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

Luxor Blue Angels Airshow 2018

Welcome to the Luxor International Airport Air Show, March 31, 2018.

Participating squadrons and schedule:

Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels - 12:00 SLT (noon)

Bull Rock Hornets - 13:00 SLT

Phoenix Aerobatic Team - 14:00 SLT

AUDIENCE SLURS

Luxor International Audience (limited audience please check with local officials)

CLICK HERE!

Marine Corps Base Quantico (Tkachiev)

CLICK HERE!

USS Defiant (Maxwell)

CLICK HERE!

Blue Angels Demo Layout:

FORMATION AND SOLOS

Sapas < Nepthys < Muta < Mentha
Lanig > Maxwell > MELIA > Abeona

DEMO SIM: MELIA
Base sim: Tseshkovsky (Luxor)
Bingo: Aleksandr Intl Airport - Svidler

SHOW ALTITUDES:
Demo - 75/85 meters
Waiting - 120/130 meters
Ceiling - 140 meters - DROP
Deck - 70 meters - PULL UP

Luxor alt - 65 meters

* TAKE OFF - FORMATION - 36
Arrow (reversed) 2-1-3
Arrow - smoke on
Half Cuban 8 - smoke on

* TAKE OFF - SOLOS - 36
5 up dirty roll on take off
6 up vertical pull

>>> PASS ONE

* ARROW
360 Pass - smoke on

** SOLOS
Opposing horizontal roll - smoke on


>>> PASS TWO

* ARROW
In-formation aileron roll - no smoke

** Solos
Section high alpha pass - smoke on


>>> PASS THREE

* ARROW
Dirty loop - smoke on


** SOLOS
Fortus - no smoke


>>> PASS FOUR

* ARROW
Single Farvel - no smoke

** SOLOS
Tuck away cross - smoke on


>>> PASS FIVE

* ARROW to ECHELON LEFT 3
Echelon left 3 parade pass - smoke on *
* Possible Tuck Under Break

** SOLOS
High Speed Roll - smoke on
Opposing Solo joins the Diamond after this pass to pass six


>>> PASS SIX

* ECHELON LEFT 3 to DIAMOND
Diamond parade pass - smoke on

** Solos
Solo Leader sneak pass

>>> PASS SEVEN

* DIAMOND
Diamond Loop - smoke on

** SOLOS
Solo Leader free style


>>> PASS EIGHT

* DIAMOND
Diamond Star Burst reforming to Echelon right 5 - smoke on

**
Solo Leader joins after

>>> PASS NINE

* ECHELON RIGHT 5
From Echelon Right 5 formation with smoke on (Melia)
Carrier break 180  from ABEONA and East may extend to Theia


LANDING

The Wild Blue Yonder! SL USAF Thunderbirds

The tricolor Falcons in their hangar at CinSal. Home of the T-Birds.

After a wrong foot start, the USAF Thunderbirds are back in Second Life with a more solid structure and a purposeful leadership that may in time lead to the establishment of the United States Air Force modern day counterpart in SL, but will certainly represent the Air Force from the get go in no uncertain terms. With a small base at CinSal International Airport, the T-Birds rise from the ashes under Lieutenant Colonel Volt Voltaire's command.

I met Lt. Col. Voltaire at Honah Lee airport and we flew together to NAS Miramar after which we traveled to CinSal Airport in Agrippa - a place the Blue Angels hold close to their hearts - where T-Bird One gave Angel 7 a tour of the modest but solid and well placed base that is home to the Thunderbirds. Future interchange between the two American demo squadrons was one of the many topics covered. Below are a few mementos of the occasion (as usual, click on the images to enlarge).

Cougar and Volt at Miramar after the flight from Honah Lee.

The T-Birds hangar and support building at CinSal Airport.

Support building first floor meeting room and reception area.

The Thunderbirds briefing room on the second floor.

CAPT. Asra Kron and Lt. Col. Volt Voltaire.

  
The United States Navy Third Fleet in SL welcomes the Thunderbirds back to the Second Life aerobatic community and hope this squadron will become the corner stone of a modern age United States Air Force in SL. Best of luck, Lt. Col. Voltaire!

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM / Angel 7

SLUR to the Thunderbirds new home - SLUR here!

A New Season starts: Blue Angels Homecoming 2018

NAS Miramar main gate dressed up for Homecoming, February 10, 2018.

After two postponements, this year's Blue Angels Homecoming happened on the weekend of February 10 and 11, at NAS Miramar, traditionally marking the new season start for the Navy Flight Demonstration Team. This year, the Blues proudly flew their new F/A-18C Hornets for the first time, launching the first operational version of the upcoming Shana Carpool Aircraft commercial F/A-18C and F/A-18D Hornets.

For two days and two demonstrations, the Blues introduced the 2018 team to their fellow officers, their families and friends and audiences from all over Second Life. Attendance was at the level of last year's edition ( see here ) and around 100 people were able to enjoy the air show throughout the two days.

Day one team, from port side, BamBam, QB, Cougar, Hawk, Mistell and the Boss.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who could be at Miramar to watch this annual event and thank you all for your amazing support. We fly the skies of SL to bring awareness to not just the United States Navy but also aviation in general, and the audiences that follow us each year makes our job, indeed, the best in the world. Thank you so much.

The Blue Angels 2018 Season is officially open and what a year we have in store for you! More news to follow and the invitation was made at Miramar at the end of Day Two and is repeated here now for the second air show of the year at Luxor International Airport, one of the Blues favorite demo locations, in March. Details soon.

A special shout out to LT. Hazel "Witch" Brook and canine reporter extraordinaire Quin Avery for helping us relay the Blue Angels radio communications to part of the audience on Day One, our Third Fleet officers who served as ground crew on Day Two, and General Luke Flywalker, who recorded Day One on video. Watch the video on the SL Aviation Network channel - right here!

Please follow the link on the icon above to see the complete photo coverage of the two day Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show of 2018. The photo coverage page will be accessible always from the right column of this weblog and now also in the February issue of the NEPTUNE magazine!
Go Navy! Go Blues!

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
Angel 7

It's not easy being Blue...

Speed, Mistell, Hawk and Cougar, Angels 1 to 4. The diamond in practice over the Aldabra Sea. 2018/01/28.

 

As real life difficulties put our resolve to the test and we deal with them, moving Homecoming yet again to the weekend of February 10 and 11, the ordeals we go through as Blues made me think about what a privilege it is to fly these colors and how hard it is to keep them. So as a tribute to those who made it so far, those who served honorably and moved on, and also as a cautionary tale to those of you who dream about becoming a Blue Angel, here is how we see it and do it.

The six Blues brief before take off. A ritual performed flawlessly every practice.

To become a Blue Angels pilot you need to be a Naval Aviator, having gone through OCS, flight school, active duty in a front line squadron, all of the above matter. It shows you understand who and what you are representing: a United States Navy officer, a Naval Aviator and as a Blue Angels pilot the Navy you represent as her ambassador. Our mission in second life is exactly the same as the NFDS in real life. The Blue Angels Mission: The mission of the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. Let this be clear from the start.

QB and BamBam, Angels 5 and 6 hot and static at Miramar. Solos good to go.

Then comes the internship. Spending a few months with the squadron, in practice and out, attending briefings, flying shotgun on #7 or #8, training as one of the team, getting to know each member and allowing each member to know you. Lots of theory, lots of waiting around, watching the squadron fly, learning the routines, and when you are lucky you get to fly along and get a feeling for it. When the internship is done, all the squadron members have a vote. You need every vote to get in. One no and you are out. This because we are more than a navy squadron, we are THE navy squadron. We bleed blue and we bleed together. So you need all of us to accept you as you accept all of us.

The diamond hot and static at Miramar. Another day in the life of the Blues.

After you are accepted as one of the team you become a Newbie for a whole season. You will spend a year doing exactly what you need to do as a Blue Angels pilot: studying maps, learning protocols and technology, practicing alone, in duos, with the team, at Miramar or in the Ring at Eagles Nest, 3 or 4 hours a time, 2 or 3 times a week, more when close to an air show, repeating ground routines, taxi and brakes, take off and landing, memorizing patterns and maneuvers, timings, sync methods, recovery methods, flight preps, pre-flights, attending briefings and debriefings, doing your safeties, attending Navy events, flying over graduations, performing the team's air shows, engaging with other aerobatic squadrons, talking to the general public, acting as what you are at all times: a Second Life United States Navy ambassador, a Blue Angel. You will spend a year doing all this, and in the end, you will have the opportunity to reapply and be reassigned. And do it all over again PLUS all the work involved in bringing interns in and newbies up to speed.... In your second season with the squadron and the first as a true full fledged Blue.

Doing your safeties at every debriefing. What could you have done better?

As Angel 7, soon with Angel 8's help, I have the role of interviewing potential candidates for the squadron. Through the years I met pilots who just came to us out of nowhere and other naval aviators, men and women who love flying and wish to become a Blue Angels pilot because they have seen us at an air show, read about us or just because it's pretty darn cool. And it is! Very few made it past that interview and I am proud to say almost all of those decided it was not for them on their own, after a more detailed explanation of who we are and what we do. A common reaction is "Whoa! This is a big deal!" to which I smile and simply nod in full agreement. It is. It is damn hard and not for everyone. And it's not just handling the practices and the theory and the endless repeating that makes for a better performance. It's dealing with all that and the times when in spite of all your work things don't go as they should.

Blue Angels pilots are not super heroes, they are just pilots. Naval aviators, yes, but still just pilots. What sets them apart is the will to push the envelope harder than everyone else and know that at times the envelope pushes back twice as hard. You pick yourself up, dust yourself off and do it all over again. Just like the song says. And that is not easy to do. But it is what makes you a Blue.

I am very proud of this year's crew and I will do anything for them, as I am sure they will for me. This is what it is all about. This is what we do. Go Blues! Hooyah!

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NFDTXO / Angel 7

Third Fleet Launches NEPTUNE Magazine

 
The NEPTUNE magazine arrives close to the beginning of Third Fleet's third year of existence, the anniversary as an independent entity in the United States Naval Service in Second Life being June 23. But we could not wait. This monthly magazine will be available in world as a real scale magazine (with a new real cover/back each month), available at selected places in the Grid for free from its own dispensers. You can place the NEPTUNE magazine on your desk, coffee table, waiting room or wherever you wish and if you touch it you will get a link to the web version on this blog.

Each month a new NEPTUNE magazine will be published and distributed in World and in e-format via NAVSL group, the Naval Service in Second Life information hub. We hope this way to add some more visibility to our activities and open the door to other groups that wish to use this vehicle to link to their own stories in their own websites, blogs or social media pages. From the editor's desk, in the Black Sheep hangar at NAS Miramar, my sincere wishes of a great new year 2018. Go Navy!

from the Editorial by Asra Kron, NEPTUNE Magazine

NEPTUNE is a project that finally came to light as Third Fleet always aspired to have a link to not just her own stories but those of other naval service groups and naval aviation manufacturers, gathered in one place: the magazine. The convenience of the display version, that can be obtained by everyone via dispensers set in world at selected places in the grid and is distributed to your door each edition if you are a member of the Naval Service in Second Life info group (NAVSL), adds to your role play and links directly to the true magazine that lives online.

NEPTUNE Magazine dispenser.

 
The beauty of this format is that you can send us the link and first paragraph of a story you'd like published and via the NEPTUNE magazine the readers will land there. So no need for large redaction boards and "pre-press" staff. If you are part of a naval service group, or are a manufacturer of naval aviation products and wish to share a story, we will gladly publish it if it fits the context. It will also enhance Third Fleet's editorial capabilities, namely Miramar's, by adding a complete new set of photography special sections to our web based media.

If you did not get the first issue, just follow the link below. Contact Asra Kron (x4ten) for the in world edition/link. Blue skies and happy reading!

NEPTUNE Magazine - no.1 - January 2018 (follow the link).

CAPT. Asra Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM

New Hornets for the Fleet

CAPT. Asra Kron preparing to board Angel 4, F/A-18C BA v.1.0 BuNo 163435 at Miramar. 01/13/2018.

On January 30, 2017, Captains Vickster Kühn and Asra Kron met with Ms. Shana Carpool to inspect the first shell of the Hornet Project. A year after her first frame was built, the first batch of Shana demo ready Aircraft Boeing F/A-18C Hornets, version BA v1.0, was delivered to the Navy Flight Demonstration Team. Right on time for Homecoming (see here).

To fly the actual aircraft the real life Blue Angels fly today has been a long time aspiration of the Navy Flight Demonstration Team in Second Life. It has come true. After initial discussions with Ms. Shana Carpool, the Blue Angels engines and avionics supplier, the decision was made to create a brand new aircraft to match the one flown by the United States Navy Demonstration Squadron, and that is the reason why the models soon available to both the Fleet and the public at large are not the Super Hornets but the C and D models of the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet.

The United States Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) would provide the flight tests necessary for the R&D stages of the Blue Angels versions that are exclusive to them, as in real life, and the stock versions that will be operated by the United States Navy Third Fleet, in both cases impacting the versions later available in the market.

Development started as early as January of 2017, a few days after that year's Homecoming Air Show, in which the Blue Angels introduced the single seat Grumman F9F-6 Cougar that was to replace the dual seat F9F-8T, which in turn received an upgraded engine and avionics. Regardless of the first operational version being delivered to the squadron, as expected, there is still a lot to be done in both the development of the Blue Angels models and the USN Third Fleet and stock models, also known as default, as well as two F/A-18B earlier models for the USNTPS and the NFWS at Miramar.

Cougar in a brisk salute at Miramar with the C model BA v1.0. 11/01/2018.

The default models are expected to be sold separately or in a C+D fat pack, with liveries provided by Eight Shades of Blue, the official livery supplier for the USN Third Fleet, which will continue development of several livery options for the Hornets ranging from the USMC to the RCAF, the RAAF and the European operators Spain, Finland and Switzerland.

The USN Third Fleet in SL and the NFDT Blue Angels wish to thank Shana Carpool Aircraft for their support of the demo squadron through the years and in particular for the work, that is still ongoing, in this amazing project. Follow the link below to the dedicated NEPTUNE magazine page of photos covering the close to 365 days of R&D that culminated in the release of the F/A-18C Blue Angels version 1.0.

New Hornets for the Fleet - One Year of R&D in Images. (follow the link)

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO / NFDTXO / TFCOM
Angel 7

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

Cougars' Blake Run

[ Updated 2017/12/16 ]

The Blue Angels 2017 Season comes to a close with a last and very special performance over the Blake Sea. The squadron will fly between Nautilus City and Second Norway via Crows Nest and back a few times, giving all our friends and the global Second Life community a chance to see the unique blue, white and gold Grumman F9F Cougars one last time as front line team jets. For the next season, the Blue Angels are being equipped with the new Boeing F/A-18C and F/A-18D Hornets, and the Cougars will become part of history, to be used on heritage flights only.

So grab your cameras, pack some lunch and cool drinks and head on to the Blake Sea this Saturday, December 16, between 11:00 and 13:00 hours SLT (11 am to 1 pm). The Blues will be using the corridor between Hassti and Snug Sea, and will fly over Crows Nest's lighthouse a number of times in traditional diamond or delta tight formation. Please enjoy the show and remember to stay clear of the flight path, especially if you choose to watch from your boat!

Mistell, QB, Cougar, Hawk, BamBam and Speed at SNO.

The Blues will take off from SNO International, perform the run and return to land there. The starting and finish point will be on the South apron, to the right of the landing runway, if you'd like to come say high before or after the run. Third Fleet will deploy a surface vessel with seats available on the waters near Crows Nest. The SLUR to that location will be posted in the usual SL Aviation news outlets and groups. Thank you all for a great ride this year. It is our privilege to perform for you again as we celebrate two years of Cougars with the Blue Angels.
See you at Crows Nest!

SLUR to the USS Defiant audience pad on Nelson, South of Crows Nest - CLICK HERE!

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
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

TOPGUN Class 01 of 2017

Second Life's United States Navy
Navy Fighter Weapons School
NAS Miramar

Induction for class 01 of 2017 of TOPGUN is Saturday, August 5, 12:00 hours.
Crews will gather at NAS Miramar briefing room for the initial over view and planning.

The objective of TOPGUN in Second Life is to develop Dissimilar Air Combat Tactics (DACT) in this environment. More often than not, ACM in Second Life (SLACM) takes place between very different aircraft types. Developing DACT skills is the key to successfully engage in SLACM. So the need exists and the need is here. For the four weeks after August 5, the crews will experience multiple scenarios for which they need to adapt and apply the theory discussed in the classes, culminating in a series of encounters that will determine who best can apply the knowledge to air combat.

Refer to our NFWS TOPGUN page for details (see here).

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM

SKgc Service Khaki Garrison Cap Women

SERVICE KHAKI Garrison Cap women specs - mandatory.
Base: n/a
Uniform consists of:
A. Service Khaki shirt and pants - (epia) - White Navy Uniform (*) (f/m) [ (**) L$ 375]
NOTE:
This is the same uniform used in the SUMMER WHITE outfit so this cost does not apply if you already bought it!
(*) White modify uniform must be rezzed in world and made overall HEX "bead91" color.
(**) This is an EPIA item available through NSTC. Contact your CO for details. 
B. USN Khaki Belt - USN SL Service Belt Khaki SK - female [ standard issue NASM ]
C. Dress Shoes - Men's Black Dress Shoe ~ Left/Right Foot (***) [ Link here - Cost L$ 29 ]
(***) Use with BLACK SOCKS included!
NOTE:
These shoes are in the same pack used in the SUMMER WHITE outfit so this cost does not apply if you already bought it!
D. Black Socks - included with shoe pack (above).
E. White T-Shirt [ standard issue NASM ]
Add-ons:
1. Third Fleet CAC card - CAC Name/Pay Grade (year) [ standard issue NASM ].
2. Wings / Badges on right chest pocket flap (see notes) [ standard issue NASM ].
3. USN Name Plate - Chest plate Initial / Last Name (year) - [ standard issue NASM ].
4R. Shoulder Board (right) - Shoulder Board R Rank - [ standard issue NASM ].
4L. Shoulder Board (left) - Shoulder Board L Rank - [ standard issue NASM ].
5. Garrison Cap
Standard: included in the pack "THE CAPTAIN LADIES KHAKI BLACK" [ Link here - Cost L$ 799 ] inside a box named "THE CAPTAIN LADIES KHAKI BLACK HATS" that needs unpacking -
the devices on this cap (rank and branch) are standard issue NASM and need to be linked to it;Optional: Included in the "PXDTOXIC - NAVY GARRISON HAT KHAKI PACK" which has all ranks applied [ Link here - cost L$ 300 ]
6. GT Wirelink device - GridTalkie NASM Miramar USN Wirelink [ standard issue NASM ].
7. Wings / Badges / Ribbons above and on left chest pocket (see notes) [ standard issue NASM ].

Total cost standard: L$ 704 to L$ 1,203 (*)  / Total with optional items: n/a
(*) depending on types purchased.

Notes:
The number of wings/badges used can be substantial and to avoid multiple attachments we provide our officers with a linked set with room for all of them with a single attachment point. Ribbons are also provided in a linked set of racks, custom made to each individual, with a single attachment point.
Right chest above pocket: Name plate.
Right chest pocket flap: shown AVG Wings, AIRR Wings [ given as earned ].
Left chest above pocket: shown NA Wings, Ribbon Rack [ given as earned ].
Left chest below ribbons: shown Service Pins, SWO badge, Command Ashore badge, Diver Supervisor badge [ given as earned ].
Refer to your CO for correct placement. All plates, devices, wings and badges are EARNED. They can only be obtained through TFCOM. Use of any items of this kind acquired with off the shelf outfits is not accepted.

To go to the Uniforms Guide page click here.

SL USN Third Fleet 2017

ID4 Air Show 2017 Photo Coverage

Please click on the image to go to the dedicated ID4 Air Show 2017 photo coverage page.
Cliquez sur l'image pour accéder à la page de couverture photo ID4 Air Show 2017.

This page will be in permanence on the right hand column of this weblog (look for the icon).

ID4 Air Show 2017

The United States Navy Flight Demonstration Team in Second Life will perform at CinSal Airport on the 3rd and 4th of July this year for the 2017 Independence Day Air Show, the second in the team's history (see here for the 2016 edition). The squadron returns to Agrippa on the dawn of major changes that transformed CinSal Airport, place of the Blue Angels debut in 2016 as a Unites States Navy Third Fleet integrated unit in Second Life (see here). More to follow, stay tuned. Updates here when available.

[ Last update 06/25/17 ]

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NFDTXO, Angel 7

Don't Tread on Me

United States Navy jack. Proudly waving at our locations and on the USS Defiant, now the Fleet's oldest serving ship. (*)

"Don't tread on me."
An open letter from Captain Asra Kron.

I made my thoughts about the accusations and statements recently made as a response to my "In the Navy" letter clear to the officers in my command in Third Fleet. In spite of those notions that were floated with a muddy motive, they are still committed to their duties and that is all I need to know and care about. To be honest, those directly involved in the situations described know the truth. The others are left with second hand stories and out of context dialogues, so they can only make decisions based on the knowledge they have of the parties concerned. Do they know me? Some do. Those who do not will carry on choosing to believe what they are told, and to those nothing I can say matters. Those who do know me have understood what happened and decided according to their conscience.

Third Fleet will remain constant in its role of portraying the United States Navy. In Second Life. It will do so to those who serve in it today and those who will join tomorrow. We will continue to role play the second life we chose freely to live and in doing so we will keep honoring those who serve in real life. The challenges ahead are not to be taken lightly and as we move forward we will find ways to replace what was lost according to our needs and our capacity. We will continue to provide the best possible experience to those who enjoy the Navy life, in particular those with a passion for naval aviation, and seek to make that dream come true in Second Life. And we will make room for new ideas when they improve what is in place and make it better, but will reject any that will push us in another direction.

In the end, it is all about like minded individuals that pull together for a common goal in a way that will make the path to achieve it as smooth as possible. Pulling together means just that. A common effort that is applied in the same direction, as opposed to diverse efforts applied with the same orientation. Think of it as a three aircraft flight, all oriented on a South-North axis. One stays on a 360 heading, the others take 025 and 345 headings. The orientation is the same but they are in reality taking different directions, and when enough time as passed they will lose sight of each other and be flying alone. We will stay the course in Third Fleet to the best of our abilities, and keep the true North as our guide.

Is there a viable future for Third Fleet? Is there one for any other fleet? The answer is yes if you work with what you have, focus on what you can do and create conditions to move forward and, possibly, expand. A group is only as strong as the resolve of its members, and in that sense we are pretty strong. It is also defined by its purpose and it is that purpose that makes possible the universe it belongs to. In our case, the United States Navy. In Second Life. There have always been and will always be United States Navy inspired groups in Second Life. Some have 3 members, some have hundreds, some have a couple of dozen people. Some are active, some are not, some are pulling together, some apart, but in the end, it is the relation established between those active amongst them what truly creates a Navy. It never hurts to experiment with associations dedicated to aggregate those active groups, but no matter how those experiments work out, succeed or fail, at the end of the day the Navy will remain even if they don't. Because the Navy is an ideal and a way of (second) life, not a group. In that sense, we will seek cooperation with similarly inspired groups in order to expand our experience and materialize as best we can the ideal of a United States Navy. In Second Life.

A lot has been said about the way I view this process and how I embrace it personally. I can't say I know any real life active or retired naval senior officers in the real world or in Second Life, I would imagine they already had that experience for real, so why relive it? Like other folk with military experience, some in the actual USN, I am here to make my dream come true and in so doing engage with people who have similar objectives. From my experience in role play communities, the best way to deal with a role play environment is... to role play. When you stop being in character and are still in the role play environment all sorts of things will start happening, the main being confusion and the inevitable slippery slope to out of character interactions while in the role play itself. So here is how I do it, so everyone understands how I avoid this: if I am at NAS Miramar or any other Navy location, be it Third Fleet or not, I may be on duty or off duty, but I am still and always in character. If I am away from any Navy location and not in uniform and not wearing an on duty group tag, then I am out of character, in which case I may be doing any of the silly wonderful things we all do in Second Life for whatever reason we do it.

Being able to live the "Navy Life" in Second Life is to me a wonderful thing. I live near Miramar and walk, cycle or swim to work. I am always engaged in some aspect of this amazing role play, be it helping new officers or organizing events and procedures or - when my duties allow - flying. I am thus very close to 90% of my time in Second Life living "in character". That is my choice. So when I have a disagreement with someone about Navy procedures, when there is a Navy policy matter that I have differences with someone about, when I address someone about a Navy problem, it is all done as part of my second life as a naval officer. Those who can't remain confined to that fact that is inalienable from role play, that all matters concerning role play need to be addressed as part of it or else the role play will stop, and live a military role play based on out of character feelings rather than in character hard facts need to search those feelings and find a more adequate avenue to their out of character dreams and aspirations. I am not interested in out of character discussions or arguments about the Navy - that is called real life and not what I am looking for as a naval officer in Second life. I am living the dream with many others, and will not allow anyone to look down on it with their illusions of out of character reasoning in an environment where that makes no sense.

Let us live the dream. Go Navy! Hooyah!

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM

(*) Note on the USN jack:
Traditionally flown in real life on the longest serving vessel of the Navy, for many years the USS Kitty Hawk, the navy jack is flown at it's full size on the longest serving ship in each Second Life Fleet that wishes to keep that tradition. On Third Fleet that is now the USS Defiant, a Dauntless class frigate. Small size jacks are flown on fast boats as a matter of pride, and ashore it is present on every Third Fleet location. On May 22, 2002, the U.S. Navy ordered all ships to display the First Navy Jack during the War on Terrorism, which means in theory any USN vessel may fly the jack in Second Life.
More on the Navy jack here.

Homecoming is here!

N.A.S. Miramar ready to welcome the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show audience, 01/26/2017.

The first day of the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is here!
Today at 12:00 hours (12 pm SLT) the Blue Angels will perform for an audience that may watch the demonstration from three different points close to Miramar. If you are coming to see the air show here are a few things you should know and do to help the team fly at its best and ensure you can also have the best conditions as spectator.

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!

The Dauntless just North of Miramar and the Defiant out to the NE.

The complete Homecoming Air Show layout can be viewed HERE. We hope you come see the United States Navy Second Life Blue Angels on their return home as the 2017 Season begins. Today and tomorrow at 12 pm SLT! Blue Skies! GO NAVY! GO BLUES!

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO, Angel 7

One Year Plaque Unveiling - Gold & Blue Day 2017

A very special day in Tuarua's Du Sud Isle.

Today, exactly a year ago, N.A.S. Miramar was transferred as is from the original location where it was built and inaugurated to 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 RADM. Isaac L. Harcassle, COMNAVAIRNAU Third Fleet Commander, who in addition to unveiling the One Year plaque will award Wings of Gold to Naval Aviators LCDR. An Rainbow, who completed successfully her IFTR and AFTR stages this year, and LCDR. Skarah Zane, who receives a retroactive certificate and a new set of Gold Wings, as she was awarded the Naval Aviator status aboard the U.S.S. Nimitz in 2013. Also awarded during this ceremony will be the 2017 N.F.D.T. member certificates, as RADM Harcassle assigns Blue Angels deployments with the squadron for this season.

Ceremony will take place at 16:45 SLT.

All welcome.
Dress code: Naval Officers in Dress Blues; other guests light formals.

CDR. Asra Kron
NASMCO

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