AAR Exercise - Blake Corridor

Today there will be an air-to-air refueling exercise on the Blake Sea corridor (see route map below). This exercise is a regular event organized by USN 7th Fleet SL with Third Fleet participation. Briefing for the mission will take place at NAS Miramar's Map Room. Participating squadrons from both fleets will take off from Miramar and the tanker(s) from SNO.

Meeting at NAS Miramar for debriefing at 1430 Hours SLT (2:30 pm).
Participating units:

Third Fleet:
VF-84 and VFC-13
Tanker flown by a Third Fleet civilian contractor

Seventh Fleet:
VF-114 and VF-213

[UPDATE: See the mission record on NEPTUNE magazine #5, May 2018 - click here! ]

CAPT. Asra Kron
NASMCO / TFCOM

In the Navy

Members of Third Fleet and United States Navy Second Life,

I have been struggling with words and feelings for the last 48 hours about how best to address the situation we find ourselves in. The Navy is my second life and I am very proud of my achievements and those of many of the people who I served side by side for so long. If you served in Third Fleet you know why I am torn and many in the USNSL probably do as well.

In the face of recent events, following a few months of conflict between NRS Oryx and mainly, though not just, NAS Miramar, Admiral Harcassle decided to resign from Third Fleet and create Second Fleet, taking with him the locations he is personally responsible for, some partnered with Third Fleet Lieutenant Commander Daniella Harcassle (now 2nd Fleet Captain Daniella Harcassle) and Captain Alec Juventa: Naval Base North Valley, Naval Service Training Center Nautilus, Fort Nautilus and the East Sea setting where the USS Carl Vinson is. Very soon after, Third Fleet Lieutenant Commander Alli Eberdene (now 2nd Fleet Captain Alli Eberdene) joined in with Naval Rescue Station Oryx.

In a period of less than 48 hours, a new fleet was created and in an unprecedented move, the first official act of Admiral Harcassle was offering the rank of Captain to two Commanders who were inactive in Third Fleet for many months and three Third Fleet Lieutenant Commanders. One of the Lieutenant Commanders who was already scheduled for promotion to Commander (with my endorsement among others) refused to take that offer, being promoted to O-5 as planned while in Third Fleet. I am very proud to say that officer once served at NAS Miramar.

This extraordinary fact has made my present task much more difficult as I don't know what to make of it yet. But perception is everything, so I was told many times, regarding my attitude that was often misinterpreted or purposefully distorted. The perception that comes from these promotions is not a positive one. And siding with the fact that it creates major problems with groups where promotions are achieved only through hard work and dedication and one step at a time, it tarnishes those in this set of officers that actually work hard and are dedicated. We have due process and rule of military law in Third Fleet. Promotions follow a very precise set of conditions of which we expect to find resonance in other groups that are related to us. Clearly these rules do not apply to 2nd Fleet, since there is no way that their requirements were met in less than 48 hours, and none of the officers in question was being considered for such promotions in Third Fleet so there was no transfer of ongoing due process.

Over the last 18 months USNSL has gone from a few stations to a large group through hard work and many people’s efforts. Months have been spent making our stations look Navy worthy, using personal experience and working together to create a truly real life like USNSL. We can look proudly at USNSL and see in the stations, bases and facilities, the aircraft, the uniforms, and at its heart our people, that we are one of the groups that is truest to the Navy ideals.

Our training schools are the envy of other groups and we have worked closely with the SL Marine Corps to give a broader experience. The hard work we have done and still do with 7th Fleet to harmonize our flight training program paid off and the path to Naval Aviator is now a rewarding experience where you get the training to become a Naval Aviator in Second Life. Anyone can come up with a Naval Aviation program based on the wide range of information available on the internet alone. It's all there. What is not there is how you translate that into Second Life. And that is where the experience of our instructors comes in. On the flight side the same is also true. Anyone can buy a navy painted aircraft, a uniform and a helmet and become an instant aviator in Second Life. Just search for names with "Captain" in them to see how instant this can be. Here we aim at purpose, training and method to transform that into a real life like experience rewarded with the Wings of Gold that can't be bought in a box but need to be earned. The same is true to surface warfare. Those who have graduated and gone through the process of becoming officers have gained knowledge and stature, becoming stronger in themselves.

These changes have not satisfied all people, some have wanted a "navy-lite" experience. It was my personal view, anchored by the approval of Third Fleet command and RADM Isaac Harcassle, that was not what the Navy should be about. When I joined Carrier Strike Group 11 with the USS Nimitz, there was no school, no flight training. I had gone through that and more with the Coast Guard so I did not really miss "indoc", but the extremely loose and anything goes environment that reigned back then was something contrary to what role-play should be. Taking on the representation of an institution like the United States Navy should mean something more.

Like RADM Harcassle says in the USNSL website, the USNSL started with the Nimitz group that originally was a tribute to Top Gun, the motion picture. He was looking for a more "standardized" environment and slowly the USNSL shifted from Hollywood fantasy to the United States Navy reality. Eventually the Nimitz group became an after thought, much to my regret it never embraced the same method that I embodied by creating NAS Miramar, which set the stage for what came next: the establishment of Naval Service Training Center Nautilus and the creation of Third Fleet led to a pipeline eventually shared with 7th Fleet that allowed for a common core set of values based on the US Navy to be instilled in all enlisted and commissioned officers serving in both fleets. The stage was set for days to come, raising the bar to true Navy standards that allowed all participating to feel they were part of something bigger than taking a plane out of a box, jumping on it and flying around in US Navy colors. USNSL was at last a real life like mirror of the United States Navy. And for a long while, things were good.

Then another approach started to show with the expansion of NRS Oryx, and after all our work it was met with resistance, since it did not represent any of the ideals myself and others firmly believe in and that were in place for a long time. Through many incidents that can't be detailed here, the opposing forces clashed in various forms and as it was to be expected, RADM Harcassle was in the eye of the storm. The clash was not limited to flight, there were other components, but it was the aviation program that set the stage for what happened yesterday. On Tuesday, June 6, a new situation was exposed completely by accident. I became aware that NRS Oryx had created a "Naval Aviation School" and was accepting Student Naval Aviators. One look at their website showed me that the vast majority of its content was taken from existing Third Fleet and Seventh Fleet classes, and although the words are there they miss meaning (a closer reading show many wrong concepts will be taught for lack of precision or understanding of the materials taken).

Third and Seventh Fleets are engaged in a common core flight program from primary to advanced, sharing class content and instructors. We have worked on this for many months. It serves the same principles enunciated here to create a standard shared by all Naval Aviators. I don't know how we moved from Navy standards to anything goes, NRS Oryx does not represent any of those ideals but it doesn't seem to matter. In the end, in RADM Harcassle's words "SL is a game where people come to have fun" and also "I don't care if what Oryx is doing is not navy realistic."
So here we are.

We are sorry that after all the effort put into creating Third Fleet that RADM Harcassle has decided that it is not the navy that he wants after all. He has stated that he wants Second Fleet to be less about serious navy role-play and more of a game. Exactly the opposite state of mind that lead him to shift USNSL apart from the Nimitz group, long ago.

Third fleet will continue the tradition of upholding close to real life US Navy standards, while Second Fleet, in RADM Harcassle's words, "will focus less on Navy role-play and more on fun". We believe that fun and serious Navy role-play walk hand in hand - the Blue Angels are a living testament to that. But we also agree that while in Third Fleet the "not navy realistic" kind of fun has no place, it can be appealing to some. In our minds we remain committed to role-play the US Navy because if you are not role-playing a navy realistic role, then what are you role-playing?
  
At this time it is unclear what the relations between 2nd and 3rd Fleet will be like, but judging from the first order of business in 2nd Fleet, not two days into it's creation, and the attitude of Admiral Harcassle towards me personally and my methods, that do not include disregard for behavior unbecoming a US Navy representation, I think that, as a naval officer I respect told me, "that train has left the station".
  
We remain committed to our joint work with 7th Fleet, we will continue to send our officers to SLMC for specialized training, and we will provide our services to all who wish to benefit from them. We take this unfortunate event as a challenge to do better and expand horizons and will as always work to the best of our abilities to uphold the Navy tradition in Second Life. As for the command of Third Fleet now vacant, I will steer the Fleet with CAPT. Vickster Kuhn by my side until we have an exceptional all hands meeting to determine how to move forward. 

On a positive note the creation of Second Fleet does give potential candidates more choice. Any growth of the Navy is good for all of us.

Go Third Fleet! Go Navy! Hooyah!

CAPT. Asra Kron
NASMCO
Third Fleet acting CO

IFT VH02/VH03 ATC

VH02 and VH03 are given back to back, the first being a refresher of the Basic Class given during primary flight school. These classes take place today at 15:00 hours.

Air Traffic Control Basic Class [refresher]
Instructor: CAPT. Asra Kron 
Estimated duration: 0.5 hours
Location: N.A.S. Miramar Main - Du Sud Isle - Map Room

Attendees: IFT enrolled student naval aviators (SNA)*
Prerequisites: IFT enrollment
Follow up: VH03 ATC Intermediate

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

Air Traffic Control Intermediate Class
Instructor: CAPT. Asra Kron
Estimated duration: 1.5 hours
Location: N.A.S. Miramar East - Deder Isle - Map Room
Attendees: IFT enrolled student naval aviators (SNA)*
Prerequisites: IFT enrollment
Follow up: VH04 JOMA

1. Credentials check - Basic training, Unit/Squadron action evaluation report.
2. Applied communication types in ATC - Navy.
3. Applied communication types in ATC - Global.
4. On the ground and in the air - multi frequency use.
5. ATC relay.

CAPT. Asra Kron
NASMCO / NATC

* SNA vs NAC - for clarity we are harmonizing the designation of primary flight graduates with 7th Fleet, so instead of Naval Aviator Candidate they will start being designated Student Naval Aviators (SNAs). This update will be consistently implemented on all Third Fleet materials and platforms.

IFT VH01 NAAR02

This class is taking place today at 1500 hours SLT.
This is the second module of the VH01 class, you will need this class to have VH01 completed.
To attend this class you need prior NAAR01 attendance.

Naval Aviation Aircraft Recognition (NAAR) Class - 02
Instructor: CAPT. Asra Kron, NASMCO
Estimated duration: 1.0 hours
Location: N.A.S. Miramar Main - Du Sud Isle - Map Room *
Attendees: IFT enrolled student naval aviators
Prerequisites: IFT enrollment and Naval Aviation Aircraft Recognition (NAAR) Class - 01
Follow up: IFT VH01ACO - AFT NAAR03

1. Types of identification.
2. Bureau numbers.
3. Branch markings.
4. Deployment location and tail codes.
5. Squadron identification and insignia.
6. Squadron of deployment numbers.
7. Role markings.
8. Third Fleet squadrons.

* Map Room direct access with NASM tags only. IM a local officer for transport if needed.

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO

ATC Basic Class at NAS Miramar

This class is taking place today at 16:00 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

Naval Aviation in Third Fleet 101

Although we have now been operating as Third Fleet for well over a year, there seems to be a lot of misinformation about who can fly what, and the confusion generated by that misinformation has reached intolerable levels. So lets keep this notice for future reference, shall we? It is what we do in Third Fleet for over a year now, not some made up, half ass, two bit theory. This is what we do.

UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION PATHS IN THIRD FLEET

1. OCS / RTC
OCS grants access to Primary Flight Training (PFT), until now known as Basic Flight Certification (BFC). Officers will then have the opportunity to engage in higher levels of training regarding flight, enlisted are limited to aircrews.
Both OCS and RTC graduates can take the SLMC NACCS (Naval Aircrew Candidate School) course so they can serve as crew aboard a variety of aircraft, for which further practice will be provided with the squadrons they apply for. In some instances aircrews will further their practice by taking specialty courses.

Student Naval Aviator Candidates (SNAs) are deployed to their stations/facilities/bases and start to fly immediately with the primary squadron they are assigned to. They can and should integrate the structure immediately - this is Second Life and we are here to have fun flying above all.
Not only Cargo pilots and Rotary Wing pilots but also JET PILOTS can fly with operational squadrons all through their path to the Gold Wings, under supervision from the older officers in full active duty - we call this stage conditioned duty, as some may not have the knowledge to perform fully and need practice and training. The more practice each squadron can provide locally the better. Keep in mind Third Fleet methods as they are taught in BFC and IFT should be the norm when instructing SNAs with their squadrons during practice. At this very same time SNAs should be taking BFC or IFT, thus allowed to practice while in their assigned squadrons.

2. Primary Flight Training: Pre-Flight Indoctrination School and Primary Flight School
Until now known as Basic Flight Certification (BFC), Primary Flight Training (PFT) is the first stage for the Student Naval Aviator (SNA) and it has two steps: Pre-Flight Indoctrination (PFI) and Primary Flight Training (PFT).
It is taken right after OCS and it has been provided by lead 7th Fleet instructors with support from 3rd Fleet NATC's instructors from Miramar. Theory is given at NAS Miramar or the USS Kitty Hawk and practice at NAF Eagles Nest, NAS Miramar or the USS Kitty Hawk. The instructors have the option of CVA-63 for initial contact with carrier operations.
Details on PFI and PFT will be added here soon.

After the BFC exam is passed, the officers are still Student Naval Aviators (SNAs), but they can decide to stay that way if all they wish is to do is fly unarmed, limited duty operations - such as Cargo or Patrol or SAR.
Note that Search and Rescue in the Third Fleet has ALWAYS been common to all rotary wing squadrons since the vast majority of helicopters we use are SAR enabled. Pilots from any squadron can be SAR certified at Third Fleet recognized SAR schools (including those part of Coast Guard groups) and serve in their squadrons as SAR pilots. Although there may be dedicated SAR squadrons in the Navy we tend to leave that to the Coast Guard and see that each station/facility/base has local SAR and/or CSAR capability. There is no centralized SAR command in the Third Fleet as that is exclusive to SLCG (Second Life Coast Guard) - just as in real life. The main role of Search and Rescue in Third Fleet is operations related - Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), for lack of better definition. In a nutshell, we do not rescue civilians unless in case of an emergency.
Front line V and H squadrons that fly complex operations - including AAR (Air to Air Refueling) and CSAR (Combat Search and Rescue) - require IFT certification and grant AFT credits to be flown outside the conditioned duty status - they are initially flown as practice for IFT and as AFT trials, under the supervision of naval aviators in the SNAs respective squadrons - if no experienced naval aviators fly in those squadrons the SNAs need a temporary deployment with a squadron performing a similar role where experienced naval aviators already fly full active duty.

3. IFT - Intermediate Flight Training
From BFC, those interested in pursuing higher levels on the path to the Wings of Gold need to attend IFT (Intermediate Flight Training). IFT is described in full detail on the following page and notices:

- IFT program layout -
- IFT WOC/T2 exam (VEX) -
- IFT WOC/900 exam (HEX) -
- IFT Cycles -

IFT has a theory component given exclusively at NAS Miramar with the exception of the COQ (Carrier Operations Qualification) classes that may be given either at Miramar or aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, and a practice component that takes place at NAS Miramar and CVA-63. The theory component is common to fixed and rotary wings but the first time IFT is taken a primary role must be chosen - fixed or rotary wing. That will determine which practice component and exam (VEX or HEX) to take first - there is only ONE practical exam per IFT cycle that EACH candidate can take. Starting with rotary and taking the HEX means IFT may be taken again to get naval aviator grade certification for fixed wings, going through the practice component related to fixed wings and taking the VEX, and vice versa.

SNAs taking either fixed wing or rotary wing primary enroll in the same IFT cycle. Once the common core theory classes are done, the candidates break into two groups for V or H classes.

Since the theory component is common core it is not required to take another theory oral exam (VHO) after the secondary IFT practice component. However we do encourage refreshing knowledge by attending the theory classes again, and if applying for a secondary role IFT after 20 weeks have passed since the primary VHO exam attending the theory classes a second time is mandatory.

After the IFT exams are passed (VHO + VEX or VHO + HEX) the Student Naval Aviators (SNAs) are ready to apply for their Gold Wings by adding to these exams any AFT credits they may have. If they did not fly with front line squadrons in advanced roles or were not deployed to an elite unit with advanced operations (see AFT) while taking the IFT, then they must gather those credits after the IFT exams. Keep in mind that from our experience at Miramar, close to 100% of SNAs going through IFT are gathering the required AFT credits at the same time. This means that once the IFT exam is passed they are ready to add the AFT credits and get their Wings of Gold, becoming Naval Aviators.

4. AFT - Advanced Flight Training
AFT (Advanced Flight Training) is not a course but rather a set of credits given to those who engage in complex operations, such as special operations, expert operations and advanced flight operations. These missions are flown with conditioned duty status with the SNAs squadrons and are supervised by local naval aviators. Examples of special operations are SEAL teams support and Air to Air Refueling; examples of expert operations are CSAR or PATROU like operations (Patrol Routes with high standard requirements); examples of advanced flight operations are aerobatic flight or test flight.

Other than with front line squadrons, the SNAs can be deployed temporarily or permanently to an elite squadron/unit/school where advanced flight is part of day to day operations - if temporary or permanent deployment is required depends on the nature of those squadrons/units/schools. In USNSL Third Fleet those are: Navy Fighter Weapons School TOPGUN - NFWS (NASM), Navy Flight Demonstration Team "Blue Angels" - NFDT (NAFEN) and United States Naval Test Pilot School - USNTPS (NASM). With any of these, AFT credits are obtained by participating actively in day to day operations.

SNAs can work towards these credits alongside IFT - and 99% have done it that way so far - so that by the time they pass the IFT exams their commanding officers can provide information about their performance in these roles and thus have their AFT credits verified. It is the responsibility of each SNA to provide their local CO with reports that prove they are engaged in AFT activities, from which the CO's can then provide their reference to NATC and have those credits factored in.

 5. NATC vs Flight Schools
One last and very important thing. Most SNAs already have flying experience in Second Life, that is just a fact. To various degrees, from novice to expert, pilots arrive in USNSL to engage in a military naval career that in some cases means pursuing the Wings of Gold path - but not always.
Third Fleet NATC programs are not designed to simply teach how to fly, they are designed to teach how to fly and perform flight related operations in a US Navy environment.
No matter what the naval aviator candidate level is, regarding flight skills, the navy is a completely different setting than civilian flight or even that taught by other branches (i.e. Air Force). That is why there is a path to Naval Aviator. And that is why the Wings of Gold mean something special.

More information will be added as needed.
For details and questions contact NAS Miramar command.

CAPT. Asra Kron
NASMCO

Note: Due to the importance of this subject and to facilitate consult in the future, this page will be available as a special section here - for the original entry on the weblog see here.
Note 2: To prevent confusion with LDO's the term limited duty was replaced by conditioned duty.
Note 3: To harmonize terminology with 7th Fleet, Naval Aviator Candidate (NAC) was replaced by Student Naval Aviator (SNA).
Note 4: PFIS, PFS, IFTR and AFTR were replaced by PFI, PFT, IFT and AFT.
...

IFT Cycles

NASMCO Office
2017-05-18

Intermediate Flight Training cycles and details

To: All stations Third Fleet
Cc: All stations USNSL

Brief history of IFT in Third Fleet

IFT has always been a part of NAS Miramar and it has evolved from certifying pilots who already had Navy service to training new Naval Aviator candidates.
In the beginning the classes and practice were given one on one due to the amount of candidates available each month. To this date all NAS Miramar officers with Gold Wings that did not achieve them before January 2016 and a few others went through the program.
Every candidate was examined, with a success rate of 9/10. This includes experienced officers who were tested at NAS Miramar before being awarded a new set of Gold Wings by their own initiative.
As the number of candidates increased the IFT WOC/T2 was created, now known also as VEX, and the candidates were assembled for the theory classes and handled one on one for practice, a few at a time each month.
We have now reached a point where it is justifiable to create IFT cycles - when the IFT program is held periodically much like the OCS at NSTC. Up to now, for a rookie pilot, IFT previously took several months to pass. We are formalizing this and compressing the cycle.

The IFT program

Developed in cooperation with 7th Fleet during last year, the program has been augmented to accommodate a number of classes that have been deemed important and part of the program's scope. There is now a solid theory component and a solid practice component that explores all that is taught in the theory classes.
The complete program lasts 8 weeks and the cycles have 2 week intervals between them. Theory and practice credits may be cumulative as long as they do not spread for more than 20 weeks from the initial enrolment and/or exams taken in the meantime.

For the complete program layout see HERE.

There are two paths in IFT - Fixed wings and rotary wings. You may choose which is your primary but need both if you wish recognized NA grade in both categories. However you can opt for just one qualification. The theory class component is common to both fixed and rotary wing IFT's. The rotary wing IFT practice has been recently updated and formalized just as the fixed wing has been for many months now.

For the WOC/T2 Assessment (VEX) see HERE.

For the WOC/900 Assessment (HEX) see HERE.

We are now finishing the update and will start with the first cycle on Monday, May 29, 2017 (30 maybe as the 29 is Memorial Day). Classes and practice must be completed by June 26, 2017, followed by the oral exam (VHO) and the practical exam (VEX or HEX), during the week of June 27 to July 02. Following another week of interval, the next cycle starts July 10, 2017.

IFT classes and practice take place at NAS Miramar with one exception - The Carrier Qualification component. COQ classes may take place aboard the USS Kitty Hawk with 7th Fleet instructors but also at NAS Miramar with 3rd Fleet instructors. COQ practice takes place either on the USS Carl Vinson or the USS Kitty Hawk with initial stages at NAS Miramar.

IFT instructors:
CAPT. Asra Kron
CAPT. Vickster Kuhn
CAPT. Sidney Pobieski
CDR. Helena Stenvaag
LCDR. An Rainbow
LCDR Skarah Zane
LCDR. Jenny kaz
LT. Lalo Wolf
* more instructors tba

The IFT program has a PQS established, covering all classes and practices.

As a final note I remind everyone that in parallel with the IFT program (or after it's completion) the NA candidate must obtain Advanced Flight Training (AFT) credits to earn the Gold Wings, which are granted when both IFT and AFT requirements are met.
AFT Credits are achieved by participating in documented complex missions with any Third Fleet / Seventh Fleet front line squadrons or via deployment to one of the advanced units/schools in Third Fleet: NFDT, NFWS or USNTPS, with documented participation in regular missions.
For details see here.

I hope this clarifies any doubts about the IFT program and hope to see Class 01 of 2017 very soon.

CAPT. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO

ATC Class at Miramar

This class is taking place today at 16:00 hours.

Air Traffic Control Intermediate Class
Instructor: CDR. Asra Sax Kron, NASMCO
Estimated duration: 2 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: Air Traffic Control Basic Class and AC evaluation (ACT personnel).
Follow up: ATC advanced class and evaluation in action.

1. Credentials check - Basic training, Unit/Squadron action evaluation report.
2. Applied communication types in ATC - Navy.
3. Applied communication types in ATC - Global.
4. On the ground and in the air - multi frequency use.
5. ATC relay.
See complete ATC course class structure here.

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO

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

Intro to Naval Aviation Class at NSTC (catch up)

This catch up class is taking place APRIL FIRST * after Graduation Rehearsal, at 13:30 SLT.
(*) not an April Fools announcement!

Introduction to Naval Aviation Class
Instructor: CDR. Asra Sax Kron, NASMCO
Estimated duration: 1.5 hours
Location: N.S.T.C. Nautilus, Velinissimo - Boxer Building classroom

Attendees: O.C.S. and R.T.C. students that missed this class.
Sit in: Yes, to any U.S.N.S.L. commissioned officer or enlisted.
Prerequisites: None.
Follow up: Other specific classes related to U.S.N.S.L. components procedure.

1. U.S. Naval Aviation in RL.
* Early Years
* Between World Wars
* WW2
* Post-War Years
* Jet Era
* Cuba and Vietnam
* Into a New Era
* 75 Years and onward
* Turn of the Century
* Today

2. U.S. Naval Aviation in SL.
* Origins
* The Age of Flight
* Gold over Blue
* A Navy for Tomorrow
* Third Fleet

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO

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.

 

Intro to Naval Aviation Class at NSTC

This class is taking place MARCH 30 at 12:30 hours.

Introduction to Naval Aviation Class
Instructor: CDR. Asra Sax Kron, NASMCO
Estimated duration: 1.5 hours
Location: N.S.T.C. Nautilus, Velinissimo - Boxer Building classroom

Attendees: O.C.S. and R.T.C. students
Sit in: Yes, to any U.S.N.S.L. commissioned officer or enlisted.
Prerequisites: None.
Follow up: Other specific classes related to U.S.N.S.L. components procedure.

1. U.S. Naval Aviation in RL.
* Early Years
* Between World Wars
* WW2
* Post-War Years
* Jet Era
* Cuba and Vietnam
* Into a New Era
* 75 Years and onward
* Turn of the Century
* Today

2. U.S. Naval Aviation in SL.
* Origins
* The Age of Flight
* Gold over Blue
* A Navy for Tomorrow
* Third Fleet

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO

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

Blue Angels Fly for Life again

Soon more to follow! Click to enlarge.

As it happened in 2016 (see here), the U.S.N.S.L. Blue Angels will "Fly for Life" in an effort to raise awareness and funds to the fight against cancer. Part of Relay for Life in Second Life, Fly for Life involves events organized with the participation of many groups from the SL aviation community. The Navy Flight Demonstration Team, Blue Angels, is one of them and will be flying in several Fly for Life events this year.

The first event will be held on March 25 at 12:00 pm SLT over the waters of North Satori, show sim is Lanig, just off Naval Air Facility Gorlanova (NAFGO), in the Naval Base North Valley hub - Gorlanova, and North of Aleksandr International Airport - Svidler.

Complete details soon. Stay tuned.

CDR. Asra Kron
USNSL Third Fleet liaison to FFL

New SCPMU's received

SCPMU's 17A, B and C in hangar C at Miramar, just arrived. 03/04/2017.

The Navy Flight Demonstration Team received three new Show Center Point Marker Units (SCPMU's) and will start using them as of March 04. These units will provide the team with show center point location, secure communications and a close proximity radar. Deployed during practices and shows at center point, they are also the position from where Angels 7 and 8 do their jobs.

As usual, click on the images to enlarge.

Unit 17C will be stationed at NAFEN.

Units A and B remain stationed at NASM.

17A will be the Show-Ready unit, following the team.

LT. Chardy Oak, Angel 2, inspects unit 17C before shipment.

The USNSL NFDT Blue Angels wish to thank MFFK, the manufacturer of the units, for the support and steadfastness demonstrated during the commission stage, supplying the necessary specs for the application of the NFDT color scheme at Miramar. Our warmest regards to Ms. Cindy Mofafeikou for her outstanding work as MFFK liason.

CDR. Asra Kron
NASMCO, Angel 7

NAAR 02 Class at NAS Miramar

This class is taking place today at 1930 hours SLT.
This starts the NAAR 02 cycle, you will need this class to attend.
Catch up NAAR 01 classes available by schedule for this series first run - minimum of three attendees required for catch up classes.

Naval Aviation Aircraft Recognition (NAAR) Class - 02
Instructor: CDR. Asra Sax Kron, NASMCO
Estimated duration: 1.0 hours
Location: N.A.S. Miramar Main - Du Sud Isle - Map Room *
Attendees: USNSL pilots, aircrews and ATC personnel, NSTC students.
Prerequisites: Naval Aviation Aircraft Recognition (NAAR) Class - 01.
Follow up: NAAR 03 classe and evaluation in action.

1. Types of identification.
2. Bureau numbers.
3. Branch markings.
4. Deployment location and tail codes.
5. Squadron identification and insignia.
6. Squadron of deployment numbers.
7. Role markings.
8. Third Fleet squadrons.

* Map Room direct access with NASM tags only. IM a local officer for transport.

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO

XF/A-2C 2 MFFK

"X" planes at Miramar. USNTPS asset procurement # X0117.

NAAR 01 Class at NAS Miramar

This class is taking place today at 1930 hours SLT.
Tomorrow starts the NAAR 02 cycle, you will need this class to attend.
Catch up NAAR 01 classes available by schedule for this series first run - minimum of three attendees required for catch up classes.

Naval Aviation Aircraft Recognition (NAAR) Class - 01
Instructor: CDR. Asra Sax Kron, NASMCO
Estimated duration: 1.0 hours
Location: N.A.S. Miramar Main - Du Sud Isle - Map Room *
Attendees: USNSL pilots, aircrews and ATC personnel, NSTC students.
Prerequisites: None.
Follow up: NAAR 02 and NAAR 03 classes and evaluation in action.

1. Mission design series.
2. Aircraft type.
3. Modified mission.
4. Status.
5. Design and block.
6. Series order.
7. Additional elements.
8. Practice.

* Map Room direct access with NASM tags only. IM a local officer for transport.

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO

Guide to USNSL acronyms available

Click on the image to go to the U.S.N.S.L. acronyms page, now available in the Special Sections, on the right column.

NAAR 01 Class at NAS Miramar

This class is taking place today at 1400 hours SLT.

Naval Aviation Aircraft Recognition (NAAR) Class - 01
Instructor: CDR. Asra Sax Kron, NASMCO
Estimated duration: 1.0 hours
Location: N.A.S. Miramar Main - Du Sud Isle - Map Room *
Attendees: USNSL pilots, aircrews and ATC personnel, NSTC students.
Prerequisites: None.
Follow up: NAAR 02 and NAAR 03 classes and evaluation in action.

1. Mission design series.
2. Aircraft type.
3. Modified mission.
4. Status.
5. Design and block.
6. Series order.
7. Additional elements.
8. Practice.

* Map Room direct access with NASM tags only. IM a local officer for transport.

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO