VFA-41 Black Aces - US-based Carrier Squadron

[VFA41_Hedgehog]

If you're interested in participating in a continuing series of scripted carrier squadron missions in DCS World, but not interested in joining one of the "biggest and best" squadrons, you should visit:

 

http://www.vfa-41.com

 

- US time zones.

- Weekly missions on Sunday nights. Unscheduled missions... are unscheduled.

- 9-phased mandatory basic training and qualification program.

- F/A-18C Hornet required for qualification, all carrier aircraft supported.

- VFA-41 Training Range server up 24/7 (all welcome).

 

The VFA-41 squadron roster is limited to 12 pilots. The squadron will never get bigger than that. Black Aces roster slots are valuable and reserved for carrier pilots who will get up and fly, not for those who might fly if they can find the time. Each Black Ace is a critical member of the team, and missions require each to be ready to fly and fight in order to meet mission objectives.

 

Expert pilots need not apply. VFA-41 does not seek expert pilots. The only requirement is that you have to want to fly, and be prepared to fly at least once a week. If you can't (or don't want to) commit to getting into your plane once a week, Black Aces roster slots are reserved for active pilots.

 

If you see an open slot on the squadron roster, we're recruiting.

 

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you're looking for a squadron that will add you to their roster immediately when you submit an application, you should apply to one of the huge squadrons. VFA-41 does not operate like that. You will not be just another faceless name automatically added to an infinite roster with dozens of other members. Our goal is not to have the greatest number of members, but rather the have the right number of dedicated pilots to support ongoing missions. Applicants will be invited to interview with the CO and XO. VFA-41 does not offer trial memberships.

 

If naval aviation is in your blood, and you're seeking a permanent home with other committed naval aviators, that empty slot on the Black Aces pilot roster may be waiting for you.

Edited August 3, 2021 by VFA41_Hedgehog

[VFA41_Hedgehog]

All footage from actual Black Aces squadron missions!

 

Edited March 7, 2020 by VFA41_Hedgehog

[VFA41_Hedgehog]

COVID-19 Health Alert

 

NEWS FLASH: the CDC has declared combat flight simulation the safest group activity during the COVID-19 pandemic!

 

If you're an aspiring carrier pilot, and for the sake of your own health, visit us here:

http://www.vfa-41.com

Edited March 19, 2020 by VFA41_Hedgehog

[AG-51_Razor]

I just did and was very impressed! :thumbup: Hedgehog, you'd make a fine recruiting Officer!

[AG-51_Animal]

Seconded.:thumbup:

[Zeagle]

Just sent an application

[=DROOPY=]

App submitted..

[tascaso]

Is the Squadron east coast or west coast based?

[VFA41_Hedgehog]

Is the Squadron east coast or west coast based?

 

Not based on any coast. Pilots are from Toronto to Hawaii. Weekly missions on Sundays at 9PM ET / 6PM PT.

[VFA41_Hedgehog]

What's going on with the Black Aces in the Persian Gulf these days, you might be wondering?

 

A whole lot of this.

 

http://www.vfa-41.com

[VFA41_Hedgehog]

The Black Aces of VFA-41 have completed their deployment in support of Operation Caspian Clash and returned to home port for some well-earned R&R.

 

www.vfa-41.com

Edited March 2, 2021 by VFA41_Hedgehog

[VFA41_Hedgehog]

After only a 2-week R&R and inter-deployment training period, the Black Aces of VFA-41 are on their way again to the volatile Persian Gulf region.

VFA-41 Black Aces
 

 

[Steel Jaw]

Been following your virtual group since the days of Janes F/A-18.  If I only had the option of committing the time needed I would apply in a heartbeat.  Regards to your fine group.

[VFA41_Hedgehog]

Due to the retirement of a valued VFA-41 pilot, the 312 jet is currently vacant.  Accordingly, the JOIN button has been re-added to the squadron website.  

As you are probably aware, the VFA-41 pilot roster has a hard limit of 12 roster slots.  Openings are infrequent and tend to fill quickly.  If you're the pilot to become the next Black Ace, don't delay in submitting your application.

(Interested pilots should scroll to the top of this thread to learn more about the Black Aces.  The selected applicant should expect to be immediately engaged in the squadron's current involvement in Operation Damascus Dawn.)

Edited February 7, 2022 by VFA41_Hedgehog

[VFA41_Hedgehog]

The Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon today announced that NATO's Operation Damascus Dawn has reached its successful objective, which was to neutralize the Assad regime's military threat to Turkey and other neighboring countries.  The operation began in December of 2021, and comprised 34 missions for the VFA-41 Black Aces aboard the USS George Washington, which will now depart the region for some much needed R&R and inter-deployment training.  Squadron members who participated in a required number of sorties have been awarded the campaign ribbon shown here.

So what's next for the Black Aces?  Very little rest for the weary...  Things are heating up in the Black Sea.
 

VFA-41 Black Aces

Edited September 20, 2022 by VFA41_Hedgehog

[VFA41_Hedgehog]

HO HO HO!  If you were a good boy or girl, Santa may have left you a jet on the Black Aces flight line.  It's the 307 jet, reserved for a sim pilot who is a naval aviator at heart.

Vacancies are rare on the VFA-41 pilot roster.  There are only 12 slots, so each can only be offered to a committed and dedicated sim pilot.  Expert pilots are not invited to apply.  The only requirement is that you have to want to fly.  Mandatory training and qualification will get you up to speed. (Gamers will want to look for another squadron.)

Black Aces are not pilots who fly if/when they can find the time.  They make the time to fly.  Minimum participation is required, though VFA-41 is never looking for pilots whose goal is to do the minimum.

www.vfa-41.com

[VFA41_Hedgehog]

  Based upon the most recent evaluation of degraded Russian military capability in the region, the Pentagon has determined that the presence of the USS Harry S. Truman carrier battle group is no longer required in the Black Sea.  The fleet has been recalled, marking an end to the Navy's participation in NATO's Operation Noble Tempest, which began in October of 2022.  The Naval Aviators of VFA-41 who flew in the requisite number of missions during the operation have been awarded the campaign ribbon shown here, and are due for some much deserved R&R.  Unless the Training Officer has something to say about it...

[VFA41_Hedgehog]

Things are heating up in the Syrian region, with Chinese military assets now appearing and complicating matters.  The VFA-41 Black Aces have been deployed to the eastern Med aboard USS George Washington in support of NATO's Operation Enduring Freedom.

You can keep abreast of the action here:  www.vfa-41.com

[VFA41_Hedgehog]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLACK ACES!

Originally commissioned in 2006 as a Jane's F/A-18 simulator squadron, VFA-41 was re-commissioned on July 4th, 2018, as a naval aviation squadron using the DCS World sim platform.  In the five years since, the Black Aces have participated in and completed 7 comprehensive scripted campaigns, and are now involved in their 8th, named Operation Enduring Resolve.  Limited since the beginning to a roster of 12 active pilots, VFA-41 has always been regarded as among the most active and longest serving squadrons in the military flight sim community.

[VFA41_Hedgehog]

Fully engaged in Operation Hormuz Sentinel, the Black Aces of VFA-41 bid 'fair winds and following seas' to one of our pilots.  Accordingly, the 309 Hornet is now vacant and being cleaned up and fueled up for the next Black Ace.  

If you think that might be you, you should review the squadron website and submit an application.

[VFA41_Hedgehog]

 The Black Aces of VFA-41 have completed actions in support of Operation Hormuz Sentinel.  Missions related to the operation began in May of 2024.  Those pilots who participated in at least 50% of the assigned missions have been awarded the ribbon shown here.  The squadron has been recalled stateside for some well-deserved R&R and some training workups.