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

It's coming!

HEADS UP!! Homecoming moved to FEBRUARY 10 and 11! More details soon!

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

Thanksgiving at Cougar's

This year's Thanksgiving Dinner at Cougar's Sore Bottom Sailing Club, NAS Miramar's clubhouse and open house to all air and sea travelers, took place this Thursday and the day was long and well spent in the company of those who could make it to Miramar. Cougar's has been from day one, almost two years ago, the stage for many memorable moments, from casual drinks after a mission to balls and even a wedding, but this was definitely one of the finest.

Spread evenly throughout the day, three dinners were served and I am glad I cooked enough for everybody, especially the French guests from the Patrouille de France who showed as the second party after practice and (as requested) brought the required appetite! Among the guests were my better half, Asp Grelling, Eagles Nest/Miramar's own Blues, CAPT. Vickster Kühn, LCDR. An Rainbow and LTJG. Matter Blueskind, 7th Fleet CV-63's skipper, CAPT. Sidney Pobieski, her XO, CDR. Helena Stenvaag, and her chief medical officer and Blue Angels intern, LCDR. Bambi Baxter, Virtual Coast Guard's XO, VADM. Eliza Belis, SLMC's Colonel Jade Kangas, our friends Ms. Valerie Patterson, CinSal Airport manager and Quinn Avery, dog reporter extraordinaire, and some of our French friends from the PAF SL, Col. Rhea Thor, Lcl. Paterne Lefavre, Col. Mara Klaber, Cdt. Myrisse Loon, Cne. T'Sar Kanto, Cne. Patoulou and Lt. Chipounne.

The success of this event that so many friends could not attend due to real life begs for more so we hope to welcome you next year for more turkey and puff's! The complete photo coverage will be in permanence on the right hand column of this weblog. Click the image link below to go to the photo coverage page.

Thank you all who came to Cougar's and made the day so special and a big hug to all who could not attend but were on our minds and hearts. Thank you for a very happy Thanksgiving!

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO

Newbie on deck - LTJG. M. Blueskind

LTJG. Matter "Hawk" Blueskind is welcomed into the Blues fold, wearing the suit for the first time, 11/12/2017.

After a long and distinguished time with the Navy in Second Life that started at Officer Candidates School and is ongoing at 7th Fleet where he serves aboard the USS Kitty Hawk as a naval aviator, and after being selected to become an intern in the Navy Flight Demonstration Team, Lieutenant Junior Grade Matter "Hawk" Blueskind was unanimously accepted this day into the Blues family as a full member. He will be flying as Left Wing in the Diamond, Angel 3.

From left: "Cougar", "QB" and No Balls, the Boss, "Mistell" and "Hawk".

The hard earned helmet and wings, awarded to team members only.

LTJG. Blueskind, call sign "Hawk", wanted to become a Blue Angel since before he joined the Navy and that was his objective all along. Faced with the steep climb that was presented to him when he first contacted the squadron, he did not flinch, and where others broke and gave up he rose to the occasion, earned his wings with 7th Fleet the hard way, became an accomplished naval aviator and a Mig killer in Vietnam, and when the time came to face the music he joined the team as an intern and went through the months of on boarding all potential Blues undertake to familiarize themselves with the other squadron pilots and crew and allow themselves to be evaluated before they are chosen as "newbies". In the end, all team members voted for his inclusion, and so, in the best Blue Angels tradition, there is only one thing we have left to say to him... "WELCOME TO THE TEAM, ASSHOLE!"

Congratulations, "Hawk". Well done.

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NFDTXO / Angel 7

TOPGUN Class One 2017 complete

Dissimilar Air Combat: F-4J versus F-5E.

The first TOPGUN class has been completed.
Following the Naval Fighter Weapons School program for the first time has given us a great platform to build on for the future. The attending crews were outstanding in their participation and collaboration, helping us improve the program with 2018 in mind. Well done everybody!

The top crew will be announced soon and receive the respective award at Miramar.

CAPT. Asra Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM

Some snapshots of Class One. As usual, click on the images to enlarge.

CAPT. Vickster "Speed" Kühn, NFWSCO.

"Speed" and "Cougar" welcome the crews at Miramar.

Front row: "Mistell" and "QB", back row: "BB" and "Witch".

The classroom component of TOPGUN, know your DACT.

Training at NAF Eagles Nest. AK-203 on taxi as AK-20 watches.

AK-20 and AK-21 at NAFEN ready to play Aggressor.

Tomcat vs Tiger: the pinnacle of dissimilarity.

"Speed" is not easy to shake off.

The crews at Miramar before a multi-region exercise.

AK-24 and AK-25: Vipers hot and static at NAS Miramar.

Catch me if you can: Multi-region interception. Ready cameras!

Debriefing after each exercise is SOP at TOPGUN.

AK-24 and AK-26. The Aggressors in practice over the Blake.

Navy Fighter Weapons School
Naval Air Station Miramar - 2017

Fight the Future

The Test 79 F/A-18C on warm up. Research and Development at the forefront of NAS Miramar operations.

To all Third Fleet personnel:

Since RADM. Harcassle left Third Fleet, we experienced two territorial losses, both of which consumed a significant amount of time, work and money to no result. As a consequence of the wasted effort on these territories, I personally lost focus on the main missions Third Fleet has since the secession of the group now assembled in Second Fleet.

Our main missions are split between NAS Miramar and NAF Eagles Nest. The Navy Flight Demonstration Team, the Navy Fighter Weapons School, The United States Naval Test Pilot School and Tuarua Fiji's integrity and safety are our main missions. There is much to be done and that is being done in each of those sectors and enough to keep the present crew and future crew members busy for months and months. So why bother expanding at all.

Expanding depends on the quality of leaders and most especially land owners. Rarely you find like minded individuals who are both. And even more rarely both and USN inspired. After the last two disappointments, there will be no more territorial or command additions to Third Fleet. We welcome and in fact are engaged in cooperation with other singular groups that are United States Navy inspired, but will not accept any other command in Third Fleet, besides NASM and NAFEN, that is not under the direct command and land ownership of one of our serving fleet command officers. As for aggregated USN inspired groups that presume to own the navy ideal... well, good luck with that.

Focus on your tasks. Enjoy what you do. And do it well.
Go Navy!
Hooyah!

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM

Action Shot 05/17

September's Memory Lane

Blue skies. The VI-K on taxi at NAS Miramar. 08/03/2017.

Due to unforeseen circumstances that ranged from real life constraints to Third Fleet's redirection (see here), there were no real time records set this month, so we will post a set of 2017 mementos in this month's entries.

As we near the end of Miramar's second year of operations, a tribute to its mission and role in the Tuarua Fiji regions, ambassador to the United States Navy professionalism and one of the wards of Second Life's free spirit in the aviation community. The index to the Memory Lane entries are below.  Enjoy this little sample memory lane trip.

CAPT. Asra Kron
NASMCO

Memory Lane Index 

Space Program ( CLICK HERE )