Well, it means that we seek to emulate real-world U.S. Navy Carrier Air Wing and squadron behaviors, both in the aircraft and in the ready room. We are group of simulator enthusiasts that get the most enjoyment out of DCS when attempting to execute procedures and tactics as closely to the real thing as we can. But we are also all easy-going and fun to be around, and the culture of Virtual CVW-8 is as important (or more) than tactical execution .

Virtual CVW-8 is unique in the fact our membership includes multiple members who spent a lot of time in Navy squadrons, both as aircrew and maintainers, and can bring a level of personal experience to Team Factory (“Factory” is the radio callsign of CVW-8) that allows for a realistic presentation of Naval Aviation operations within DCS. This experience is most evident in the training, mission planning, mission products, briefing and debriefing methods utilized within the Wing. We execute our flights in the official Virtual CVW-8 servers in a realistic manner from cold start to shut down and utilize realistic tactical communication and flight tactics in our missions.

All that said...we also appreciate that this is a hobby and we do this for fun! The nice thing about Naval Aviation is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. So, similarly to an actual ready room, we don't pop to attention or call each other sir. Rank is assigned based on either the completion the FRS (LTJG) or a deployment (LT) or the fact that a member has volunteered to serve in an administrative role and take on more responsibility for running the squadron or the Wing (LCDR and above).

So, yes, we are a mil-sim group...but we are Naval Aviation mil-sim, guided by those who did this for a living…and those guys would not have spent 20+ years doing the job if it wasn’t fun. The nice thing about the simulation world, is that we can simulate only the fun stuff, and the leave the not fun stuff (admin, paperwork, Captain’s Mast, standing watch, urinalysis officer…the list goes on and on…) - we can leave the not-fun stuff out of it!

Currently in workups for deployment, Virtual CVW-8 schedules official Wing training flight nights twice a week, on Tuesday and Saturday evenings briefing at 2100 EST. These official flight nights focus on the current phase of training for the Wing, working to build proficiency in all mission areas in a stepping-stone approach. During embarked phases of training and during our deployment, our flight nights have two air plan cyclic events schedule, the first which briefs at 2000ET and the second that briefs at 2115ET. Please see our Operations Calendar for more detail.

In addition to the regularly scheduled Wing training flight nights, members often plan pop-up events that can be enjoyed outside of the official operations schedule.

Additionally, Virtual CVW-8 plans one large force exercise a month to give the Wing the opportunity to break out from the training schedule and enjoy the challenge of flying together in a large force of 16-20 aircraft to accomplish a challenging mission objective.

Virtual CVW-8 is a Super Carrier-based group so you will need to own the Super Carrier module, in addition to your platform of choice (F/A-18C or F-14B).

Additionally, you will need to own the Nevada Training and Test Range (NTTR) map, the Persian Gulf, and Syria.

The Wing also makes use of many free mods for DCS. These will be provided to members via an OVGME (mod manager for DCS) repository.

When you apply for consideration for membership with CVW-8, you will be asked to select a role to perform within the Wing, either as a pilot for F/A-18C or F-14B, or as a F-14B RIO.

Though the wing operates both aircraft, we ask that members pick one platform to focus on during each workups and deployment cycle. This allows for mastery of that platform's systems and tactics, as well as the best integration with your virtual squadron. Following a deployment, the option exists to switch to another platform for the next training cycle and follow-on deployment.

At CVW-8, we try to ensure our active squadron line pilot rosters are filled with people who are actively engaged in flying together with their squadron and wing mates. This makes sense to us, given that we assume that people seek to join an online virtual wing or squadron because they want to fly with other people.

To this end, Virtual CVW-8 has established a minimum flight time requirement of at least one multi-player flight with your squadron or wing mates every 10 days. This is the same currency requirement for Naval Aviators on the boat when it comes to night traps. While flying a simulator does not have the same safety concerns as remaining proficient at flying the ball in the pitch black night, the way Virtual CVW-8 flies this simulator does require some consistency of operations for the squadrons and Wings to function as designed.

Of course, life happens and schedules can change, and there will be times that line pilots are unable to meet that 10 day currency window. We have a leave of absence notification system that will cover planned away times. For those times that just happen, we get it...life takes priority! We simply ask for communication from you to ensure we know that Virtual CVW-8 is still where you would like to fly.

For those Fleet assigned pilots whose schedules change and can no longer manage to make the 10 day window but would like to remain part of the Wing, Virtual CVW-8 established the VF and VFA Fleet Reserve role. This role allows pilots to remain affiliated with the Wing, but removes them from the active Fleet squadron roster in order to free that spot up for a new pilot who is able or willing to be more active. Rejoining a Fleet squadron at a later date may be possible but will be dependent upon open roster spots and level of proficiency of the Reserve pilot. Each reactivation to active line status will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the squadron commander.

Consistency of operation is important within the Wing because we have a planned and phased Turnaround Training Plan that requires all squadron members progress through the workups at a similar pace so we can all reach our "ready to deploy" status somewhat all together. For pilots who cannot commit to a flight once every 10 days, there are many other wonderful options for online groups out there and we encourage you to find one that is a better fit for your schedule needs!

Virtual CVW-8 does not have a policy against members belonging to multiple virtual squadrons or groups.

That said, our experience has shown that it can be difficult for pilots and RIOs to attain the high level of proficiency in their aircraft of choice without deciding to prioritize operations with one group (or more specifically, one aircraft). Additionally, given that one of the goals of Virtual CVW-8 is to construct a virtual group that is representative of an actual Naval Aviation Carrier Air Wing, hanging out together, planning together, and participation within the group is important to build that type of environment.

That said, we acknowledge that everyone has different levels of available time to dedicate to this awesome hobby, so multi-group membership may very well be possible for some members! We simply ask for transparency with your squadron leadership as far as your commitment to your Virtual CVW-8 squadron. Our goal is for all pilots to get the most enjoyment out of this hobby as they can!

FRTP. Fleet Response Training Plan. The FRTP encompasses all of the training phases pilots will complete prior to a combat deployment. Those phases include:

Phase 0 - FRS. Fleet Replacement Squadron. The FRS Instructor Pilots are responsible for execution the syllabus that will ensure new CVW-8 pilots can safely operate their airframe of choice. Marianas operating from Anderson AFB.

Phase 1A - SFARP/FARP. Strike Fighter Readiness Program (F/A-18C) or Fighter Readiness Program (F-14B). In this phase, fleet squadron pilots will train within the squadron on the basics of air to air and air to ground combat systems. The focus is on proper communications and radar/weapons systems switchology. TACVIEW debriefs are an integral part of the training and learning, as they are in all phases of the FRTP. Marianas operating from Anderson AFB.

Phase 1B - TSTA. Tailored Ship's Training Availability. This is the first time that Virtual Carrier Air Wing EIGHT will get underway onboard CVN 71 and execute basic level integrated training. The threat level will remain low and allow for a focus on communications and execution. TSTA is executed in the Marianas theater onboard CVN 71 Super Carrier.

Phase 2 - AWN. Air Wing Nellis. In this phase, Carrier Air Wing EIGHT will det to Nellis AFB and put a higher focus on integrated strike operations. This phase is built using the Air Wing Fallon detachment model from the late 2000's. Executed in the NTTR theater.

Phase 3 - COMPTUEX or C2X. Composite Training Unit Exercise. This underway period onboard CVN 71 represents the capstone event of the FRTP. The threat level will be increased and it will take high levels of execution to successfully complete the training. This final phase is executed in the Georgian Caucasus theater.

Yes, we do! If you would like to drop into the Quarterdeck and continue to find out more about Virtual CVW-8, please click on the Discord icon at the top of the page.

Virtual CVW-8 uses Discord for communication between members of the Wing and squadrons, for mission planning, for briefing, debriefing, and just generally shooting the breeze and building camaraderie and esprit de corps.

Once we walk to the jet, however, Virtual CVW-8 squadrons utilize Simple Radio Standalone (SRS) to provide the best simulation of tactical radio communications available.

Virtual CVW-8 is not for everyone. But…if you take the time to read this post, it may very well be for you.

Let’s get that out in the open, right up front. The beauty of the DCS community is that there are myriad groups out there, all of which have their own unique brand of how they like to fly this outstanding simulation. If you are a pilot who has decided that the multi-player side of DCS is something you would like to get involved in, you are faced with many choices! It is helpful to know what YOU are looking for in an online DCS group, and it is just as important to know what brand of flying an online DCS group offers.

Virtual CVW-8 is led by current and former active-duty Navy personnel who have spent the better part of twenty years training, operating, deploying, flying, and living within U.S. Naval Aviation squadrons and commands. Virtual CVW-8’s CAG is a former C-2A Greyhound aircrewman whose last deployment was onboard CVN 71 during the sundown cruise of the mighty F-14 Tomcat. Our DCAG is an active-duty E-2C/D Hawkeye Naval Flight Officer who has deployed with three different squadrons, four different air wings, aboard five different aircraft carriers, including a tour as the Assistant Air Officer (Mini Boss) aboard CVN 74 during her around the world combat deployment. Virtual CVW-8’s CAG Staff includes current and retired F-14 and F/A-18 pilots who are invaluable in helping the air wing develop and maintain its brand of simulation for CVW-8 aircrew.

Because of the lived experiences of its leadership, Virtual CVW-8’s brand of simulation can best be described as Naval Aviation Military Simulation (Mil-Sim). What does this mean, exactly? It means that CVW-8’s leadership loved what they did in the Fleet, and DCS provides an opportunity to continue to enjoy that type of operational environment. It means that Virtual CVW-8 strives to enjoy this simulation in a manner that represents real-world operations, to the best of our ability and within the limitations of the DCS world. Virtual CVW-8 has developed a structure to our training and operational deployments that attempts to closely resemble that of a real-world carrier air wing. Training phases such as Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program (SFARP), Air Wing Nellis (AWN, Tailored Ship’s Training Availability (TSTA) and Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) form the core of our Fleet Readiness Training Program or FRTP. Many hours are spent by wing members developing detailed briefs and training materials for the building blocks of combat to provide a foundation of tactical learning and execution that will carry the Wing through the integrated phases of workups and our eventual combat deployment to the Syrian Theater in support of EUCOM and SIXTH Fleet objectives.

CVW-8’s membership is diverse and its experience wide-ranging. Many of our members are current or former military members, but many of them are not. However, all members share a love and passion for Navy aviation and a desire to enjoy a simulated structure that helps create that type of experience. The members of Virtual CVW-8 are looking for a particular brand of DCS simulation.

That said, what does Navy Mil-Sim NOT mean? It does not mean that anyone is calling anyone “sir”. It does not mean that we are playing solider or airman, or Sailor, or whatever. Virtual CVW-8 works to simulate the FUN aspects of Naval Aviation…blue folders (paperwork) and bureaucracy are the NOT FUN parts of serving in a Navy squadron, and those aspects are left behind here! Rank structure exists to identify those members who have volunteered to shoulder the administrative burden of maintaining an active group of disparate personalities, as well as creating the simulated environment we all enjoy. It also does not mean that we are high strung, full of ourselves, or think we are better than any other brand of simulation that is out there.

We simply know what our brand is, and we work hard to maintain that brand, because we owe it to the people who have become members of Virtual CVW-8. We recognize that tastes change, interests wax and wane, and there may come a time that our brand is no longer what someone is looking for. Change is the natural progression of things, and a natural part of this hobby. Should aircrew decide that the Virtual CVW-8 brand is no longer for them, we will always wish them well because the maxim of “Fly Where you Have the Most Fun” should always apply to a recreational activity such as DCS.

So, is Virtual CVW-8 the right group for you? Start by asking yourself these questions:

- Do I have a passion for Naval Aviation? We are a boat-based squadron and we fly these modules because we love operating around the ship.

- Do I enjoy flying the F/A-18C or F-14B from a cold start to shut down condition?

- Do I enjoy realistic radio communications that makes use of the full spectrum of available radios and strives to adhere to a standard communications format?

- Do I enjoy Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) that outline the generally expected operation of my aircraft in most regimes of flight, and do I enjoy working to get better at understanding, learning, and executing according to that standard?

- Do I enjoy realistic procedures around land-based airfields and adherence to CV NATOPS for all Case launches and recoveries?

- Do I enjoy working as part of a team and learning how to fly and fight my chosen aircraft in a manner that is modeled after realistic execution?

- Can I receive constructive criticism in the debrief concerning areas of the flight where I either failed to adhere to SOP or failed to apply tactical learning and execution, and do I appreciate that criticism in the debrief makes the entire air wing more lethal and increases the level of realism we all enjoy?

- Do I desire to become a member of a group that seeks to model realistic behaviors of a U.S. Navy fighter squadron because it is the type of simulation the members of that group enjoy?

- Can you support flight operations that are based in the U.S. Eastern time zone and which start at 2100. Can you support a minimum participation level of at least one multi-player flight every ten days?

If you answered yes to all these questions, Virtual CVW-8 may be a good option for you!

If you made it to the end of this narrative, congratulations! If your interest has been peaked and you would like to learn more about Virtual CVW-8 and our brand of DCS simulation and would like to speak with a member about recruiting or any other subject, please submit an application or join us in our Discord. We look forward to hearing from you! FLY NAVY!