AO: The Wood
When: 07/05/2022
Number of Pax: 7
DR Names:
Number of FNGS: 0
FNG Names:
QIC: Squidward
Introduction
7 PAX enrolled in Top Gun Academy (TGA) this morning to compete with the “best of the best” and to sharpen their flight skills. Flight conditions were manageable, although high humidity was less than desirable. Temps were hovering in the mid-70’s and sky conditions were favorable for the men to take flight.
We took the highway to the danger zone, learned the importance of never leaving your wingman, worked on our dogfighting skills as we took a flight around the AO, and wrapped up with some catapult carrier deck launches putting a bow on my AOVQ at The Wood!
Warm-O-Rama
- Good mornings/nights (10)
- Daisy pickers (10)
- Cross-body arm stretches (10 count)
- OH arm pulls (10 count)
- Willy Mays Hayes (10)
- Motivators (from 6) <– this tied into the entire theme for the BC
- Allowed PAX 1 min of OYO stretching
The Thang
After WoR, moseyed the flight formation over to designated location for Thang 1 and Thang 2.
Thang 1 (Top Gun school induction)
While playing the song “Highway to the Danger Zone” PAX held plank until the chorus, then executed Frog SUs (hat tip to Navy SEALs) during the “Highway to the DZ” chorus. Mixed in high/low planks and shoulder taps for variety. Repeated these moves until the song ended.
Thang 2 (Sortie flights – Theme: NEVER LEAVE YOUR WINGMAN!)
PAX divided up into groups of 4 aircraft. While playing the songs “Playing with the Boys” & “Through the Fire” flight of two (from the group of 4) ran from point A (home base), halfway up the hill to point B (engagement area) where they then completed iterations of Derkins, Merkins, and side hill Merkins. The other two aircraft remained at home base doing SSH. Once flight of two returned, the teams swapped. As the thang progressed, changed up the engagement area exercise as noted above. Continued until the completion of the two songs.
Thang 3 (formation flight and engagement maneuvers)
Assembled flight into a single column of 8 aircraft each. Instructed PAX that during the engagement maneuver (last man up run), they should fly (run) 5ft behind the aircraft in front of them. Launched each set of aircraft individually (carrier launch style with salutes and all) instructing the lead aircraft to maintain a nice easy mosey until the formation was completely formed. Once in flight, the last PAX in each column dropped out of formation and completed 5 merkins. Once complete, those last aircraft flew their way to the front of the formation flight, ensuring that he maneuvered his aircraft by buzzing the tower of each PAX in the last man up formation (weaving in and out). Played the song “Mighty Wings” while we were in flight to add some excitement to the thang!
Thang 4 (carrier launches) aka sprints
Launched PAX in teams of two from point A to point B.
6MoM (Top Gun graduation)
While playing the song “Take My Breath Away” PAX laid on their backs doing six-inch leg holds. During the “take my breath away” chorus, PAX executed hello dolly’s. Eventually changed the six-inch leg holds to flutter kicks. Repeated these moves until Mary was complete.
Circle of Trust
Referenced the post that Storm Chaser shared over the weekend noting the awesome, supportive, encouraging culture he’s seen coming from the newer batch of men that have been regularly posting at Three Rivers and The Wood. Shared my .02¢ on how proud I am to be a part of this group of men and urged them all to keep the fire going and to keep pushing each of our brothers! LFG & DFQ
Naked Man Moleskin
Closed with announcement of upcoming Q Source starting at Iron & Glass this week and encouraged the men to add another “F” into their lives and join in when they are able.