Announcment: VMF-323 disbanding.

[Swoop]

The pilots of the Aces High virtual Squadron VMF-323 "Death Rattlers" do hereby formally announce the disbanding of VMF-323 as a Main Arena Squadron.



Last week our CO and founding member, Ripsnort, announced his retirement from VMF-323.  This came as a shock to many of us and since then a great many emails have been blasting back and forth between us.  We have come to the conclusion that without Ripsnort there is no VMF-323.  Ripsnort is the glue that kept the squadron together, his leadership and charisma were what kept us coming back again and again.  Most, if not all, VMF-323 pilots were hand picked by Rip and trained extensively by the CO himself for the infamous Light Bomber Escort mission that rolled the front line back so many times for Bish and Rooks alike.

Some quotes from our members:

"I remember when I joined Rip stuck me in a wing with responsibility for being first in and taking out the vehicle hangers, a task I dreaded at first as it was usually certain death.  It became easy to get in, avoid the GV defence kill the VH, CAP and rtb, and I was offended if anybody beat me to it or even helped.  Now you can give me something Blue and I can take out GV's moving or not with 1 egg."  - Cavalear



"Had I been not joined, I’d probably still have the “executor” handle and a dweeb flying with a stick from ’94 (or mouse!).  Every member that has graced the roster of the VMF323 since it’s birth has been a shining example of class AH has to offer (well, except maybe BigJim’s constant swearing into Roger Wilco. hehe, kidding).  Many of us were hand picked as newbies by our CO Ripsnort (myself included), trained by XO’s Apache and Swoop, and flew with pride.  One more thing:  This squad was created by Ripsnort and the squad *is* Ripsnort.  Without ya, it’s just not a squad.  I knew a long time ago, if Rip left, the squad left."     -  Octavius


Also, something Rip once said:

"MAG-33 is the most successful squadron in all the TOD's combined. We have more kills, more damage done to the enemy than any other squadron participating in the TOD. This is the result of team coordination, excellent pilot skill, flexible leadership, and hard training that VMF-323 encourages all MAG-33 squadrons to attend."

I'm sure more will be added below.


We are currently discussing the continued existence of VMF-323 as a special events only squadron.  In the Main Arena VMF-323 will cease to exist and the squadron's pilots will mostly be looking for new homes.  So, if there's any squads out there that have space for 20 or so refugees from the Marines.......



And finally, from my own point of view:

I started flying Aces High in tour 1 and had absolutely no friggin clue what I was doing.  I learned, I practiced and finally I could take up something other than a B26 and expect to land it again.  Joining VMF-323 was an eye opener.  Suddenly I was flying amongst all these lads who could take off in unison and all hit their assigned targets at any given field in a window of under a minute.  First time I witnessed a 'Ripsnort LBE' mission I was astounded.  

Flying with the pilots of VMF-323 has been the single most enjoyable online experience for me ever and I feel damn proud to have once been called a "Death Rattler".  





Swoop
XO
VMF-323 Death Rattlers
MAG-33

[Furball]

Ahhhh... that sucks!

guys, had many a fun fight with you.  One that i clearly remember was when i chased snafu's 109, and got bounced by 4 or 5 of your squad, the subsequent 3 or so minute gangbang i received left me walking funny for weeks.

[lucull]

guys

[Animal]

Seems he didnt train you good enough then. Did he fail to hand pick any leaders?

Now that you are all squadless newbies again, here is a generous offer:
You are invited to join the FDB, but you will be treated as 2nd class members with no access to our private BBS and your tasks will be to deack fields so that we, the cavalry, can go in and do the vulching.

[Rude]

Seen alot of sqds over the years go away.

Congrats Rip on all your work...it's not easy to keep things going.

to all you girlscouts of the 323:)

[Reschke]

To all former members of VMF-323. If you need a new home drop by VF-17's Ready Room and drop a note to us.

[Lance]

God hates quitters.

[WarChild]

Lance,

Never mind.  Would be disrespectful for a man and unit I hold too dear.

[boxboy28]

So where is Ripfart going is he joining another squad?

[Mathman]

Originally posted by WarChild
Lance,

Never mind.  Would be disrespectful for a man and unit I hold too dear.

Am I reading this right?  All this talk of holding a unit, you would swear this was a Navy squad.

Anyways, good luck to everyone in finding a new home.

[SOB]

Finally, Rip and Dowding have something in common!

[Frogm4n]

bye bye quiters

[Curval]

Allow me to at the FDB farewell crew.

VMF323 was a fantastic experience.  Ripsnort simply cannot be replaced and as a result I have moved to the 13th.

Really great flying with all of the guys.

[Octavius]

Meanwhile at FDB HQ, the members happily eat their wings, beer, and bask in the glory of destroying threads.  

Math, weren't you in Troxel's squad?  Dont forget your MAG-33 roots. =]


Like I said before, it's been a fun ride.  


And by the way, no one is quitting.  Almost 90% of the roster is inactive; either lost interest or can't find time to fly.  Disbanding is a reasonable decision seeing as many of us prefer not to lone wolf in the MA.

[Grimm]

Sorry to here of the disbanding of the Death Rattlers.

I hate to hear of any strong squad having to go.   Rip and the Death Rattlers will be missed for certain.  
Enemy Targets are always missed  

Good luck with were ever the fair winds take you all.