Author Topic: Annoucnement: VMF-323 disbanding (Read 1077 times)

Swoop · « **on:** November 05, 2003, 06:37:40 AM »

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

ghostdancer · « **Reply #1 on:** November 05, 2003, 07:28:42 AM »

I am sorry to hear this and to see such a fine squad go into the night. But you guys did not go quietly. Your light bomber escort missions that hit our flanks would drive me nuts at times when I was CiCing the RJO.

Ripsnort and MAG-33 were fine opponents in both the MA and in the SEA. You will be missed.

I hope you do continue with a SEA squad and as for the MA. I am sure there are many squads out there that would welcome you and give you homes. Good luck to all in your endeavors and you will be missed.

~~from one VMF squad to another.~~

bikekil · « **Reply #2 on:** November 05, 2003, 07:57:05 AM »

Gents!

Sorry to hear about disbanding the squad....

If you are looking for a new home, you are more then welcome to fly with an 308 RAF Sqn

Best of luck for the pilots with whatever you are going to do now! See you up there hopefully!

Reschke · « **Reply #3 on:** November 05, 2003, 09:28:22 AM »

A sad day to be sure. I know when I saw Rip post those missions I got to calling "Rolling Thunder" when I was part of LJK. Those were some great missions that Rip ran then with VMF-323 leading the pack. The community will sure miss a great squadron. It was nice flying with that squadron on our wing while I have been a member of VF-17 and LJK.

If any of you guys want to hop in a Corsair in either the CT or MA with VF-17 just give me a shout. We would be glad to have any of the former Death Rattlers fly as part of the Jolly Rogers.

Dawggus · « **Reply #4 on:** November 05, 2003, 06:12:17 PM »

Ewe, a sad day indeed

. I wish all the members of VMF-323 the best of luck in finding something "almost" as good in the MA, and hope they stick together for the organized activities of the CT and TOD Arenas.

Cya Up!

Dawg

Ripsnort · « **Reply #5 on:** November 07, 2003, 07:26:13 AM »

VMF-323, (missed this thread earlier) It was a fun 3+ years with you all! Sometimes life gets too busy, sorry I didn't have more time to dedicate to the squadron.

Some of the most skill I've ever flown with were pilots in this squad. When we were up together, we felt invincible! ~~to each and every one of you.~~

ghostdancer · « **Reply #6 on:** November 07, 2003, 07:40:21 AM »

Ripsnort I enjoyed butting heads with you in TOD/Squad Ops and those nights where we ran RJOs and you organized the resistance. I considered you one of the most skilled opponents I ever fought in multi-squad operations and single squad strikes.

VMF-323 will be missed.

Ripsnort · « **Reply #7 on:** November 08, 2003, 09:16:39 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by ghostdancer
Ripsnort I enjoyed butting heads with you in TOD/Squad Ops and those nights where we ran RJOs and you organized the resistance. I considered you one of the most skilled opponents I ever fought in multi-squad operations and single squad strikes.

VMF-323 will be missed.

Thats a big "Back at you!" GD! You guys were one of the toughest opponents when we clashed. !

GA · « **Reply #8 on:** November 10, 2003, 02:52:05 PM »

Gentlemen!

I have been a AH player my self for 3 years now, so I know Rip and the VMF-323 from that time as one of the central pilot/squad in this communety. But RL is always lurking out there;).

Ripsnort it have been a plesure and a privilegium to fly with you and your squad from MA action too diffrent special events.

Ripsnort Sir, and Gentlemen intil next time, SALUTE!

Atten hutt!