NEPTUNE No.29

  

link on the image

 

ID4 2019

Details available here SOON!

 
Since 2016 the Blue Angels have had the unique privilege of demonstrating to the Second Life public the precision techniques of Naval Aviation, hoping to inspire a culture of excellence and service to country. We are honored to return to Cinsal Airport for the fourth consecutive year and fly the third consecutive Independence Day Air Show at Agrippa (ID4 2019).
For this year's edition we will be joined by two air demonstration teams: the Patrouille de France en SL (PAFsl) and Team Phoenix! Below you will find the squadron composition for each team and the Air Show program.

INDEPENDENCE DAY AIR SHOW ( ID4 )
Cinsal Airport
Agrippa - Nautilus
July 4, 2019

The Air Show will start at 08:30 hours SLT on Thursday, July 4th.

Audience sites:
Agrippa - CinSal Airport - USE THIS SLUR!
MacDuff - USS Defiant - USE THIS SLUR!
Tamora - USS Dauntless - USE THIS SLUR!

Air Parade Departure Site:
Boing - Angels International Airport and Harbor (SLAN) - USE THIS SLUR!

Air Show regions:
Team Phoenix - Regan
Blue Angels - Hortensio / Regan
Patrouille de France - Regan 
 

Audience areas are on the Southeast corner of Agrippa, CinSal Airport (20 seats) and on MacDuff sim on a USN Third Fleet frigate, the USS Defiant (36 seats). Please stay out of the circuit sims described in the show layout below. If you choose to watch the show from a private vessel at sea, proceed to one of the neighboring sims. Local airport personnel and Liberty Fire Department personnel will be on hand to help you find the best seat from where to watch the show. They will have landmarks and other information available on site.

The ID4 2017 Air Show celebrates the Independence Day in the United States and the SL United States Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels take to the skies for the fourth year for this momentous occasion. We are honored this year once again by the presence of the French Armée de l'Air aerobatic squadron Patrouille de France (PAF), present the last two editions of the ID4 Air Show, and Team Phoenix, flying at home at CinSal Airport where they are based. Team Phoenix flies the McDonnel Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk dual seat. The PAFsl flies Dassault-Dornier Alphajet E and this year they sport the 2017 American Tour color scheme. The Blue Angels fly the Boeing F/A- 18C single seat, the Boeing F/A- 18D dual seat (number 7) and the Lockheed C-130J "Fat Albert".
For this occasion, Team Phoenix and PAFsl are bringing four aircraft each and the Blue Angels five jet aircraft and the support aircraft. Here are the selected pilots from both squadrons:

DEMONSTRATION TEAMS

Team Phoenix
U.S. Navy Blue Angels
Armée de l'Air Patrouille de France en SL

Aircraft, Pilots and Crew

TEAM PHOENIX
Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk
Phoenix 1 - Mr Pilot (aviator747)
Phoenix 2 - Destiny Bellarosa (destiny0000)
Phoenix 3 - Diana266
Phoenix 4 - Bambi Baxter (biffbottom)

BLUE ANGEL #7 - U.S. Navy Blue Angels
Aircraft: Boeing F/A-18D Hornet
Angel 7 - CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron

BLUE ANGELS jet team - U.S. Navy Blue Angels
Aircraft: Boeing F/A-18C Hornet
Angel 1 - CAPT. Vickster "Speed" Kühn
Flight Leader
Angel 2 - LCDR. Chardy "Hinch" Oaks
Right Wing
Angel 3 - CDR. Dominique "Alba" van Dongen 
Left Wing
Angel 4 - CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
Slot / Opposing Solo / Narrator
Angel 5 - CDR. Jenny "QB" Kaz 
Lead Solo
 
BLUE ANGELS Fat Albert Airlines - U.S. Navy Blue Angels
Aircraft: Lockheed C-130T Hercules "Fat Albert"
Angel 8 - CDR. Dominique "Alba" van Dongen
Fat Albert Airlines pilot / Alternate Narrator

PAF - Armée de l'Air Patrouille de France en SL
Aircraft: Dassault-Dornier Alpha Jet E
Athos 1 - LCL Mara Klaber (Leader)
Athos 2 - CNL Rhea Thor (Intérieur Droit) (Pafsl Group Leader)
Athos 3 - CDT Gwenblonde (Intérieur Gauche)
Athos 4 - CPT Tidus10 (Charognard)
Athos 9 - LCL Paterne Lefavre (stand by pilot)


ID4 2019 PROGRAM - JULY 4, 2019
All times are SLT (US Pacific Time)

08:00 am - Gates open
For the early birds, a chance to get the best seats and wander around the demo squadron area where the demonstration teams have their aircraft on static display.

08:30 am - Opening parade
An air parade with aircraft from all corners of Second Life whose pilots wish to mark the occasion, closed by the historic USN Sea King "Old 66" flying a large Stars and Stripes! The "Old 66" will land by the USN Blue Angels team area and will remain in static display.

09:00 am - Team areas close to the public
All visitors must make way to the audience locations. 

09:10 am - U.S. Navy Blue Angels VIP Ride
One special guest will board Blue Angel number 7 for a ride, in which several maneuvers performed by the squadron are executed.

10:00 am - Team Phoenix aerial demonstration
A demo squadron with a long tradition in the skies of Second Life, the flamed TA-4J Skyhawks will take to the skies for another great display of skill and precision.

10:45 am - U.S. Navy Blue Angels Fat Albert Airlines
Although grounded at the moment in real life, in Second Life the Blue Angels are proud to present the aerial demonstration performed by their support aircraft, the C-130J Hercules affectionately known as "Fat Albert".

11:15 am - U.S. Navy Blue Angels Jet Team
The SL United States Navy Demonstration Team Blue Angels will take their F/A-18C's to the skies on their third consecutive Independence Day Air Show at Cinsal Airport.

01:00 pm - Patrouille de France en SL
Returning to Agrippa to once more participate in our Independence Day celebrations, the French pilots of the Patrouille de France will grace us with one of the most spectacular aerial demonstrations in Second Life!

After the end of the last aerial demonstration the airport will be accessible to the public at all locations outside the audience areas and the participating aircraft will remain on static display for a closer look!

Enjoy the air show and happy Independence Day!

CAPT. Asra Kron
U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels - Angel 7

 

 

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

NAF El Centro Inauguration

Starting at 10:45 hours this day (10:45 am SLT) we invite all to the transfer of the Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels winter training facility from NAF Eagles Nest where it was for the past 3 years to NAF El Centro. The new facility is inspired by real life Naval Air Facility El Centro, which in fact is the Blues winter training place and also home of the Navy Joint Strike Command with a desert bombing range. The new facility and range are spread through 4 sims, two as the facility itself and two as the desert range. As all Third Fleet installations we are open to all aviation lovers in Second Life, provided a few local rules are observed. 

United States Navy Third Fleet Command SL 2018

Bastille Day at Ville de Coeur - World Tour Stop 1

Without further ado, the Navy Flight Demonstration Team flew to France for the first leg of the 2018 Blue Angels First Second World Tour! Following contacts between the Blues and the Mayor of the beautiful Ville de Coeur community, Madame le Maire Ayla Panacek-Guisse invited the squadron to stop by on the 14th of July no less, on our way to Paris where the first demo of the World Tour will take place early September. We were of course honored to fly over the French community on their national holiday and join the celebration.

The squadron flew in with Fat Albert and the big bird would be a part of the fly over, on its second official appearance with the Blue Angels this Season. This is a record of the event which we enjoyed very much! Vive la France!

Click on each image to enlarge!

 

CAPT. Kron and Madame le Maire Ayla Panacek-Guisse early 14th at the lovely town square on Aquitaine Coeur Nord discuss the fly over and the Quatorze Juillet celebrations at Ville de Coeur.

Angel 7 on the small airstrip at Coeur Franche Comte, from where the squadron would take off, warms up for a test run. Initial assessment proved the flight to and from the fly over regions to be a challenge. The notes taken would prove very useful for the demo team later on.

The Blues tour Ville de Coeur in one of the squadron's land vehicles. Going through the path from Coeur Franche Comte to Aquitaine Coeur Nord using the local roads was a wonderful experience.

Ville de Coeur is a lovely community and the details are astounding. A must for all who appreciate locations that mirror real life. You feel like driving through the French country side for real!

Just in time for the first event of the day's celebrations, the Blues decide to walk the rest of the way as the local citizens and guests gather up ahead. A quick change of uniform to match the occasion was in order.

From left, CAPT. Kron, CDR. Rainbow, LCDR. Kaz and walking towards them the Boss, CAPT. Kühn, in their navy full dress whites. Major van Dongen would come in later on.

The beautiful Eglise d'Aquitaine where the service took place.

The Blues remove their covers as they enter the church where many of Ville de Coeur citizens were already. They are greeted by the local head of security, Cathrine Huntress.

The congregation assembled at the Eglise d'Aquitaine as the service started.

Pére Magnus Brody, the local priest, performed the service on voice with beautiful musical choices to punctuate the religious ceremony. A lovely parish and wonderful event.

A moment of introspection during King's College Choir rendition of "Be Thou My Vision".

Ville de Coeur's first couple during the service: Madame le Maire Ayla Panacek-Guisse and her husband, Bedrich Panacek-Guisse.

The Blues in full dress whites sitting at the Eglise d'Aquitaine.

View of the congregation from the outside through the beautiful stained glass rose window above the altar at the Eglise d'Aquitaine.

Major van Dongen, Blue Angel #8 and Fat Albert Airlines captain arrives at the Eglise d'Aquitaine.

Standing for the Lord's word as Pére Brody reads from the scriptures. "Thanks be to God."

USMC Major Dominique van Dongen, who the Blue Angels have to thank for the presence at this wonderful location en route to Paris on this year's Bastille Day, stands with her fellow officers in her Marine Corps full dress uniform. One of the best newbies the Blues ever had.

The Blue Angels at the Eglise d'Aquitaine, as the service comes to an end, stand at attention for "La Marseillaise". From left, CAPT. Vickster Kühn, LCDR. Jenny Kaz, CDR. An Rainbow, CAPT. Asra Kron and Major Dominique van Dongen. "Allons enfants de la Patrie! Le jour de gloire est arrivé!..."

Outside the Church after the service, the Blues run into two of their most ardent fans: the little cats Tanja Byron and Newbienchen Zane! They follow the squadron everywhere!

Back at the airstrip on Coeur Franche Comte, final inspection of the F/A-18C Hornets as take off time nears. The jets would take off first and wait for Fat Albert to join them before heading South to the fly over area above Coeur Azur and Aquitaine Coeur Nord.

Before the flight, CAPT. Asra Kron reveals the evocative plaque the Blues would later gift the French community. Big smiles on every face.

Boarding the aircraft. T minus five minutes.

The small airstrip was long enough to accommodate the four blue and gold jets. Just!

The Blues static at the end of preflight as the smoke check was done.

Fat Albert takes off from Coeur Franche Comte and joins the Hornets over Coeur d'Alsace. The squadron was then ready to fly South.

Bird's eye view of Angel 4 as it approaches Aquitaine Coeur Nord.

The Boss didn't make it into Coeur Azur, and Blue Angel 4 took over the lead. All in a day's work for the Blues. You roll with it and fly right no matter what.

Fat Albert literally having a blast over the crowd assembled at Aquitaine Coeur Nord, lighting up flares as the C-130 flies over the beautiful town.

The Boss was not the only one having difficulties that day. Blue Angel 2 had a share of rough weather over Coeur Azur. Here Blue Angels 4 and 3 hang tight as number 2 recovers.

Major van Dongen and good old Fat Albert did very well! One final pass and back to Coeur Franche Comte, this time ahead of the jets.

The three remaining Blues on the final pass over Coeur Azur. Blue Angel 4 would have a taste of the bad weather conditions on Aquitaine Coeur Nord right at the end of the fly over. But the deed was done!

Returned to the airstrip on Coeur Franche Comte, the Blues change back into full dress uniform to join the celebrations on Aquitaine Coeur Nord's central square. The World Tour had officially started!

Assembling on the edge of the square at Aquitaine Coeur Nord.

The Blue Angels salute Madame le Maire Ayla Panacek-Guisse and her husband as they present the evocative plaque marking the occasion.

An accordéon playing, good wine and cheese, beautiful people... The Blues party with the locals and guests as the fireworks go off above them.

The general view of Aquitaine Coeur Nord's central square as the celebration went on. The Blue Angels had a great time at Ville de Coeur and we are honored to have been invited to participate in the local Bastille Day commemoration. "Bon Quatorze et au revoir, Ville de Coeur!"

This photo was sent to us the day after by Madame le Maire Ayla Panacek-Guisse, showing her by the Blue Angels gift as it sits on a wall of one of Ville de Coeur's gardens! Merci bien, Madame le Maire!

Blue Angels First Second World Tour . 2018

United States Navy Third Fleet in Second Life

 

The Barry Foehammer Building

This July 8th at Naval Air Facility Eagles Nest, a long time planned ceremony took place. The Navy Flight Demonstration Team commanding officer and executive officer had been waiting to make the naming of NAFEN's main building a reality since its interior was completed some months ago.

NAF Eagles Nest is the training facility of the USN Blue Angels in SL and it is for them what NAF El Centro is for the real life Blues - just as NAS Miramar in Second Life is for the demo team like real life NAS Pensacola. This is where the Blues were established first, back in 2015, and since then the support and generosity of Barry Foehammer, the region's owner, has been paramount for the lasting presence of the squadron in the region that is named after the real life Blue Angels.

It was decided that these years of unwavering support and hardship deserved enduring recognition not only in words and awards, and indeed Commodore Foehammer has been awarded the title of Blue Angels "Booster" for his outstanding commitment to the squadron, but also in a more lasting and visible way that would pay tribute to his contribution every day and for all to see. Hence the naming of the main building in the facility "Commodore Barry Foehammer Building".

The Commodore was of course invited to the ceremony and here remains the public record of the day along with a short visual description of the building and its multiple purposes. As usual, click on the images to enlarge.

The Commodore arrives at NAF Eagles Nest to see his name on the main building ID wall. CAPT. Vickster Kühn, NAFENCO and the Blue Angels Boss, CAPT. Asra Kron, the squadron XO and Blue Angel 7, and LCDR. Jenny Kaz, the Blues Lead Solo, were present to dedicate the naming.

The Commodore looks back at LCDR. Kaz with a big smile on his face. Recognition sometimes comes way too late and sometimes fails but the Blues made a point of ensuring this time it came true and in good time, after just a few months since the main building was finalized and operational.

The ground floor of the building is where the "flying chairs" are. Intended for rundowns of demo pass lists and other special briefings, this area also provides a more relaxed setting for meetings and local official events. It is as well the place where the awards presented to the squadron are displayed.

Another view of the ground floor open space. Visible on the background are the North access, the elevator and the XO desk.

The XO's desk on the ground floor near the North door, surrounded by a selection of posters from demos the Blue Angels participated in during past Seasons. The poster on the wall behind the desk is a real life Blue Angels Homecoming edition.

The second floor just out of the elevator, the Boss' office. CAPT. Kühn's desk is sided by the Navy and USMC colors and the walls are decked with Blues and personal mementos of a long and distinguished career as an aviator.

The CO's desk from another angle, showing the elevator and the doors to the auditorium. Every inch of the building was optimized for functionality and is put to good use.

The inside of the Roy Marlin Voris Auditorium. This is the official setting for most Blue Angels ceremonies and the location of choice for special briefings, awards and other functions.

The big screen in the auditorium where the Blues view not only the available footage of their practices and demos, but especially real life reels of the squadron in action. The team's demos are based on the real Blue Angels playbook and seeing them on the big screen is part of the training protocol.

CAPT. Asra Kron
Blue Angel 7 / NFDTXO