ATC Class at NASM

This class is taking place today at 14:30 hours.

Air Traffic Control Basic Class
Instructor: CDR. Asra Sax Kron, NASMCO
Estimated duration: 1.5 hours
Location: N.A.S. Miramar Main - Du Sud Isle - Building B, Briefing room

Attendees: USNSL pilots, aircrews and ATC personnel, NSTC students aiming for those roles.
Prerequisites: None.
Follow up: ATC intermediate and advanced classes and evaluation in action.

1. ATC communication types in SL.
2. ATC radar types in SL.
3. Aircraft identification.
4. On the ground.
5. In the air.

See complete ATC course class structure here.

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO

Flying for Life still

March 22, 2017, NAF Gorlanova. Angel 5 coming in to land after a solos practice as Angel 7 watches by SCPMU 17A.

[updated April 17]

After the March 25 air show the Navy Flight Demonstration Team takes to the skies again for life and the RFLofSL. The Blue Angels will continue to support this worthy cause and will to the best of their ability contribute to the joint effort that is set in motion each year by Relay For Life of Second Life. More to follow, as usual. Stay tuned and remember to support Relay For Life in SL and RL as it continues to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer in 2017. Thank you all!

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NFDTXO, Angel 7

Lightning evaluation? Not so fast...

XF/A-2C 2 MFFK BuNo's 17019 and 17017 at Miramar, 03/29/2017.

Supporting the Fleet in the procurement and evaluation of new assets, the United States Naval Test
Pilot School is always helping aircraft manufacturers to improve their airframes, engines and avionics, to the benefit of the Navy and the global aviation community. Seasoned pilots, engineers, designers and builders come together to create some of the most exciting and advanced naval aviation
aircraft in Second Life.

Following a Third Fleet procurement for a mid term aircraft stand in for the F-35C Lightning II, the United States Naval Test Pilot School has been evaluating the XF/A-2C 2 MFFK, asset procurement # X0117 (see here). Three aircraft have been acquired for testing, research and development purposes by USNTPS test pilots and the process is underway.

The results are confidential as usual and will be submitted to Third Fleet command and MFFK management. We expect this work to lead soon to a front line F-35C in service with the Fleet.

Two of the three USNTPS XF/A-2C's on the East apron at NASM.

MFFK will get a full report on the X prototype the Navy requires for R&D.

Though impressive as they sit on the tarmac, a lot of work is still ahead.

The Navy places high hopes on this mid term solution. Key word: Engine.

The promise of many Lightnings to come.

The XF/A-2C is the first X-Plane to be evaluated at the USNTPS, but hardly the first X-Plane at Miramar. We have been serving the Fleet in the R&D capacity for over a year now (see here).
More to follow. Stay tuned!
Developing the ideal aircraft for the Navy may be a hard target but we aim true and try our best
to be as accurate and realistic as possible within the limitations of this virtual world.


CDR. Asra Kron
NASMCO

Note (August 2019):
The XF/A-2C was never adopted by the Fleet and the USNTPS reports were forwarded to MFFK to serve as a check list for the development of the true F-35C Lightning. Today, August 2019, with the USNTPS located at NAS PAX River (as it is in real life) the XF-35C project is underway to provide MFFK with an alternative more advanced engine and flight model for the available F-35C.

 

Flying for Life!

Click to Air Show Layout.

The Blue Angels "fly for life" again today over the Bingo Strait, Lanig, at 12:00 SLT (Noon). This demonstration is the first in the series of appearances the squadron will have at Fly For Life initiatives. Part of Relay For Life in Second Life (RFL), Fly For Life is organizing several events related to aviation in SL, from static displays to air shows.

Come see the Blues fly once more and remember to find a RFL kiosk and please donate what you can to this worthy and noble cause - every dollar makes a difference! This year Fly For Life alone has already been awarded the RFL Bronze stamp for the donations gathered so far.

Navy personnel can watch the show from Naval Base North Valley, Gorlanova, but since Naval Air Facility Gorlanova is the starting and arrival point of the team, viewers may be directed to one of the three main audience locations: Aleksandr International airport (SLAI), Svidler or one of the two USNSL Third Fleet frigates placed on open waters on the Bingo Strait, the USS Defiant on Sapas and the USS Dauntless on Lanig. For SLURS to all the audience locations and the complete show layout CLICK HERE!

Join us for the second Blue Angels air show of the 2017 Season!

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
Angel 7

ATC Class at NAS Miramar

This class is taking place today at 16:15 hours SLT.

Air Traffic Control Basic Class
Instructor: CDR. Asra Sax Kron, NASMCO
Estimated duration: 1.5 hours
Location: N.A.S. Miramar Main - Du Sud Isle - Building B, Briefing room

Attendees: USNSL NA's, NFO's and AW personnel, NSTC students aiming for those roles.
Prerequisites: None.
Follow up: ATC intermediate and advanced classes and evaluation in action.

1. ATC communication types in SL.
2. ATC radar types in SL.
3. Aircraft identification.
4. On the ground.
5. In the air.

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO

OCS/RTC a year later

CDR. Connie Mistwalker giving a Uniforms and Grooming class in the USS Boxer Classroom, NSTC, 03/07/2017

[update]
Following the resignation from Third Fleet by RADM. Isaac Harcassle, in June 6, 2017, NSTC has transferred to 2nd Fleet. As of a month later, it still serves Third Fleet by graduating our officer candidates and recruits, but no official connection or protocols are in place. The future of an institution that should serve as "Quarterdeck of the Navy", as opposed to quarterdeck of a single fleet, is at this point (July 2017) unknown. On this event, see here.

Naval Service Training Command has reached a year of operations and yet another Officer Candidate School and Recruit Training Camp started, this one a particularly robust class, no less than 13 candidates and recruits attending. CDR. A. Kron and LCDR. A. Rainbow were in the area placing some Blue Angels Fly For Life posters at NSTC and sat in for a couple of classes. It is a joy to see so many young men and women embracing the Navy and we are very proud of each and every one of them. Here are a few snapshots of the day.

As usual click to enlarge.

Paying attention. Great participation and awareness.

A break between classes. Making the most of the day.

CDR. Connie Mistwalker teaching.

Customs and Courtesies, back to back with Uniforms and Grooming.

Great class, outstanding attendance.

Go NSTC! Go Navy! Hooyah!

CDR. Asra Kron
NASMCO

State of the Fleet

Click the image to go the Squadrons page.

Following Third Fleet Unit Livery and Sequential Standard Directive, a.k.a. Directive 01/12/2017, the squadrons in Third Fleet are now available for quick consult. Please follow the link above and at any time, access the page by choosing "Squadrons of the III Fleet" on the right column under "Special Sections".

This will be Third Fleet's reference both internally and externally - the simple tool that will help us see the fleet with a broad but exact glance, from candidates trying to determine where to deploy to officers from other Navy groups in U.S.N.S.L., and as a quick and accurate way of introducing ourselves as part of Third Fleet. Save the page URL for future reference (also here!).

If your location has not submitted information on this matter or you find it incomplete or inaccurate, please contact me at your convenience. Thank you.

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO

Burning Bridges

CDR. Kron, Ms. Fairport, LCDR. Kaz, LT. Five, CDR. Kuhn, ENS. O'Mara, Ms. Denver and Mona at Cougar's, 02/02/2017.

This is an open letter to all in Third Fleet, but may apply actually to all in U.S.N.S.L. and it is about who we are as people, as individuals, as friends, as officers or enlisted, as fellow Navy service men and women.

You all should know by now how I take my role in this United States Navy in Second Life and how important it is to me to show respect for the real life institution we mirror and honor those who serve in it. I take it to heart and do my best to uphold standards that reflect that respect and keep with the huge responsibility that is to portray the United States Navy.

Having said that, we are all human on the other side of the screen, and we all have different ideas and points of view and feelings. But just as when you join something bigger than you in real life, here as well you place the good of the group before your own and you try and try again to make things work, no matter how hard they seem or how hopeless they may look. You just owe it to everyone in the group to do so. Because we all also, in time, become closer, and many times friends.

As in real life, there is a line between professionalism and friendship that can not be ignored, that must be observed and that should never be crossed. The closer we get to someone in the service the thinner that line becomes and the higher the expectations about keeping our actions professional while preserving the friendship. Such is the nature of the job. And we all know it. Or should.

There are times when we look after each other and times we need to let each other walk their path, because we are in the end U.S.N.S.L. service members and there are consequences to our actions when dealing with matters that should be private. Some we need to address head on, those referring to relations between service members, as it is our duty to do so. Some we need to let go, those of a more private nature, concerning relations between service members and others in the civilian world. Some are easy to deal with, when the ties connecting the parties involved are not equal in strength. Some are harder to manage, when family is involved. In the end, it all comes to common sense and the sense of dignity we each have, in various degrees. But to a senior officer in command, be it of a squadron, a platoon, a ship, an aircraft or a station, the level of sensibility and patience expected are as high as the position they fill. The higher the position, the higher the responsibility.

At some point, however, there is the need to let go. After all is said and done, after all chances were given and all venues explored, sometimes you need to let someone else take your place and find ways to work around a problem and reach a solution. That is part of the process and it allows us to leave no woman or man behind without doing all we can to work things out. It is who we are. It is what we do.

In the end, it is up to each of us, as individuals, to allow this process to take place and give our best to make it work. Some achieve this goal. Some do not. Some choose to take some time away and wisely consider options and reflect on things past, while others... Well. Others choose to burn the bridges we try to build for us all. When that happens, it is always with a heavy heart we watch the flames going up, in spite of all our efforts. It happens. It is not the end of the world.

Rest assured your CO's are trained and taught to help you in your careers and provide you with the guidance and the skills that will allow you to be a better naval officer or enlisted and a better person as well. But know also that your CO is not your papa and not your mama. We are all big boys and big girls. We do not expect from one another to become men and women in the Navy, but indeed are expected to become better men and women. Wen we arrive, we are expected to be grown ups on day one. Remember that.

To all Third Fleet personnel, their families and friends, my best regards.
We are United States Navy in Second Life. And should always be damn proud of it.
Hooyah!

CDR. Asra Kron
NASMCO

NAS Miramar Security Protocols

Security Protocols NASM
SCM009/17

All stations,

These are the security protocols to be followed and used against anyone not willing to follow NASM rules, engaging on disruptive activities or not observing Navy procedures.

Prior Notes on Navy Personnel

A. For USNSL Third Fleet commissioned officers and enlisted personnel

A1 - If a Third Fleet officer is not wearing his group tag - THIRD FLEET or NASM - they are considered OFF DUTY even if in uniform - a USNSL tag is NOT an official tag recognized by Third Fleet as identification of an on duty officer.

A2 - The security protocols apply same as with everyone else and are applied according to the disruption level.

B. For USNSL recognized commissioned officers and enlisted personnel

B1 - Same A-1 rule applies but considering the groups they belong to. As there are many groups, look for a USNSL tag or a Navy related tag (example: SLMC). If they are not wearing any they are considered OFF DUTY.

B2 - Same as A2.

SECURITY PROTOCOLS NAS MIRAMAR

1. Disruption levels

1.1 Navy protocol breach
Navy protocol refers to any and all Military Conduct infraction.

ACTION:
In case a USNSL ON DUTY officer disrespects procedure make a note of the incident and report it in writing to your CO, including any pictures or transcripts.

1.2 Station protocol breach
Station protocol refers to local rules - applies to Navy Personnel and Civilian alike.

ACTION:

First Strike:
Warn the subject about the infraction and explain the correct procedure. Hand out the respective NAVY or GRID ATC note cards or links to these on NAS Miramar's weblog and also the NASM Map "NASM Runways ATC Guide ((DATE))" (make sure you have the last update of these reference materials). Report the incident in writing to NASM Command. No further action is required.

Second Strike:
Civilians and Navy personnel other than Third Fleet will be placed on a 60 seconds Fly By / Sail By status in the security system immediately and reported to NASM Command for further action. Depending on the infraction the subject will be placed on a 15 to 30 days region ban. (*) see notes
Third Fleet personnel will be placed immediately on a 60 secs Fly By / Sail By status in the security system, and the incident will be filed in a report to NASM Command for further action if needed. Disciplinary action will follow through Third Fleet channels.

Third Strike:
Civilians and Navy personnel other than Third Fleet will be placed on a 60 seconds Fly By / Sail by status in the security system immediately and reported to NASM Command for further action. The subject will be placed on the region permanent ban list. (*) see notes
Third Fleet personnel will be placed immediately on a 60 secs Fly By / Sail By status in the security system, and the incident will be filed in a report to NASM Command for further action. Disciplinary action will follow through Third Fleet channels.

(*) Notes
USNSL personnel outside Third Fleet may file a redress request with NASM Command after enforcement of these measures.

1.3 Region disruption - Griefing 
ANYONE caught griefing the region will be placed immediately on a 60 secs Fly By / Sail By status in the security system, and the incident will be filed in a report to NASM Command. ALSO and immediately the incident must be reported to a region manager - CDR. Asra Kron, MCPO Margot Fenring or any Surreal Estates manager - for immediate action (as soon as they are available).
The subject will be placed at once in a permanent region ban and reported to ALL USNSL for similar action to take place at other locations. In the Tuarua Fiji estate, a subject caught griefing one region is permanently banned from all other regions.
There is no redress given to a UNSNSL member who is caught griefing.

NAS Miramar officers with access to the Security System:

- CDR. Asra Kron
- LCDR. An Rainbow
- MCPO. Margot Fenring
- All ATC assigned officers (including NCO's) (**) see notes

(**) Notes: The abuse of this privilege will be dealt with swiftly and without mercy. Follow procedure. ATC officers will only act on emergencies if not on duty. They require a senior officer for further actions.

Final remark:
When in doubt - ASK FIRST.
No actions are to be taken without a clear notion of the infraction and these protocols.

CDR. Asra Kron
NASMCO
2017-02-03

SCM19/16 - USNSL 3rd Fleet Command

CAPT. Isaac L. Harcassle, Jr. opening the command meeting.

All stations,

US Navy SL 3rd Fleet command has now a RADM at the helm. On the USN SL command meeting held at NSTC Nautilus on 04/24/2016, the senior officers present endorsed CAPT. Isaac Harcassle as Rear Admiral (upper half) - RADM - in recognition of his achievements and outstanding work towards the improvement of the United States Navy SL group.

Admiral Harcassle accepted the endorsement, and is now RADM USN SL 3rd Fleet commanding officer. NAS Miramar congratulates Admiral Isaac Harcassle on his promotion and wishes him all the best in his command.

CDR Asra Kron
NASCO

Some mementos of the day [ click on the pictures to enlarge ]

The Blake Fleet Drill Hall on April 24, 2014.

CDR. Vickster Kuhn reporting NAFEN status.

The senior officers endorsing CAPT. Harcassle for Rear Admiral Upper Half.

The Admiral's first dance. Cougar's Sore Bottom Sailing Club.

Navy style party.

When the gods loose their heads over a cocktail waitress.