March 8, 2010 Another Year.... - VMF-251 would like to congratulate Drazz and Trol on completing their second full year of service with the squadron. March 7, 2010 Site Updates - AAR for Frame 1 of the March FSO has been posted, and squadron decoration pages have been updated. VMF-251 would like to congratulate the members of VMF-222, who have been officially inducted into the squadron. February 28, 2010 Armageddon: Japan 1945 and New Members - All AARs are up for the February FSO. Still working on decorations, but VMF-251 would like to congratulate the following pilots: Trol has been issued the Air Medal for downing 7 enemy aircraft in Frame 3 of the event on 19 February, 2010. REDDUCK has flown his 25th FSO sortie, and as such has been issued the Bronze Star. Saxman has been issued the WWII Victory Medal for leading all Allied Forces to victory as Commander in Chief of Frame 2 on 12 February, 2010. Viper has completed his second full year of service with the squadron, and has been issued the Good Conduct Medal. Congratulations to all. VMF-251 would also like to welcome the following new pilots: who have enlisted in the squadrion as of 27 February 2010. Welcome aboard, gentlemen! January 31, 2010 Site Updates Complete - I'm sorry for the lack of updates. Real life was kicking my ass, and once I got behind it was hell to try to get caught up. With the assistance of Viper65, everything is now caught up, and will hopefully stay that way. VMF-251 would like to extend our best wishes to Blackwlf, who is currently inactive due to health issues. We would like to wish him a speedy and full recovery. November 8, 2009 Alderangriff Frame 3 and Too Little, Too Late Frame 1 - Results of Frame 3 of October's FSO and Frame 1 of November are posted. VMF-251 would like to congratulate Blackwlf and REDDUCK, who have completed their probationary period and are now full members of the squadron. October 14, 2009 Alderangriff Frames 1 and 2 - Results for Frames 1 and 2 of the October FSO have been posted. VMF-251 would like to acknowledge the following pilots: Enkre - Shot down his 25th enemy aircraft in FSO in Frame 1. He has been issued the Air Medal in recognition of this accomplishment. SNYK - Shot down his 5th enemy aircraft in FSO in Frame 2. SNYK has been awarded the Navy Commendation Medal. Blackwlf and REDDUCK have been promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 4 effective 10/3. September 26, 2009 Northern Star Frame 3 - Results for Frame 3 of Northern Star have been posted. VMF-251 would like to congratulate Drazz for the downing of his 75th enemy aircraft. As such he has been presented with the Silver Star. VMF-251 would also like to congratulate blackwlf and REDDUCK, who have been promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 3 effective 9/19. September 13, 2009 Northern Star Frame 2 - Results for Frame 2 of Northern Star have been posted. VMF-251 would like to congratulate: SaxmanDrazz Trol Enkre SNYK REDDUCK who have been issued the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal for participation in surface combat during the frame. September 11, 2009 Best Wishes - VMF-251 would like to extend our best wishes to Herder and his wife, who were involved in a car accident last Saturday. We hope you both have a speedy and full recovery. September 8, 2009 Apologies, Tacloban Tango, and Northern Star Frame 1 - I'm sorry for the lack of updates. Computer issues and other things kept me from keeping the site updated. I now have a very large update for everyone: Tacloban Tango Frame 1 Decorations - 7 August, 2009 VMF-251 commanded Allied forces in the frame, and would have recorded a victory if not for several pilots disregarding orders and rearming at inactive field. The Commander-in-Chief Allied Forces wishes to recognize the following pilots and units for their actions in the frame: Presidential Unit Citation Navy Unit Commendation Air Medal Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal VMF-251 would also like to congratulate Redduck, who as of August 22, 2009 has been promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. Finally, VMF-251 has issued the Air Medal to Enker for the downing of five enemy aircraft during Frame 1 of Northern Star on 4 September, 2009. August 2, 2009 Welcome Back - VMF-251 would like to welcome back Blackwlf, who has returned from a leave of absence. He has been reactivated under the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. July 27, 2009 Murderer's Row Frame 2 and 3 - Results for frames 2 and 3 of Murderer's Row have been posted. VMF-251 would like to congratulate the following pilots: For downing 5 enemy aircraft during Frame 3, Drazz has been issued the Air Medal. He also received the Purple Heart for successfully recovering aboard his carrier despite wounds received. Drazz and Viper65 have also both been issued the Bronze Star for completing their 50th FSO sortie. July 16, 2009 Murderer's Row Frame 1 - VMF-251 managed to change a little bit of history in Frame 1 of the July FSO. While escorting Rolling Thunder and Air Raiders in an assault on American aircraft carriers in the Phillippine Sea. The strike package successfully sunk the flattop, and VMF-251 recorded eight victories while protecting the jabbo A6Ms, and earned a personal thanks from the strike squadrons. VMF-251's eight victories were third among all Axis squadrons in the frame, and as such the following pilots who participated in the event have been issued the Navy Unit Commendation: Saxman June 30, 2009 Operation Hustky Frame 3 - Frame 3 AAR has been posted. VMF-251 would like to congratulate Viper65 and Herder, who were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for their efforts of June 26. We would like to also welcome our newest recruit, REDDUCK. Welcome aboard! June 14, 2009 Operation Hustky Frame 2 - The results for Frame 2 of Operation Husky has been posted. VMF-251 would like to congratulate the following pilots: Saxman - For the downing of his 100th enemy aircraft in FSO, Saxman has been awarded the Navy Cross. HAMMERR - VMF-251 belatedly congratulates HAMMERR for completing his first full year of service with the squadron. He has been issued the Navy Good Conduct Medal. June 10, 2009 Operation Hustky Frame 1 - AAR for the first frame of the June FSO has been posted.
May 31, 2009 High Blue Battle Frame 3 - AAR for High Blue Battle Frame 3 has been posted. May 17, 2009 High Blue Battle Frame 2 - Results for Frame 2 of High Blue Battle have been posted. May 9, 2009 High Blue Battle Frame 1 - Results for Frame 1 have been posted. VMF-251 would like to thank MstWntd for participating with the squadron. He has been issued the European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign medal for his assistance. The squadron would also like to congratulate Saxman for flying his 50th sortie in FSO. He has been issued a Gold Award Star for his Bronze Star. May 6, 2009 Operation Jubilee - AARs and decorations from Frame 2 of the April FSO has been posted. VMF-251 would like to congratulate the following pilots: Flyboy and aJoust have been issued the Purple Heart for wounds received during Frame 3, and successfully landing. 1Duke1 has completed his first year of membership with the squadron and been issued the Good Conduct medal. The following pilots have received the Navy Unit Commendation for actions on 24 April, 2009. VMF-251 downed 14 enemy aircraft, placing in the top three of Axis squadrons for the frame: Congratulations, gentlemen! April 13, 2009 Operation Jubilee - AAR for Frame 1 of the April FSO has been posted. VMF-251 would also like to congratulate MEF4UD, who has been awarded the Air Medal for sinking a destroyer in the frame, and Trol, who has flown his 25th FSO sortie. He has received the Bronze Star. April 9, 2009 Squadron Ladder - VMF-251 would like to congratulate 1Duke1 on his victory in the first VMF-251 squadron ladder. He has been issued the squadron "E" patch in recognition of his accomplishment. March 29, 2009 Prelude to Stalemate - It's been a while since the last update, so quite a few to go through: All AARs for the March FSO, Prelude to Stalemate have been posted. VMF-251 would like to congratulate Drazz and Trol for completing their first year of service with the squadron on March 8. They have been issued the Good Conduct Medal in recognition. Herder has flown his 25th FSO sortie with the squadron, and he has been awarded the Bronze Star. VMF-251 would also like to welcome our newest recruit, Kaydak. March 6, 2009 Promotions - VMF-251 would like to congratulate the following squadron members: Saxman has been promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel. CpMorgan has been named squadron Executive Officer, for his demonstrations of loyalty and activity within the squadron. He has been promoted to the rank of Major. HAMMERR has been named a Flight Officer of VMF-251, and promoted to the rank of Captain. 1Duke1 has accepted the post of Training Officer within the squadron, and has been promoted to the rank of Captain. Congratulations, gentlemen. March 2, 2009 Operation August Storm - Updates for Frame Three of Operation August Storm have been posted. VMF-251 would like to congratulate Drazz for the downing of his 50th enemy aircraft in FSO, and as such he has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. We would also like to recognize trumpman for completing his second full year with the squadron. He has been issued the Good Conduct Medal in recognition. February 22, 2009 Operation August Storm - Results for Frame Two of Operation August Storm have been posted. While defending C84 against enemy attack, VMF-251 destroyed 32 B-25s with 9 Ki-61s. The following decorations have been issued for the action of 20 February: Air Medal Navy Presidential Unit Citation AAR for the action has been posted. February 14, 2009 Operation August Storm - Results for Frame One of Operation August Storm have been posted. VMF-251 inflicted heavy damage on enemy ground installations at A110, and downed eighteen enemy aircraft in air-to-air combat during the frame. The following decorations have been issued for the action of 13 February: Air Medal Navy Unit Commendation AAR for the action has been posted. VMF-251 would also like to welcome snowey, who has joined the squadron as a new recruit. February 6, 2009 Forum - VMF-251's forum is now active and available for use. It can be found under the Communications section in the link above. February 5, 2009 Squad Site - Move of the squad site to its upgraded host has completed. February 4, 2009 Promotions and Welcome - VMF-251 would like to congratulate Enker, who has been officially inducted into the squadron under the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Additionally, Viper65 has completed his first full year of service and as such has been issued the Good Conduct medal. In recognition for his service, I have also promoted him to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. VMF-251 would also like to welcom Poseign, who has been admitted as a recruit under the rank of Warrant Officer. He has officially receiced his Navy Unit Commendation and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal for the actions of 1/30/09. February 3, 2009 Bougainville - The squadron site has been updated with the AAR for Frame 3 of Bougainville Privateers. The first batch of images are also available in the FSO Media section. The squadron would also like to welcome Flyboy, who has enlisted as a member of the FSO Roster after participating with us in frame 2. We would also like to welcome back Virtue, who has returned to the squadron after an extended absence. VMF-251 would also like to congratulate the following pilots for decorations received for Frame 3: aJoust and Enker have been issued the Commendation Medal. aJoust volunteered to ride along as a gunner for the Nightmares when our roster for the frame was full. Enker has shot down his fifth enemy aircraft in FSO and achieved the status of Ace. An honorary Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal has been awarded to Poseign, who flew with the squadron as a volunteer. Saxman has downed his 75th enemy aircraft in FSO, and been issued the Silver Star. All squad members who participated in the frame have received the Navy Unit Commendation for their performance. Finally, VMF-251 has issued an honorary Navy Unit Commendation to VMF-101 Nightmares for their superb performance in the frame. Their B-25s obliterated their target without the loss of a single aircraft. January 24, 2009 Bougainville - VMF-251 has completed the second frame of Bougainville Privateers. AAR and results have been posted. The squadron would like to thank MstWntd and Flyboy for participating with us in the frame. Both have been issued the Asiatic-Pacific campaign medal to denote their participation in a Pacific Theater of Operations campaign. Additionally, Flyboy has been honorarily issued the Air Medal for the downing of five aircraft of the enemy during the frame.
The squadron website has also been updated with the addition of a "Skins" section under Media, where skins for the historical aircraft of VMF-251 can be downloaded. Currently there are two available: an F4U-1A of VMO-251; "White 22," and and F4U-1D of VMF-251; "White 7." Both skins are among those available for use in the game. Screenshots for Frames 1 and 3 of Miracle at Midway have also been posted in the FSO Gallery. January 17, 2009 Bougainville - The next campaign of FSO has begun, and VMF-251 is finally back in our bent-winged birds. AAR for Frame 1 has been posted. VMF-251 would also like to belatedly congratulate MEF4UD on completing his second full year of membership in the squadron. As such he has been issued the Good Conduct Medal. Finally, VMF-251 wishes to announce that we have formally joined with Task Force 58, an alliance of USN/MC and Royal Navy-themed squadrons in Aces High. December 28, 2008 Squadron Maintenance - VMF-251 would like to congratulate Drazz, who in recognition of his superb service and leadership when called upon has been promoted to the rank of Captain, and the position of Flight Leader within the squadron. We would also like to congratulate SNYK for being formally inducted into the squadron, under the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. *SALUTE* Gentlemen. VMF-251 would also like to welcome a new recruit, Enker, who enlisted on 25 December, 2008. December 24, 2008 Merry Christmas - VMF-251 would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season. Results for Frames 2 and 3 of The Long Winter have been posted. VMF-251 would like to congratulate the following pilots: SNYK - Awarded the Bronze Star for the destruction of five enemy tanks in Frame 2 of The Long Winter Herder - Awarded the Combat Action Ribbon for participation in ground combat in Frame 3 of the campaign Additionally, VMF-251 has awarded the Legion of Merit (Officer) to SheGotYa of JG2 for volunteering to lead the Axis ground forces in Frame 2, during VMF-251's tenure as CiC. Legion of Merits have also been issued to LTARadio, badger8 and gravy1 for their assistance coordinating the ground forces. Lastly, we would like to recognize CpMorgan and Herder, who have completed their second year with the squadron, and have been issued the Good Conduct Medal in recognition of this milestone. December 6, 2008 The Long Winter - Results for Frame One of The Long Winter have been posted. Additionally, VMF-251 has issued Combat Action Ribbons to Saxman, 1Duke1, Drazz, Trol, CpMorgan, SNYK, aJoust and Viper65 for their participation in surface action in the frame. November 24, 2008 Miracle at Midway - Results for Frame Three have been posted in the AAR section. This concludes the November FSO Campaign. VMF-251 would like to congratulate the following pilots: Saxman, Drazz and aJoust have all been awarded the Air Medal for their actions in Frame Three. Saxman and aJoust both sunk an enemy destroyer with their torpedoes, and Drazz destroyed a cruiser during the torpedo attack. HAMMERR has been awarded the Air Medal for continuing to engage the enemy despite the rest of his squadron having retired or been shot down, joining with another TBM squadron for a second attack on the Kaga. Additionally, for the sinking of three enemy ships, exemplary execution of their torpedo attack, and the downing of eight enemy aircraft during the action of 21 November, all members of the squadron participating have been issued the Navy Unit Commendation. November 20, 2008 Miracle at Midway - Frame Two's results are posted. Saxman and aJoust both put their bombs on target, with Saxman destroying four objects, and aJoust 8. Additionally, the frame marked the 25th missions for Drazz, and he has been awarded the Bronze Star in recognition of his accomplishment. November 13, 2008 Miracle at Midway - Results for Frame One of Miracle at Midway have been posted. VMF-251 has issued several decorations for the frame. Squadron commander Saxman has received the Air Medal for downing six enemy aircraft in the frame. Additionally, HAMMERR received the Distinguished Flying Cross for the dual-accomplishment of downing seven of the enemy in the frame, and for recording his 25th aerial victory overall. The squadron downed a total of 21 enemy aircraft, and as such all participants in the frame receved the Navy Unit Commendation. We would also like to welcome a new recruit, SNYK. SNYK is a long-time player, who formerly flew with the Flying Tigers AVG. VMF-251 would also like to congratulate Saxman for completing his second year of service with the squadron. October 19, 2008 Tunisia: Frame 3 - Results for Frame Three of Tunisia have been posted. VMF-251 wishes to recognize Drazz, who was awarded the Air Medal for heroism in Frame 3, and Saxman, who received the Distinguished Flying Cross for downing his 50th enemy in FSO during Frame 3's action. Additionally, for outstanding performance in the frame all participants have received the Navy Unit Commendation. VMF-251's F4Fs were engaged by 109G2's of JG2. Despite being outnumbered by half again their number and at a starting position of significant disadvantage, VMF-251 downed twelve of fifteen 109s for the loss of seven of their own number. Additionally, the 109s had been tasked with destroying the task group at C50, and elected to jettison their ordinance to engage the squadron. As a result, VMF-251's actions may have denied the Axis forces victory over the task group due to the C/O of JG2 electing to abandon his objectives to engage, when he could have easily pressed on with no challenge from VMF-251. Additionally, VMF-251 would like to congratulate HAMMERR, Herder and trumpman, who received promotions to 1st Lieutenant this weekend. Herder and trumpman have been with the squadron for some time, and have give loyal and dependable service. Though his own membership has not been as long, HAMMERR continues to display solid performance, and has made himself invaluable to the squadron's operations. We would also like to welcome a new recruit, Blackwlf, who joined the squadron this week. October 12, 2008 Tunisia: Frame 2 - Results for Frame Two of Tunisia have been posted. VMF-251 also wants to congratulate 1Duke1, who this week welcomed a new member into his family. We also extend our best wishes to DeVice, who due to real life concerns has taken a leave of absence from Aces High. October 4, 2008 Tunisia: Frame 1 - Results for Frame One of the October FSO have been posted. All in all, the squadron performed admirably considering our circumstances, including a salute on the AH boards from our opponents. Additionally, VMF-251 would like to congratulate Drazz for downing his 25th enemy aircraft in air-to-air combat action. As such, he has been awarded the Air Medal in recognition of this milestone. October 1, 2008 Welcome Aboard - VMF-251 would like to welcome a new member to the squadron. HAZERDLY has joined the squadron as of 9/30/2008. The hazing shall commence in 5...4...3...2...1... September 30, 2008 Caught Up - Site updates are more or less caught up. All AARs for September's campaign are now online. HOPEFULLY I'll be able to stay up to date from here out. :-P VMF-251 has issued two decorations for Frame Three: Viper65 has flown his 25th mission, and as such has been awarded the Bronze Star. Additionally, he has downed his fifth enemy aircraft in combat, and achieved the status of ace. Additionally, a number of back-dated decorations have also been issued and three Air Medals have been issued based on new awards criteria. Saxman and MEF4UD have each shot down over 25 enemy aircraft. HAMMER, for destroying four enemy aircraft on the ground, has also been issued an Air Medal for ground victories. September 14, 2008 Decorations - Updates are still in progress. I expect to have the AARs for the first two frames of Dogs of War online sometime this week. In the meantime, VMF-251 would like to congratulate squadron X/O MEF4UD for flying his 25th sortie in FSO in Frame 1 on September 5. As such, he has been awarded the Bronze Star in recognition of this milestone. September 12, 2008 Fire in the Phillippines - Hey all, sorry it's been so long since the site's been updated. Lot of stuff and just plain motivational issues going on. The site has been updated AS OF August's FSO. I have not yet done the updated for Frames 1 and 2 of September's campaign. Fire in the Phillippines wasn't exactly the squadron's most successful tour in FSO, however four medals have been awarded: Bronze Star On August 15, 2008, two VMF-251 pilots, Squadron Commander Saxman and Flight Leader CpMorgan both flew their 25th mission in FSO, and as such have been awarded the Bronze Star in recognition of this milestone. Additionally, for their actions in August 8, CpMorgan was awarded the Commendation Medal, and Drazz the Air Medal, on recognition of X/O MEF4UD. More updates are to follow, including the AARs for Frames 1 and 2 of the September campaign. August 2, 2008 Der Zweite Blitz: Frame 3 - VMF-251 has completed its participation in Der Zweite Blitz. AAR and campaign medals have been posted. Additionally, for our successful escort of 364th CHawks, the following pilots have been awarded the Navy Unit Commendation: SaxmanHAMMERR MEF4UD Drazz CpMorgan Herder DeVice 1Duke1 VMF-251 has also issued the Distinguished Service Medal to QcareCH and SubwayCH for taking control of their squadron, when the 364th C/O was unable to attend at the last minute. July 19, 2008 Der Zweite Blitz: Frame 2 - Frame 2 of Der Zweite Blitz has been completed. Scores and AAR are posted. Additionally, VMF-251 has issued four Commendation Medals to the pilots of Blue Flight, for the hardest job imaginable for a fighter pilot: Maintain position and altitude while the rest of their comrades engaged. Blue Flight provided top cover during the engagement to ensure no fresh enemy aircraft were able to jump the rest of the squadron uncontested or without warning. Blue Flight *S* Gentlemen! July 14, 2008 Site Updates - Communications Center has now been open. This is primarily for the squadron, as it links directly to webmail logon and to the squadron forum at HTC. However a links page is also available here that visitors may find interesting, and additionally, the Enlistment form is available here. July 13, 2008 Site Updates - Finally, a piece of the squadron site I've felt has been conspiciously absent is now online. The Enlist link is now active and points to an enlistment form, which will automatically submit information to the Recruiting Office. I feel accomplished. ;-) I will be working on some additional updates, and intend to create a "communications" center, primarily for benefit of squadron members. Enlistment and Forum links will be moved to this page, and I also intend to add a list of external links here as well. July 13, 2008 Der Zweite Blitz: Frame 1 - The results of Der Zeite Blitz frame one are in. AAR for the action has been posted. Additionally, VMF-251 would like co congratulate Trol for downing his fifth enemy aircraft in FSO, acheiving the status of "Ace." As such, he has been awarded the Navy Commendation Medal. July 3, 2008 It's Alive! - Sorry for the lack of updates. It took me a while to get everything together because...well...there were a TON of updates. First, I'd like to formally welcome Ranger45 and Spanky38 to the outfit. I've yet to get their roster entries settled, but they are listed under the FSO section. They're commissioning will be dated to 6/20, their first participation in FSO with the squadron. Speaking of which, AARs for Frames 2 and 3 of Guadalcanal have been posted. The following decorations have been issued for Frame 3: For the downing of a combined total of 18 enemy aircraft in the frame, VMF-251 has issued the Navy Unit Commendation to the following pilots: SaxmanMEF4UD aJoust Drazz Trol HAMMMERR Herder Ranger45 Spanky38 trumpman Viper65
The pilots listed above have also been issued the Navy Combat Action Ribbon, for their participation in surface combat at the beginning of the frame. Additionally, the following individual decorations have been awarded: Air Medal Purple Heart Commendation Medal Additionally, for the downing of five of his squadmates when he spawned on the runway with guns blazing, Spanky38 is the first recipient of the "Over Eager" award, which shall from this point forward be displayed among his decorations. For the campaign, the squadron claimed 58 enemy aircraft downed. A total of 8 individual decorations and 33 full-roster awards (to all participants of a frame) have been issued. This marks the squadron's most successful campaign thus far in FSO participation. June 14, 2008 Decorations - VMF-251 would like to congratulate DeVice, who on his first mission back in FSO after some time, has shot down 2 enemy aircraft. This raises his total in FSO to 6 victories, making him the squadron's latest FSO Ace. As such, he has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for this feat. June 11, 2008 Decorations - Decorations for Frame 1 of Guadalcanal have now been posted. The following updates have been made: Presidential Unit Citation - For the downing of a combined 32 enemy aircraft, the following VMF-251 members have been issued the Presidential Unit Citation: SaxmanMEF4UD CpMorgan aJoust Drazz Trol 1Duke1 HAMMERR Herder Viper65 Air Medal - For the downing of five or more, but less than ten enemy aircraft, the following have been issued Air Medals: MEF4UD - 8 VictoriesSaxman - 6 Victories Drazz - 5 Victores June 11, 2008 Updates - AAR for the frame of 6 June has been posted. Decorations to follow. Site updates are delayed, as the site has recently switched to a new host due to problems on the old one. All existing pages should be working normally again now, however. May 24, 2008 End of Campaign - AAR for Kanalkampf Frame 3 has been posted in the FSO section. This marks the end of the campaign. VMF-251 would like to congratulate Drazz for downing three of the enemy in the frame, raising his total score in FSO with the squadron to 7 and making him an Ace. For reaching this status Drazz has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. May 22, 2008 New Members, and Welcome Back - Firstly, VMF-251 would like to welcome aJoust back home safely, after serving a tour in Afghanistan. *S* Joust, it's good to see you back. Another member has been added to the full squadron roster. Hammerr was officially invited on May 21, 2008, and will be commissioned under the rank of 2nd. Lieutenant. VMF-251 would also like to welcome Grue, of VMF-444 to the FSO roster. Additionally, he has been added under the rank of Warrant Officer as a recruit to the main squadron. April 29, 2008 One More Again - VMF-251 would like to congratulate yet another new member. VonKost, XO of VF-17, has permanently joined VMF-251's FSO Wing, with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, joining his CO. Welcome aboard. VonKost volunteered for Frames 1 and 2 of Back to Tokyo. Additionally, numerous updates have been made around the site in the Roster, FSO Scoreboard, and Decorations pages. April 27, 2008 And Another - VMF-251 would like to welcome Guthrie as permanent member of the FSO roster. Guthrie commands VF-17, primarily in the AvA Arena, and flew with VMF-251 in all three frames of Back to Tokyo. Additionally, two new recruits have been added to the roster: botkins, and hcetih. Welcome aboard to all new members! April 25, 2008 Welcome - VMF-251 would like to welcome 1Duke1 as a permanent member of the FSO squadron. 1Duke1, who flew as a volunteer on Frame II of Back to Tokyo, is the C/O of VF-27 Hellcats in the Aces High Main Arenas. He has been added to the Buccaneer's full-time FSO roster with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. April 23, 2008 Decoration - VMF-251 has seen fit to award Saxman the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in Frame 2 of Back to Tokyo on 18, April 2008. April 19, 2008 Back to Tokyo 2 - AAR for Frame 2 now posted. April 19, 2008 Back to Tokyo - AAR for Frame 1 of Back to Tokyo (11 April, 2008) has been posted. Decorations for the frame include the Commendation Medal to MEF4UD, and to VF-17 pilots Guthrie and VonKost, for volunteering to serve with the Bucs for the first frame of this campaign. Additionally, VMF-251 has completed the second frame of the campaign. AAR to be posted shortly, but decorations have been posted for VF-27 pilot 1Duke1, Commendation Medal for volunteering to serve with the squadron for Frame 2, and the Navy Unit Citation to the Army of Muppets and 347th Fighter Group, for their superb performance in the frame. Lastly, VMF-251 wishes to welcome Back Fone, now under the handle Phonemn, who also celebrated his first full year with the squadron on 14 April, 2008. April 2, 2008 Back from the Cold - VMF-251 has completed its tour of duty in the Aleutians. AAR for Frame 3 is now posted in the FSO section. March 22, 2008 Dutch Harbor - Frame 2 of 1000 Miles of War, Ice and Fog has concluded, and the AAR is now available for viewing under the FSO section. CpMorgan has shot down his fifth enemy aircraft in FSO, and has been awarded the Commendation Medal for reaching Ace status. March 15, 2008 Dutch Harbor - The next FSO campaign, 1000 Miles of War, Ice and Fog kicked off Friday, March 14, with VMF-251 attacking Dutch Harbor, Alaska, as part of the Imperial Japanese Navy. AAR for the event has been posted.
Distinguished Flying Crosses have been awarded to MEF4UD, CpMorgan and Drazz for their actions in the event, and the unit was awarded a Navy Unit Commendation by RATTFINK of Fighting 31 for the mission. Additionally, Saxman was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership of the squadron during the previous three FSO campaigns VMF-251 would also like to welcome Chanehed, a new recruit who joined the squadron for the Dutch Harbor raid as a prospective member. A number of other updates have been done in the FSO sections, specifically regarding the handling of individual and unit decorations. Further updates may be rolled. March 14, 2008 Full Moon Over Rabaul - VMF-251 participated Wednesday in a midnight attack on the Japanese stronghold of Rabaul. Saxman led the Allied attack with a two-prong strategy. Elements of VMF-251 under Saxman proceeded directly up the middle of the Slot to draw enemy air defenses into an engagement, while the main strike force of B-24s under 4440, escorted by the remaining fighters commanded by RATTFINK, circled around on the target area from the east, skirting the enemy warning radar. VMF-251 made contact with the enemy south of the target area and entered into a fierce furball. Saxman shot down three of the enemy, while CpMorgan contributed 2. Drazz and a guest pilot were shot down during the engagement. Although the feint by the Bucs failed to significantly draw the enemy away from the B-24s, it provided enough of a window that the strike force only encountered about half of the enemy CAP initially. Though taking heavy losses, the bombers inflicted heavy damage on the target area, sufficient to give the Allies the victory. Screenshots of the engagement are available under the Media section March 10, 2008 New Recruit - VMF-251 would like to welcome EskimoJ, who has enlisted under the rank of Warrant Officer. March 8, 2008 A Hearty Welcome - VMF-251 would like to welcome two new members who accepted invites today: Drazz and Thorss! They have been commissioned as 1st Lieutenants. Welcome aboard! March 8, 2008 Updates - VMF-251 has awarded three new Commendation Medals to pilots who have achieved "Ace" status in FSO. The recipients are: Maj. David "Saxman" Wyatt for actions off Okinawa on 30 November, 2007 Capt. MEF4UD for action in the North Sea on 29 February, 2008 1st Lt. Jonathan "Virtue" Santana for action in the North Sea of 15 February, 2008 In addition, I've begun rolling out a somewhat new format in the "Decorations" section of the FSO page, which will allow viewers a quick glance both of campaigns each member has flown in, as well as decorations awarded. Also, belatedly, I'd like to congratulate trumpman on completeing his first year of service with the squadron as of February 28. February 15, 2008 Norway - AAR for Frame 1 of Cruel Sea: Norway 1944 is up. February 4, 2008 Back in Action Part Deux - So, no sooner does the site become available again after exceeding bandwidth, but it went DOWN for the weekend. :-P Many updates of which to tell. The AAR for Frame 3 of Breaking the Siege is up. Additionally, the gallery for Frame 3 of Okinawa is also online. Slowly but surely I'm getting caught up with my screenshots. Last, but certainly not least, VMF-251 would like to announce that Norwood "Viper65" Bodie has been formally accepted into the squadron, and commissioned under the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. February 1, 2008 Back in Action - Bleh. I guess the squadron website is much more popular than I realized. We exceeded our monthly bandwidth in January, but are back online now. Updates are posted for the AAR for Frame 2 of Breaking the Siege in FSO, and to the roster. January 21, 2008 Decorations and Screenshots - VMF-251 wishes to announce the following decorations have been added for actions during Okinawa: trumpman - US Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Virtue - Air Medal ODee - Air Medal Congratulations on a job well done. The certificates are viewable under the FSO section of the website. Additionally, new screenshots have been added of a B-25H raid to assist a base capture. They are viewable in a special sub-gallery under the media section. January 19, 2008 Breaking the Siege - The next campaign in Friday Squad Ops has begun, and VMF-251 has joined the side of Soviet Russia in throwing back the German offensive. After Action Report for January 18, 2008 has been posted in the FSO section. The Media page has also undergone updating to the new format. I still need to work out sizing on the low-res images, but it's otherwise functional. January 5, 2008 One Less - At his request, Odee has announced his withdrawal from the squadron. VMF-251 wishes him the best in his future activities. Squadron roster has been updated to reflect this. Odee's FSO victories will still be shown on the squadron scoreboard, with status noted to reflect his withdrawal from the squadron. January 3, 2008 Decoration and Roster - By vote of his squadronmates, Buccaneers X/O MEF4UD has been declared the recipient of VMF-251's first decoration for gallantry in Friday Squadron Ops, in regards to his masterful command of CV-2 while under constant enemy aerial attack. His actions preserved the carrier despite heavy damage, and saved the ship from almost certain destruction. There could not be a more auspicious occasion to unveil the new Decorations section under FSO. Additionally, the Squadron Roster is more or less complete in the new format. Some data and images are missing and to be added, but otherwise it's up and running. Remaining are the revised main gallery, and I need to get the Enlistment form going. January 1, 2008 New Year's Updates - A few new updates to the site for the new year! Woo! After deliberation of my own, and conferring with MEF4UD, I've reached a decision regarding the new flight leader position. This decision resulted from a number of factors, including his seniority in the squadron, experience working with members of this squadron, humility, and the strong recommendation by the squadron X/O. And then there's fact that he's the only one who actually volunteered for it. ;-) As such, I wish to confirm the promotion of Charlie "CpMorgan" Morgan to the position of Flight Leader. Morgan will be third in command if neither myself or D are available, and while we're still only fielding two flights will assume command of one any time either myself or D are absent when the flight lineup is of sufficient size. He will also command third flight once the roster expands sufficiently to put 10 or more ships in the air. In addition, as it's hardly fitting for someone with "Cp" in their handle to carry the rank of Lieutenant, this promotion to Flight Leader will also come with an extra bar for the collar, and all the rights and privileges attached to it. Of which there actually are none, but at least it's something shiny to look at.
In other news, I've gotten started on updating the roster. The new format is based on some of what I'm doing in the FSO section. Expect the revised gallery (when I get to it) to follow a similar setup. December 22, 2007 Happy Holidays - VMF-251 wishes everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, or whatever it is you celebrate this time of year. Some minor site updates to report as well, mainly the addition of maps and target "recon photos" to the After Action Reports as appropriate. December 15, 2007 Updates Again - VMF-251 has completed its first campaign in FSO, having flown our best sortie so far. The full details are in the write-up under the AARs page in FSO. Also now open is the FSO Gallery for VMF-251's first action on 11/30/07. There are both a low (for 1024x768 and lower) and high (up to 1600x1200) resolution images available. I'll eventually be remodelling the Main Arena media section in a similar manner, so the FSO gallery is something of a sneak peak at what I have in mind. ;-) December 12, 2007 Major Updates - VMF-251 is proud to welcome Odee and DeVice into the fold! Odee signed on after joining us in FSO last Friday, and Device flew a couple times with us on our Saturday squad night and officially joined as well.Well, the squadron page has undergone some MAJOR updating. First and foremost, the site has been reformatted to be easier on people with lower-resolution video and is now best viewed in 1024x768. Someday I may put back up a high-resolution version of the page but for now this is it. You can also see that the separate News section is gone, and I've moved it into a scrolling box on the home page. The News link now returns viewers directly to the home page. I've also fixed the Enlist page to give an "Under Construction" rather than just being a dead link. For the convenience of VMF-251 members I've added a link directly to the squadron forum at HTC's website. Other planned updates for the main site are HEAVY revisions to the roster format.
The BIGGEST addition is a section for Friday Squad Ops, which could almost be a web site in of itself. This sectin includes: A squadron scoreboard, Action Reports, a Gallery of screenshots taken during FSO, and a link to the Aces High Events site. There may be a few more cosmetic changes to come, but I think I can safely say the site has finally arrived at its definitive format. Which means I'll probably end up having to change it again in a month or two. :-P December 7, 2007 Day of Infamy - VMF-251 wishes to offer their respects in memorial of the brave sailors, soldiers, and airmen who gave their lives this day, December 7, 1941. 2402 lives cut short. Two hours that changed a nation, a world, irreversably. One moment of Infamy forbiven but never forgotten. *SALUTE* December 4, 2007 New Member - VMF-251 would like to welcome our newest member. Virtue will be joining us both in the Main Arenas, as well as this coming Friday for the next frame of Okinawa in FSO. I would also like to welcome back xREAPERx and Fone, both who are returning to more active service after extended absences and down-time. December 1, 2007 Breaking Radio Silence - Holy shit it's been awhile! I blame the lack of updating on personal life BS. Well, what's happened since the last update? We lost one member (cowboy44, who neglected to advise anyone and never actually withdrew) and added Fone and WMDNow. The squadron is also celebrating its first year as an active unit on November 13, with Saxman reaching one year service on that date. xREAPERx did the same on November 16. VMF-251 also participated in its first FSO night on 11/30. Four members of the squadron joined the Allies in the first frame of the attack on Okinawa and tangled with some 16-20 of the enemy. trumpman drew first blood with a Ki-84, and CpMorgan contributed an N1K2 during egress. Saxman was Ace in a Day with 5: two N1K2s, (one clean, one proxy) an A6M, (damaged, fate unknown but kill credited in the scoring) and two Ki-67s. I plan to set up a scores page for FSO so everyone can track victories and objects destroyed by the squad in future frames. February 1, 2007 Say Goodbye - Not much in the news department. We're losing ScrapMtl due to disinterest in continuing his membership in Aces High altogether, but just in case he's been moved to "inactive" rather than stricken from the roster outright. Also, I've begun the process of updating the roster itself to show actual skins of each pilot's aircraft, rather than just the simple profiles. Have two done (myself and CpMorgan) and hope to get the rest updated before TOO much longer. Now I just gotta get around to going through my films and getting some screen caps... January 12, 2007 New Member - Happy late New Year. Sorry for the delay, but the squadron has a new member as of the 31s, MEF4UD has joined the Bucs. December 30, 2006 Site Updates - The Media section is now open and available for browsing. Screenshots and video of VMF-251 are available for viewing here. Also did some general cleanup of the coding for my own benefit to make it easier to work with. December 19, 2006 New Member - A couple days late on this update due to bandwidth issues now resolved, but we have a new member, CpMorgan who's been officially added to the roster as of December 17! December 11, 2006 New Member - Welcome aboard to the newest member of VMF-251, 2nd Lt. Neil "Herder" Roche! November 24, 2006 Page Under Construction - The roster is now online. November 20, 2006 Page Under Construction - Construction on the site proceeding with much aggravation due to lack of experience with web design and not having done this for a couple years. Still, it is progressing and I'm pretty happy with the way it's starting to turn out. The "About Us" section I more or less consider done, as is the "News" page. Yeah, yeah, not very flashy, but it's serviceable, and that's all that I really care about. It's a news page. :-P Maybe in the future I'll make it something more dynamic, but until there's more news to report, not like there's much purpose in that. |
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