vickster Kühn's remarks.
TFCOM, NAFENCO, NFDTCO

Thank you Captain Kron, thank you Captain Pobieski also.The fact is I know a lot of veterans and the fact is memorial day rooted in history though it is well, unfortunately, the roles of the honored dead continue to grow. All the lives spent on those battlefields - and lets face it not always well spent but honorably - and the shattered families who eventually heal and move on.

It is not a game what we do if we do it right, its a living memorial to the men and women who served as well as those who died. It is rather Memorial Day every day for us if you push it that far because this place, this navy, is a living memorial and monument to them, and its appropriate to remember that it's done with reverence and respect. Thank you all for your attention. 

View of the ceremony ground with USCG vessels off the coast.

The USCG cutter "Scimitar" and a USCG fast boat joined the ceremony.

CAPT. Asra Kron delivers the closing statements before noon.

 CAPT. Asra Kron's remarks.

TFCOM, NASMCO, NFDTXO

Thank you CAPT. Pobieski and CAPT. Kühn for your words. At this point we would have a chaplain come forward and grace us with his words as well, but unfortunately he is not available so I will close the remarks as we approach noon and the restoring of the flag to full staff.
 
Distinguished commanding officers, fellow service men and women, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us at Naval Air Station Miramar for this year’s Memorial Day ceremony. We are into our third year of existence and proudly look forward to many more, remaining one of the finest mirrors of the United States Armed Forces in this virtual world. As such we carry on our shoulders the responsibility of portraying the real life institutions we represent honorably and this particularly comes to mind in days like this one.

Memorial Day is the time to celebrate the lives that were given for a greater cause in the ultimate sacrifice one can make for one’s country. We should remember those fallen heros always and not just today, but on this day we choose to collectively pause and think about their service and their precious gift to us all. Yesterday I placed a little flag on the grave of a family member who served in the United States Navy, like his father before him. It is a beautiful cemetery, very large and well kept, long and wide stretches of well tended grass with old luscious oaks. Very near is the military memorial site with all branches represented and an enormous American flag waving majestically up on high. It made me think of what I wanted to say to you today.

We honor all those who served, and neither of my Navy family members lost their lives in the line of duty, but today in particular we honor those who did so, and in honoring them we must also remember what their sacrifice was for. We live in controversial times, difficult times. We are faced every day with a myriad of news that tell us of a troubled world and a troubled country, where so many are pitched against each other and fail to find common ground. In such times we must hold ourselves in an even higher standard and stand fast for what we believe in and represent.

The lives selflessly given by those whose memory we honor today were given for what our country stands for, above all freedom. Freedom that is ensured by a system that at its core has both democracy and the rule of law, for you can not have a free society without representation and justice. In these troubled times we must stand fast in the defense of these values and what makes them possible, and more than ever represent our real life mirrors with dignity and pride, but also with humility and responsibility. This is what gives the sacrifices we honor today meaning and does them justice.

In remembrance of our fallen service men and women we had our flags at half staff for the first twelve hours of the day. We shall now restore the flag to full staff so it waves high proudly once more. Remember this when you look at it. Remember what it means. Lest we forget.

Miramar's flag was raised to full staff at noon as the National Anthem played.

Gathering for champagne at the end of the ceremony. A fine day it was.

Thank you to all the US Navy, US Marine Corps and US Coast Guard in Second Life service members who attended this ceremony.

CAPT. Asra Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM

Memorial Day Ceremony - NAS Miramar

A ceremony dedicated to our veterans and fallen heroes will take place at NAS Miramar on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, at 11:00 SLT. Dress code is full dress whites (gloves, sabres, medals and ribbons - NO name tags). If you plan to attend be early - Du Sud region capacity is 20 people.

There will be a fly by with aircraft from NAS Miramar at the start of the ceremony, after which they will land on site so the aviators can join the ceremony for the National Anthem and senior officers' remarks on Memorial Day, its meaning and observance, and the return of the flag to full staff at noon.

FLAG AND COLORS STATUS:

Third Fleet follows the real life flag status. For Memorial Day, orders are as follows for all stations, facilities and bases:

By order of the President of the United States, in accordance with Section 6 of the U.S. Flag Code, all flags at all State facilities are to be flown at half-staff on Monday, May 28, 2018 until noon that same day in recognition of Memorial Day.For locations that display illuminated flags that remain up at all times, these flags need to be lowered to half-staff for the morning of May 28, 2018 and returned to full staff at noon that same day. For flag locations at which the flags are not illuminated or for other reasons are raised and lowered each day, the flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position, and returned to full staff at noon.

SLUR:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Du%20Sud%20Isle/31/164/26

CAPT. Asra Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM

The fleet's Vipers

The Navy does have operational General Dynamics F-16's, only they are named "Vipers" to set them apart from the U.S.A.F. "Fighting Falcons". Used in real life first at N.A.S. Miramar and the Navy Fighter Weapons School and to this day at N.A.S. Fallon with the Naval Strike Air Warfare Center (Topgun's heir), the "Vipers" serve in dissimilar air combat tactics (D.A.C.T.) training in the adversary role, providing the fleet with a light and highly maneuverable aircraft to fly against the front line naval fighters during TOPGUN engagements.

"Bad Girl 24" at N.A.F. Eagles Nest.

Vipers on the tarmac at Miramar before an intercept exercise - class 1 of 2017.

As in real life, N.A.S. Miramar has a number of F-16N Vipers used for D.A.C.T., increasing the capacity and options of the local aggressors. At this time we have 4 naval aviators assigned to the aggressor squadron (VFC-13 Saint Adversaries), who also fly the F-5E Tiger, the A-4 Skyhawk, and occasionally soviet fighters "acquired" for D.A.C.T. engagements in Vietnam with 7th Fleet. The VFC-13 squadron leader, CAPT. Vickster "Speed" Kühn, also flies an F/A-18B Hornet assigned to the N.F.W.S. (Black Zero Zero).

VFC-13 aggressors at Eagles Nest: F-15N Viper and F-5E Tiger.

Bad Girls 24 and 26 over the Aldabra Sea, North of N.A.S. Miramar.

Aggressor pilots come from front line squadrons at Miramar and also from TOPGUN crews that made top of their class, whom are given the option of becoming aggressors with VFC-13 as well as N.F.W.S. instructors. You can see the Viper's profile here!

CAPT. Asra Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM
 

Homecoming Air Show Layout

 
The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show takes place this weekend, February 10 and 11, at Naval Air Station Miramar. As usual there will be a small VIP area at Miramar but the audience will be split between three locations: bleachers on the NW shore of Deder Isle, the region East of Miramar, and seats on two USN frigates, the USS Defiant and the USS Dauntless, on the Aldabra Sea.

The Blue Angels will be inaugurating the 2018 Season with the new F/A-18C Hornets and to mark the occasion a stock version of the Hornet will be raffled on site during the Homecoming weekend (see here).

Dates and times

Saturday, February 10 at 1500 hrs (3 pm SLT)
Sunday, February 11 at 1200 hrs (noon SLT)

Things to know and do

- Please do not fly to Miramar - the station is closed to air traffic during local air shows.
- Please arrive early. Local officers will assist you and guide you to the best seats available.
- Please be mindful of your scripts! There are script counters in place to help you reduce script usage.
- Please remain in your seat and watch the show using your camera.
- Please use one of the three locations available to spectators. Local officers will provide LMs.
- Miramar (Du Sud Isle) is a Homestead, so restricted to general public during air show time.
- If you choose to sail to the Aldabra Sea demo area please remain outside the audience sims.

Audience locations

Deder Isle - Capri island bleachers - 15 seats - SLUR here!
USS Defiant - Port Gonn, Northeast of Miramar - 13 seats plus - SLUR here!
USS Dauntless - Conwy, North of Miramar - 13 seats plus - SLUR here!
N.A.S. Miramar - VIP seats by Building A. - 7 seats - Reserved - SLUR here!

Show Layout

Center point on Conwy with exit to Port Gonnonertnert.
Blue Angels 1 to 4 start from 36 L and 36 R in finger four formation, half squirrel cage maneuver to diamond formation on take off followed by a half Cuban eight between Rafeiraga and Conwy.
Blue Angels 5 and 6 start from 32 for a split take off, lead solo performs a dirty roll on take off while the opposing solo goes vertical and performs a split S.

Pass One
Diamond
360 pass.
Coming from the West in diamond formation the four aircraft will perform a wide circle over center point, completing 360 degrees.
Solos
Opposing aileron roll.
Coming from opposing regions, West and East, the two solos will meet at center point and execute a 360 degree roll as they fly by each other.

Pass Two
Diamond
Individual aileron roll in formation.
Coming from the west, the four aircraft execute a 360 degree roll in the diamond formation as they fly over center point.
Solos
Section high alpha pass.
Coming from the west, the two solos execute a side by side slow speed pass virtually standing their aircraft on their tails.

Pass Three
Diamond
Dirty loop.
Coming from the West in dirty configuration, gear, flaps and hook down, the diamond executes a loop on center point.
Solos
Fortus.
Coming from the West, the solos execute a dirty configuration pass over center point with the lead solo inverted, mirroring the opposing solo flying under.

Pass Four
Diamond
Double farvel.
Coming from the West, the diamond enters center point and Angels 1 and 4 roll 180 degrees to remain inverted in formation during the pass and into the next region East where they roll another 180 degrees to assume their normal position.
Solos
Tuck away cross.
Coming from the North, the two solos roll together 270 degrees on their axis over center point, crossing with minimum separation.

Pass Five
Diamond to Echelon Four
Echelon four parade pass.
Coming from the West in echelon four formation the four aircraft execute a parade pass over center point.
Solos
High speed roll.
Coming from the West the two solos execute a high speed aileron roll over center point.

Pass Six
Echelon Four to Echelon Six
Echelon six parade pass.
The solos join with the other four aircraft for an echelon six formation parade pass over center point, coming from the West.

Pass Seven
Delta
Delta parade pass.
Coming from the West, the six planes execute a parade pass in delta formation over center point.

Pass Eight
Delta
Starburst.
Coming from the North, the delta breaks into a starburst over center point and reforms to the East.

Pass Nine
Delta
Carrier break and landing.
Coming from the West, the six planes break at intervals from the delta formation past center point, to travel North, then West and then South to land in a spaced single file, performing a carrier break landing.

To the 2018 Homecoming Air Show Entry

NFDT Blue Angels 2018
NAS Miramar

Action Shot 02/18

The Second Gold & Blue Day

The West apron ready for another Gold & Blue Day at Miramar. The still veiled plaque is visible on the right.

January 13, 2018. Gold and Blue Day at Miramar. On this occasion we celebrate another year of operations in Tuarua Fiji, marking the date when N.A.S. Miramar was set where it stands today, Du Sud Isle, on the northernmost regions of Nautilus. To this day this fine naval air station remains the flagship of Third Fleet and one of the United States Navy finest references in Second Life.

On this date, the evocative anniversary plaque was unveiled and tradition was kept as the 2018 Season N.F.D.T. Blue Angels pilots were given their assignments, this year welcoming two "newbies" into the Blues fold. Orders for January 2018 included for the first time the awarding of Wings of Gold to United States Coast Guard naval aviators, along with the promotions and awards that were due this month.

After the national anthem was played, the ceremony began with a few words from Third Fleet Trident commander Captain Vickster Kühn and N.A.S. Miramar commander Captain Asra Kron. The event was attended by dignitaries from 7Th Fleet, the United States Coast Guard, the Armée de l'Air, SAREMSUK and officers and friends of Third Fleet. Captain Vickster Kühn, TFCOM, NAFENCO, NFDTCO, NFWSCO, honored us by unveiling the two years evocative plaque.

Here is a small record of the proceedings. As usual, click on the photos to enlarge.

Captains Kühn and Kron review the day's awards to be presented.

Ms. Shana Carpool drops by before the proceedings.

All stand for the national anthem.

CAPT. Kühn takes the podium as the proceedings start.

CAPT. Vickster Kühn's speech.

Good afternoon everyone. I'd like to welcome you all to Miramar and express my gratitude for your attendance and continued support. It's been quite a year here; it's overwhelming, really, to have such a fine station, Blue Angels home on the grid, the Topgun School, having graduated its first class. Looking forward is like looking back only more of it. This coming year will be our busiest ever, with new people coming to join our ranks in service of the Navy and our country, and also at the service of our fellow aviators everywhere.
 
It's hard to talk of the future without looking at the past.
The airshows, the training sessions, this place is my home as much as my own facility; it's been my proud privilege to serve with my fellow officers and sailors and I'm looking forward to having our best year ever right here at Fightertown.

On behalf of the 3rd Fleet Trident I want to thank especially Captain Kron for her steadfast resolve and long-suffering dedication to the Navy and all her hard work without which none of this would be possible. This is her day to celebrate, our day to celebrate, surviving another year, and launching into the new one with great relish. Our comrades in other commands who celebrate with us, we could not do without either.

I'd like to say in closing, it is an honor to serve with all of you, thank you for being a part of this, and Go Navy! Hooyah!

CAPT. Kühn addressing the audience on the momentous occasion.

CAPT. Kron initiating her speech before her fellow officers and guests.

CAPT. Asra Kron's speech.

I would like to recognize the distinguished Commanding Officers Admiral Lemon, USCG, Captain Sidney Pobieski, USS Kitty Hawk, USN 7th Fleet, Captain Vickster Kühn, NAFENCO, USN Third Fleet and my XO, LCDR. An Rainbow, USN Third Fleet. Fellow officers of the Fleet, the SL United States Navy, and dear fellows in arms and friends.

Today we celebrate the establishment of this Naval Air Station in Tuarua Fiji. Two years ago, it was brought here stone by stone, exactly as it was built on January 1, 2016, and exactly as it stands now. Let me start by thanking a few of the many who have supported and continue to support our home station:

Lieutenant Commander An Rainbow, my executive officer and good friend of many years, and Captain Vickster Kuhn, Miramar's Navy Fighter Weapons School commanding officer, Naval Air Facility Eagles Nest commanding officer, the Blue Angels' Boss and a great friend. Without you both I would not be standing here today.
Miramar's Command Master Chief Margot Fenring, who introduced me to Naval service in Second Life, friend of many years, and invaluable liaison to Tuarua Fiji management, helping us through thick and thin.
Captain Sidney Pobieski and Commander Helena Stenvaag, USS Kitty Hawk's skipper and executive officer, USN 7th Fleet SL, and Admiral Toxic Lemon and Vice Admiral Eliza Belis, Virtual United States Coast Guard's commanding officer and executive officer, who have showed continued support for Miramar throughout its existence.
Our excellent neighbors, Jamess Darwinn, who graciously took over our part of Deder Isle, a historical reference to Miramar, allowing us a foothold in the region; Mitt Zoobe, old friend and frequent flier, supporter and torch bearer; the little friends South of us, Tanja Byron and Newbienchen Zane, who are quickly becoming a part of Miramar. Gone but not forgotten and hopefully returning one day soon: LCDR. Skarah Zane, my XO on VF-84; LCDR. Braedyn McKenna, NFWS XO.
These to name but a few of the many friends who make this journey not only possible but rewarding.
 
Miramar is a tribute to the United States Navy, but also to all who share the passion for the Sea and Aviation, Naval Aviation in particular. And so it is that since it's foundation was laid on Du Sud Isle, Miramar has become a point of departure, arrival or scale for many, many aviators, pilots and even seafarers. We have on record nearly 20,000 flights originating or arriving at NAS Miramar, and close to 70,000 page views on Miramar's weblog. I think it is safe to say that after two years we have established a solid presence not only in Tuarua Fiji and the Naval Service community in Second life but across the board, as we touch many and many touch us on a regular basis.
 
The Navy is an exciting and stimulating environment with endless possibilities, and after all this time we have just tapped a few. It was never our goal to engage in all areas the Navy operates in. Far from it. From the very start our roles were set in stone and yes we defended them fiercely and always will. At the end of the day, we have our roles to play and all we aim for is to play them as best we can. The responsibility that is wearing this uniform demands it. Our crews are told this many times as it is our core principle: honor the uniform, act as a lady or gentleman and a naval officer.

I have been and still am privileged to serve alongside the best in this great Navy and been also given a taste of the worst. The company I keep pulled me through the rough waters and led me to safe port. And here I stand today because of you. Those who held me up and encouraged me and those who tried to push me down and crush me. Both made me stronger and a better officer. The past year was eventful and hard for the Fleet. Our then commanding officer chose to leave his post and start a new fleet, and the split was painful. Friends were not pitted against one another but were separated and choices were made. We are the result of those choices and stand tall and proud of them today. What you see around you and what is beyond Miramar is the Fleet's testimony of our resolve. We shall move forward.

As such it is with great pleasure that we welcome a SL United States Marine Corps unit in our ranks, creating new opportunities and enhancing the existing ones. We also welcome the USCG to the United States Naval Service community and this reality prompted us to create a news service related group that will hopefully grow to be the reference international naval service info HUB in Second Life. So the future is bright and challenging.
We welcome the third year of NAS Miramar and hope you will keep sharing this journey with us. We have exciting times ahead. Together we will successfully perform our duties and achieve our goals with a more holistic approach than ever before. So here is to Miramar and days to come.
Go Navy! Hooyah!

Remembering Miramar's history with the eyes on the future.

On stage: LCDR. A. Rainbow, CAPT. S. Pobieski, ADM. T. Lemon.

NASM's CO and XO escort CAPT. Kühn to the veiled plaque.

Another mark on the stone of history. Two years.

A salute after the unveiling and the third year of N.A.S. Miramar began.

2018 Season Blue Angels assignments. Tradition was kept.

Orders. And a new Commander as An Rainbow is awarded O5.

 
Among the guests that day: Admiral Toxic Lemon, (v)USCG, Captain Sidney Pobieski, USN 7th Fleet, Colonel Mara Klaber, Patrouille de France - Armée de l'Air, Commander Sophie Redwood, SAREMSUK, Commander Thomask Andel and Commander Shar Bleac, (v)USCG, Lieutenants Chipoune Leannan and Tidus, Patrouille de France - Armée de l'Air, Ms. Nanako Demonista, and our own Blues and Navy crews: LCDR. Jenny Kaz and Major Dominique van Dongen, Third Fleet, LCDR. Bambi Baxter and LTJG. Matter Blueskind, 7th Fleet. Hosting were CAPT. Asra Kron, CAPT. Vickster Kühn and now CDR. An Rainbow.

Cougar's decked with navy whites on the aftermath of the ceremony.

From left: QB, Cougar and No Balls, the cat!

CDR. Rainbow trying to introduce her pet Aria to Cabernet Sauvignon.

ADM. Lemon negotiating with Mona for some Ice Tea.

At the end of a happy day: Speed and Cougar. Cheers!

So started another year at Miramar, as the 2018 Gold and Blue Day came to an end. To all those who honored us with their presence and to all who could not attend but were in our thoughts and hearts, thank you. This day was yours. And many to follow them. Go Miramar! Go Navy! HOOYAH!!

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM

Two Years Plaque Unveiling - Gold & Blue Day 2018

Gold over blue: Second Anniversary of N.A.S. Miramar in Tuarua Fiji.

Exactly two years ago this day, N.A.S. Miramar was transferred as is from the original location where it was built and inaugurated at Tuarua Fiji's Du Sud Isle. To commemorate the event, an evocative plaque will be unveiled and shall remain between hangars B and C at Miramar.

The ceremony will be presided by CAPT. Asra Kron and CAPT. Vickster Kühn, COMNAVAIRNAU Third Fleet Commanders, who in addition to unveiling the Two Years plaque will present the Fleet's Orders and Awards for the month of January. Also awarded during this ceremony will be the 2018 N.F.D.T. member certificates, as Third Fleet Command (TFCOM) assigns Blue Angels deployments with the squadron for this season.

Ceremony will take place today, Saturday, January 13 at 13:30 SLT.

All welcome.
Dress code: Naval Officers in Full Dress Whites; other guests full dress uniform or formal attire.

CDR. Asra Kron
NASMCO/ TFCOM

Miramar Second Anniversary Ball

Opening dance on the eve of Miramar's second anniversary. 01/07/2018.

 
It was once more our pleasure to welcome fellow officers, family and friends to celebrate another year of Naval Air Station Miramar. Built January 1, 2016 on an isolated island as a showcase for approval by both the Navy and Tuarua Fiji, N.A.S.M. was inaugurated officially with the first orders on January 8 that year, two years ago today. It would be transferred to Du Sud Isle five days later, the date we officially celebrate the anniversary of operations in Tuarua Fiji.

Doing the honors for Miramar this year, CAPT. Asra Kron, CAPT. Vickster Kühn, LCDR. An Rainbow, LCDR. Jenny Kaz, escorted by Mr. Diamon Star, Major Dominique Van Dongen and LTJG. Sephiria McCloud.

Among the guests who attended the ball, this year held the eve of the anniversary for their convenience, CAPT. Sidney Pobieski, CDR. Helena Stenvaag, CDR. Thomask Andel, LCDR. Bambi Baxter, Colonel Mara Klaber, LTJG. Matter Blueskind, PO3 Drakon Ravenclaw, PO3 Janka Dinzel, Ms. Shana Carpool, Ms. Salina Warwick, escorting Ms. Valarie Warwick, Col. Hucker Zane (ret.), escorting Ms. Marzi Zane, Mr. Ubiyen and Newbienchen Zane, escorting Ms. Tanja Byron.

The guests started arriving well before 13:00 SLT at which time CAPT. Kron and her XO, LCDR. Rainbow, took to the floor for the opening dance, establishing the tradition initiated last year. The ball went on for a total of seven hours after which a new record was set by the last couple standing, LCDR. Jenny Kaz and Mr. Diamon Star.
The full photo coverage can be found following the link on the image below.

To all our fellow USN, USMC and USCG officers in SL, our friends from other branches and groups, their families and friends, we want to say thank you for your enduring support of one of the finest Naval Air Stations in Second Life: N.A.S. Miramar. Here's to our third year starting and more to come.

CAPT. Asra Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM
Third Fleet, Second Life's United States Navy

Miramar 2nd Anniversary Ball Invitation

Looking forward...

“Almost all the people who’ve had the most effect on me I seem to have met by chance, yet looking back it seems as though I couldn’t but have met them.” 

Somerset Maugham, The Razor's Edge

Looking forward as we start Miramar's third year of operations, I find myself looking back and it seems to me as well I could not be here today but for those I met by chance and the effect they had on me. Some of them now live in memories I hold dear to my heart, never forgotten, always with the hope of a return, a wave of the hand and a smile that will make the long absence feel like just a few hours passed since we last bid each other farewell (1). They keep me moving forward too. But the ones that remain and share this dream with me are the true keepers of this flame that burns now for two years in Miramar, and the guardians of a new dawn yet still to come. This cause and effect seems to prove there is after all a thing called fate, as Larry Darrel reminisced in "The Razor's Edge", even if it needs us to make it happen after we find it. Chance is but a choice.

Another year has passed. Another plaque awaits unveiling next to the one that marks the first year of operations of Naval Air Station Miramar in Tuarua Fiji. And unveiled it shall be on the 13th of this month of January, the same day Miramar was set in the place where it stands now, two years ago (2). One has but to go through the pages of this weblog to see how full and rewarding they were, and why this place is magical to some of us. Hopefully it will remain so for years to come, but for me, as it was up to this day, it all comes down to tomorrow. So I look forward.

Third Fleet is now stable and well defined (3). The ones serving in it are like minded individuals pushing towards a common goal who find the time and effort spent on this journey to be rewarding. Inevitably others who have similar concepts are drawn near and some will consider joining. Little steps. Sure steps. There is no secret in keeping a group alive, all you need is to enjoy what you do and share that experience with others. And keep it simple. With this in mind our objectives as a fleet are defined by our locations' purposes. The roles complementing those missions are available all around us from many sources in the Naval Service world that spans throughout all of Second Life and counts hundreds, perhaps thousands of enthusiasts. Some we found keen to pursuit the same ideal we do: the honorable portrayal of real life Naval Service, reflecting our passion for aviation and the sea.

It was with great pleasure that we watched as a ten year old Coast Guard institution in Second Life decided to take the next step and become the mirror of the United States Coast Guard in Second Life. Under the command of Admiral Toxic Lemon, the Virtual Coast Guard is becoming (Virtual) United States Coast Guard (4), thus joining the United States naval service in SL. Just the same, former SL Marines determined to renew the flame of service are showing that ideals belong to no one and no one group. Such is valid for all - Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. It is not the name that defines us, but our actions. How we respect one another and those who serve with us, how we respect ourselves and the rank we have by being ourselves, and staying in character even when out of it by merely showing who we are at all times. Our character or lack there of is what defines our role, not the other way around (5). This to state a simple truth: no matter how good a role player you are, if you have no character you will never last "in character". So we move forward.

Real life plays a big part in all this and it is seldom easy. Were it not for the support of our crew and our friends, who help keep Miramar steady on its course, we would have had to make some hard choices to keep moving on, but make no mistake move on we shall. My deepest gratitude to all of you who have consistently made this day possible and try to make tomorrow possible as well. I would be at fault, however, not to single out CAPT. Vickster Kühn and LCDR. An Rainbow as the most generous donors of Miramar. In the end, this is how you know if what you do is worth while.

All I see around me reflects hard work, not just mine but that of others. It all comes down to how much you put into a project, and Third Fleet is lucky to have such a fine crew. This is often mistaken as a weakness, but it is our core strength, as the fruit of our effort is the best showcase for those who wish to follow in our footsteps and the best fail safe to keep those who want it easy at bay. We are now in the eve of great things, from the arrival of Shana Carpool's new F/A-18 Hornets to both the Blue Angels and VF-154 (at last!) (6) to the establishment of a USMC detachment in Third Fleet (7). Let us not go gentle into that good night and onward together then, against the dying of the light.

Have a wonderful 2018. Go Navy! Hooyah!

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM

Notes:
(1) VF-84's Last Patrol of 2016
(2) One Year Plaque Unveiling - Gold & Blue Day 2017
(3) Fight the Future
(4) Virtual USCG Facebook page
(5) Burning Bridges
(6) New Hornets close to Demo Ready Version
(7) The Proud and the Few...
 

Happy New Year!

To all aviators, sailors, marines and coast guards across Second Life naval service (more on this soon), Second Life's United States Navy Third Fleet wishes a Happy New Year 2018. May you have a great year. Please feel free to come and enjoy the fireworks at Miramar, at GMT Midnight and SLT Midnight tonight. We highly recommend Cougar's terrace as viewing point and dance floor, although on this occasion special dance ball repeaters will be placed at several points around Du Sud Isle. The champagne is on NAS Miramar and so is the music.

Central teleport moved to Cougar's for tonight only!
Happy New Year and God bless us everyone.

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM

The proud and the few...

It gives me great pleasure to announce the inclusion of Major Dominique van Dongen, call sign "Albatross", in the ranks of this Third Fleet. Maj. van Dongen will be intern with the NFDT Blue Angels with #8 in mind, to become the squadron's logistics and human resources officer. As a US Marine, she retains her rank and will streamline where possible but must complete a number of missing training stages to achieve full status. Being a rotor certified naval aviator, she will be assigned to HS-4 Black Knights, the squadron NASM shares with NAFEN.

Welcome aboard, Marine.
Welcome home.

CAPT. Asra Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM

2017 Miramar 3rd Fleet Christmas Run

Thor all packed and good to go on Miramar's East apron with "Cougar", "Mistell" and "QB", the Flyin' Reindeer.

"We come bearing gifts and we're not Greek!"
Yes 'tis the season for flying reindeer and this year's Miramar Third Fleet Christmas Run went on as scheduled on December 17. Following the run's tradition, the volunteer Christmas detail visited naval service locations and handed gifts to the local crews, leaving behind the season's gift dispensers. This year the Flyin' Reindeer were CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron, LCDR. An "Mistell" Rainbow and LCDR. Jenny "QB" Kaz. We visited Third Fleet, Seventh Fleet, Second Fleet and (Virtual) U.S. Coast Guard locations. As usual, Patron 4 Embraer 120 "Thor" AK-901, BuNo 16034, was picked for the mission (see here).
Here is the photographic record and report of the mission.

Christmas gift dispensers locations
3rd Fleet - N.A.S. Miramar - main gate
3rd Fleet - N.A.F. Eagles Nest - main landing
7th Fleet - CV-63 U.S.S. Kitty Hawk - enlisted mess
2nd Fleet - N.S.T.C. Velinissimo - South gate at Southern Cross airfield
2nd Fleet - N.S. Bull Rock - West pier
SLMC - MCAS Chase Field - main landing
(v) U.S. Coast Guard - CGAS Majipoor - HQ building

Note: As usually, click on the images to see enlarged version.

Ready or not, Ho Ho Ho! "Mistell" and "Cougar" in the cockpit with "QB" standing by and... a hula girl dashboard doll?

First stop, snow covered CGAS Majipoor in Corsica, where the U.S. Coast Guard headquarters is located. The flyin' reindeer were received by Admiral Toxic Lemon and several of his crew members, who greeted us in Santa hats to match the mission spirit. The officers present got their gifts and we enjoyed our short visit to one of the oldest naval service institutions in Second Life. Founded 2008, the Virtual Coast Guard is finally embracing the call and assuming real life like United States Coast Guard protocols and procedure, which brings it to the SL United States naval service fold. We gladly welcome the coasties and are happy to see how the VCG tradition matches the (v)USCG new image. Later the dispensers were placed indoors in the headquarters building hall.

                                                     Top: Reindeer salute, a Chistmas tradition we are proud to hold.                                              Bottom: Patron 4's Thor warms up for taxi and take off from CGAS Majipoor to MCAS Chase Field and VADM Eliza Belis checks the dispensers indoors later that week, sporting the ladies' gift "Proud to Serve" jacket.

The flight to MCAS Chase Field from CGAS Majipoor was not without "twabble" and the crew braved rough SL weather and stupid zero second security orbs all the way through. Well, some braved it harder than others...

"Cougar" muttering words not suitable for publication. "... And while Asra was in a life raft..." someone was ordering margaritas.

The crew shifted to Southern Cross for recovery and would take the chance to place the Naval Service Training Center dispensers there. Due to the current relations between Third and Second fleets it was a way to extend our Christmas greetings to all who serve at NSTC and neighboring North valley.

       Top: The Flyin' Reindeer place the dispensers by NSTC's South gate and pose for a photo at Southern Cross airfield.        Bottom: "Mistell" tries to smuggle an add on to the official outfit, but the monkey gave it away. Thor hot and static at SC.

MCAS Chase field was going through changes, but the detail carried out the deed and later the Christmas gift dispensers were placed securely after the removal of the command building that still stood on December 17. Since then the air station saw some improvements to maximize resources.

Left: The dispensers by the old command building at MCAS Chase Field. Right: Later on with Col. Kangas, securing them.

Next on the list was a 2nd Fleet location that is also home to the Bull Rock Hornets, N.S. Bull Rock in the Blake and Islands continent. The local XO, LTJG. Sara Llewellyn greeted us and got her gifts, plural, as this year the girls get to wear the boys gift but the reverse is not true! Always good to visit CDR. Connie Mistwalker's command and the Hornets home. All being set, the Christmas detail headed to Southeast Asia.

LTJG. Sara Llewellyn salutes the Flyin' Reindeer at Naval Station Bull Rock.

LCDR. An "Mistell" Rainbow had to leave due to the late hour but the remaining reindeer finished the job, this time switching to the more suitable HS-4 VK-07 Huey that serves with the Blue Angels in the Indochina regions. Taking off from Phu Yen, we landed on the Battle Cat deck and were greeted by the skipper, CAPT. Sidney Pobieski, and LCDR. Bambi "BamBam" Baxter, themselves already in Secret Santa party attires (see here). The season spirit was all around and the skipper got her camera for "Here is a photo op if I ever saw one."

Top to bottom, clockwise: "Cougar" and "QB" aboard the VK-07 at Phu Yen airfield. Flyin' Reindeer on the Kitty Hawk deck. Unloading the gift dispensers. CAPT. Pobieski poses with Miramar Third Fleet's Christmas Run detail.

The Skipper oversees the dispensers placement in the enlisted mess. Happy Holidays 7th Fleet!

We were most pleased to be able to keep this tradition and again fly the skies of SL as reindeer to bring gifts to all who serve in this great Navy and happy to extend the mission to include the Marines and the U.S. Coast Guard. It is, as always, our privilege to serve in this Fleet and this Navy. Merry Christmas to all and to all a happy New Year! Hooyah!

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM

From last year: 2016 Miramar Third Fleet Christmas Run. (click link)