Marine Fighting Squadron 251 is currently recruiting volunteers.
We're a predominantly Main Arena and Friday Squad Ops squadron, operating primarily in Late War and with the Rooks on the Mains. Our primary night in the Main Arenas is on Saturdays at 8pm Eastern US time, with a practice night scheduled at the same time on Wednesdays. We also wing up any time there's more than one of us online, of which there's generally a good chance of that.
Our primary ride for official squadron operations, both in the mains and in FSO are all marks of the F4U Corsairs, however we do at times fly other birds as the situation or even individual whim calls for it.
The squadron was founded in November, 2006 and has grown to a roster of ten currently active pilots, and in most operations we see 5-7 online. We are looking to expand in order to consistently field 16 ships in the air, however we may not be for everyone.
Our aim is not so much in racking up individual victories, but effectiveness and cohesion as a unit. We try to concentrate on cooperative flying and tactics, and our ultimate goal is to get in and do our job, and bring every pilot home again at the end. Mostly we tend towards strategic goals, however at times we'll still go looking for a furball to unwind. Our typical mission profiles range from simple fighter sweeps/air superiority, close air support, escort, and strategic targeting of enemy bases in support of both defensive objectives (eliminating troops and ordinance to defend a base under pressure) and the line of advance.
The squadron has the following positions that form the basis of our tactical approach in-flight:
Command (only full-time command-level members. Non command-level members may fill in as attendance requires)
Squadron Leader - Leads the entire squadron during an operation. Generally this role is filled either by myself as Commanding Officer, or the Squad XO. The Fight Leaders act as third and fourth in command and so on.
Flight Leader - Leads a flight generally consisting of four ships. Flight Leaders are typically a set position. VMF-251 currently has three members considered full-time flight leaders: Myself, MEF4UD and CpMorgan. Other members may be called on for this position as attendance dictates
Pilots (anyone not in a command-level position, may sub for command as attendance requires)
Section Leader - Leads a two-ship element. The second Section Leader of a flight is subordinate to the Flight Leader. The Section Leader/Wingman relationship is generally loose. We tend to practice more of a Loose Deuce, with lead and wing switching off as necessary. As such, Section Leader is not a permanent position in the squadron. New recruits will generally be paired with a Section Leader for evaluation
Wingman - Second ship of a two-ship element. Again, we generally practice more of a Loose Deuce so wingmen may switch off as lead as the situation requires.
Prospective members are expected to show an interest in functioning as a team. Additionally, there will generally be a trial period as the recruit is assessed, allowing both recruit and squadron to determine if there is a match in both goals and personality. Prior squadron experience is ideal but not required. As the squadron's main aircraft for official operations is the F4U Corsair, an interest in fkying the Bent Wing Bird would be recommended.
Anyone interested can contact me here at the forums. Additionally, I can generally be found in one of the Late War arenas throughout the week, especially on Wednesday and Saturday at 8pm EST. Recruits may also contact one of the following in the Main Arenas:
MEF4UD - Executive Officer
CpMorgan - Flight Leader
For more information on the squadron, and to get a sense of the characters you'll be flying with and what we're looking for, please visit our website:
VMF-251 Headquarters
