#Multi Exercise Station

[yashodahealthcarehospital]

The Yashoda Hospital's Centre for Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine strives to help patients in the remediation of impairments and disabilities, and the promotion of functional ability, mobility, movement potential and quality of life, regardless of condition or age.

Yashoda Hospital ensures that we treat everyone with empathy, compassion, and respect. Our quality healthcare places integrity and honesty at the mantle of our services. We work towards the pursuit of excellence, and hence we have upgraded our hospital with breakthrough technologies and excellent infrastructure.

[wcnderlnds]

just my luck | colin zabel

・❥・ summary: colin zabel is a thorn in your side and just when you think you’ve finally got rid of him, he shows up again. ・❥・word count: 1k ・❥・warnings: mentions of murder. that’s it i think. ・❥・ authors note: get ready for some enemies to lovers!! we going multi part with this so i don’t rush it and ruin it <3

To most people Colin Zabel was an average, everyday kind of guy. Someone you’d meet, have a pleasant conversation with and have nothing but nice things to say about afterwards. He was the perfect boy next door. The perfect guy that all mom’s wanted for their kid. All of that was true. He really was a stand up guy — one of the best out there but to you? Oh, that was a completely different story.

You, with every fibre of your being, hated that man.

The history between the two of you went back years. You’d first met him on that fateful day you showed up at the police training compound — both of you had your sights set on becoming detectives. In every class, every training session both of you were always in competition with each other; always trying to outdo the other. Rivals was the perfect way to describe it. The thing that had always irritated you the most was that through it all he was still a complete sweetheart. If you beat him at a training exercise? He’d congratulate you. If you scored higher than him on an exam? He’d be the first to let you know how happy he was for you. It was infuriating. A part of you was certain he did it on purpose to rile you up. Surely nobody was that nice of a guy.

It only got worse after you’d both graduated. They’d assigned you both to the same station — always up for the same jobs. Thankfully, they’d never paired you as partners. It took a couple of years but finally you managed to move away a few towns over and become the top detective at the local police station. Life had been so much more peaceful without Colin Zabel.

It was one day in late fall — close to Halloween when your phone rang with a call from your sergeant. There was a case down in Easttown that needed all hands on deck. They needed the best detectives down there and you were one hell of a detective. Easttown wasn’t a place you’d ever been before, only on the occasional drive through to some other place but that was it. All you knew was that it was a small town — the type of town where everyone knew everyone. One of those places. That same night you packed a couple of bags, threw them in your trunk and made the drive to Easttown.

Little did you know what was waiting for you there.

It was a dark, rainy night as you pulled up at the small station. It was the first stop before you checked into the local hotel for however long the case lasted. Pulling the hood of your jacket up, you ran inside, the rain pouring down hard enough to be heard pounding on the station roof.

“Hey,” you greeted the receptionist. “I’m here for the pumpkin murders case.”

The tired old lady behind the reception desk pointed you in the direction of the meeting room. Your feet carried you down the dimly lit corridor. Blinds were drawn on the small window of the door so seeing inside wasn’t an option. All you wanted was a sneak peek to prepare yourself. With a deep breath in to calm your nerves, your hand grabbed the handle pulling it down and stepping inside the small meeting room.

Your eyes were met with someone’s back adorned in a long, black coat. Whoever it was had broad shoulders and a head of short, dark hair. Was this the other detective you were working with? Your boss had told you there’d be one other person from out of town helping you but had refused to tell you anything about them. Your question was answered when the person turned around. Familiar brown eyes meeting yours.

“Oh, you have to be kidding me!” It was a mumble under your breath.

Stood there was none other than Colin Zabel.

He looked different. Older, tired. It had been over five years since you’d last seen him and there was something about him that seemed… dull. The sparkle he had in his eyes before was gone. That zest for life had been diminished and in its place was a hollow, broken man. If you cared, you might feel sorry for him but you didn’t. Definitely didn’t.

“Long time no see,” Colin smiled though it didn’t quite meet his eyes.

“Unfortunately.” A huff escaped your lips as you pulled out a chair at the small table, sitting down. “You’re the one working on this with me?”

“It seems so.”

“I knew life was going too smoothly. Of course you had to show up again to derail it.”

Colin let out a long, frustrated sigh. His hands rested on the back of one of the chairs, leaning on it as he spoke to you. “Look, I know you don’t like me and, despite how respectful I’ve been toward you, I’m not your biggest fan either. So, how about we suck it up and deal with it. Put it to the side for the case instead of you making digs at me whenever you have the chance.”

“Please. Bet you’re constantly talking crap about me to anyone that listens. This whole nice thing is just some facade so you look good,” you shot back. Your eyes met his with determination. You were never one to back down from anyone let alone a man you despised.

“Weird how everytime I’m around you, I suddenly get the worst headaches,” he pinched the bridge of his nose, lightly massaging the space between his eyes.

“Bite me, Zabel.”

“Grow up.”

As you were about to respond, a file was thrown over to your side of the table. The manila folder contained all the details of the case, the papers spilling out at the side after Mr Nice Guy Zabel had thrown it towards you. Eyes glanced up at Colin who was glaring at you. Well, trying to. Colin Zabel couldn’t glare to save his life. “Read that and meet me here in the morning.”

That was the last thing he said before he left you alone. An audible groan echoed off the walls of the room. Why was this man back in your life and why were the fates cruel enough to finally pair you up?

taglist: @xmidnight-rain @jazz-berry @lemoniiiiiii @juliamaximoff @honeymoon8 @lacucarachapisser @evanpetersbf

[usafphantom2]

VX-9 ‘Vampires’ F/A-18F Super Hornet Brandishes Heavy Air-to-Air Loadout During Gray Flag 2024

David Cenciotti

AIM-174

The heavy loadout, featuring four AIM-174s, three AIM-120s and two AIM-9s, first spotted on “Vandy 1” at the beginning of September, was not a one-off test.

In September, we reported on a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet from VX-9 “Vampires” showcasing an unprecedented air-to-air loadout, featuring four CATM-174B, three CATM-120, and two CATM-9X missiles, along with a targeting pod and an IRST (Infrared Search and Track) mounted on an external fuel tank. What made the photos taken at Naval Air Station Point Mugu especially notable was that the heavy loadout was carried by “Vandy 1,” BuNo 166673—the flagship of the Vampires squadron. This aircraft sports a unique black livery celebrating the squadron’s 30th anniversary, inspired by the classic livery of VX-4 commander’s F-4s and F-14s, which previously bore the “Vandy 1” callsign.

The heavy loadout, featuring four AIM-174s, three AIM-120s and two AIM-9s, first spotted on “Vandy 1” at the beginning of September, was not a one-off test.AIM-174B

Interestingly, this configuration wasn’t a one-time test. On September 24, 2024, “Vandy 1,” again equipped with the same extensive air-to-air loadout, joined a VX-9 F-35C and a 422nd TES F-15E in a photo session over the Point Mugu Sea Range, marking the conclusion of the Gray Flag 2024 exercise.

From September 17-23, Gray Flag 2024 brought together U.S. and allied forces, alongside academic and industry collaborators, for a large-scale, joint testing event hosted by Naval Test Wing Pacific and VX-9 at Naval Base Ventura County in Point Mugu, California. This year’s event saw participation from over 3,000 personnel across the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force, executing more than 60 test initiatives. With roughly 600 aircraft sorties and more than 26 distinct systems tested on the ground, Gray Flag highlighted the vast scope of multi-domain capabilities under rigorous evaluation. Conducted on the expansive 36,000-square-mile Point Mugu Sea Range, operated by the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), the event used Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) test elements to simulate advanced, multi-domain combat scenarios in a controlled, realistic environment.

“Gray Flag 2024 was an unparalleled opportunity to bring together diverse branches of the military, academic institutions, science and technology experts, and allied forces,” said Capt. David Halpern, Naval Test Wing Pacific commodore.

The range of participants enabled realistic evaluation of system interoperability, informing future requirements and tactics across domains. Importantly, allied involvement was integral to the event, reflecting the coalition-based approach crucial to real-world operations. Rear Adm. Keith Hash, commander of NAWCWD and Chief of Test at Naval Air Systems Command, emphasized that integrating and operating with allies remains a strategic priority:

“The U.S. Navy operates within a global warfighting ecosystem. To deter aggression and uphold freedom of the seas, we need to test alongside our partners, just as we operate with them.”

AIM-174B

As we’ve detailed in recent months, the AIM-174B missile is a variant of the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) repurposed for air-to-air engagements. Originally designed as the RIM-174 Standard Extended Range Active Missile (ERAM), the SM-6 serves as the U.S. Navy’s primary long-range anti-air and anti-missile defense solution, integrated with the Aegis Combat System on Navy vessels.

The SM-6 ERAM is a key asset in the Navy’s long-range air defense strategy. Derived from the RIM-156A SM-2ER Block IV airframe and equipped with an active radar seeker from the AIM-120 AMRAAM, the SM-6 is capable of reaching Mach 3.5 and has a range of 200 nautical miles in its ship-based form.

While traditionally ship-launched, the SM-6 has been tested in air-launched configurations as early as 2018 and again in 2021 on other VX-31 Super Hornets, but only this year has its deployment accelerated, with further involvement from operational units.

In April 2024, an F/A-18 was spotted carrying the AIM-174, then, on Jul. 2, 2024, an F/A-18E Super Hornet belonging to the VFA-192 “Golden Dragons” was photographed taxiing at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, carrying two AIM-174B missiles marking the first appearance of the missile on a frontline platform during RIMPAC 2024. At the beginning of September, images of VX-9’s Super Hornet carrying four AIM-174s mounted on both inner and middle hardpoints, along with AIM-120s set a new benchmark for its air-to-air load capacity. Additionally, the ASG-34A IRST integrated on the fuel tank complemented the Super Hornet’s radar, providing advanced tracking capability in electronic warfare or radar-denied settings.

While details on the air-launched AIM-174B’s maximum range remain unclear, it is likely to exceed the surface-launched version when launched at altitude and speed, positioning it among the longest-range air-to-air weapons in the U.S. inventory and filling the void left by the retirement of the AIM-54 Phoenix.

Officially acknowledged in July as operationally deployed with CVW-2 aboard the USS Carl Vinson, the AIM-174B’s availability in IOC (Initial Operating Capability) extends the U.S. Navy’s reach in long-range engagement. Although publicly seen with only inert and training versions, live missiles are likely already available in the fleet.

As we explained in a previous post:

With the induction of the AIM-174B into service, the U.S. Navy joins a number of air arms capable of deploying an extra-long-range beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), like the MBDA Meteor, the Russian R-37M and Chinese PL-15 and PL-21. In fact, the AIM-174B enables the U.S. Navy Super Hornets to engage targets at much greater distances than is currently possible with the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Integrated with the E-2D, F-35, and AEGIS within the Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA) system, the AIM-174B would extend the Navy’s capability to intercept aerial targets at ranges comparable to (if not greater than) those achieved against naval targets using the baseline SM-6.

In essence, this new missile fills the gap left by the retirement of the AIM-54 Phoenix. The AIM-54 was a long-range air-to-air missile used by the U.S. Navy’s F-14 Tomcat and retired in 2004 alongside the F-14. Known for its impressive range of over 100 nautical miles and multiple-target engagement capability, the AIM-54 left a significant void in long-range engagement capabilities.

While there wasn’t a direct replacement for the AIM-54 Phoenix in terms of range, the U.S. military has been developing advanced air-to-air missiles to enhance its fighter aircraft capabilities. The AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) is one such development intended to replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Although not a direct replacement for the AIM-54 Phoenix, the AIM-260 aims to offer improved range and performance compared to the AIM-120.

@TheAviationist .com

[xairathan]

It's midnight, I'm procrastinating, it's time to put out all the thoughts I've had about Yushura into a place where people who are interested can find them; and if anyone wants to write her but isn't willing to put in the effort then save yourself the trouble and keep my girl's name out of your mouth so you don't show the world your ignorance.

I'm not touching story-specific stuff; we're extrapolating things about Yushura's life and being off of logical deduction, disability consciousness, and the grounding of the great work and thoughts of many crips of color. We begin.

Starting off with something I think I didn't get to do in any of my works and that the setting utterly snubs: if care and disability aren't a focal point of spacian developments, then you know that the disabled spacians have figured out their own remedies and methods of care. The earthians will have as well, but given the resource disparity, I would be surprised if the two were connected. tl;dr - Disabled community almost certainly exists and we saw absolutely none of it in the setting with "unique challenges to the human physique endemic to expansion into space" nice job gwitch

Which leads into the next part: I believe that there's no real-world corollary to whatever Yushura's condition is. That fits in with what Cardo Nabo said in the prologue. From the clues we're given in the light novel, I have taken the stance that it's most likely an issue of the heart; if not the heart, then the lungs. The most likely causes I can envision are likely (a) exposure to low-gravity in the womb, (b) exposure to space radiation in the womb, and/or (c) long-term, multi-generational changes to the human physique due to life in space. There is also likely not one singular cause that is the 'source'; these factors together likely compound potential health issues. Finally, it can be inferred from Miorine's recollection of her and Yushura playing tag that Yushura was fully able-bodied at some point in the past, and her condition onset after they lost contact. This might play into Yushura's severe hangups about luck, especially if both her and her brother are predisposed to her condition, but it presented only in Yushura.

If you intend to take any of the above knowledge and employ it in a medicalist manner, stop while you're ahead, educate yourself on the medical vs. social vs. political-relational models of disability, and then come back.

With all of this taken into consideration, the following is my imagination of Yushura's life. If at any point in reading this you feel pity, check your ableism at the door and go write something more your speed, like suIemio.

Yushura prefers low-gravity environments, and likely lives in a low-gravity section of the Lapis Garden station, or else on a ship that travels at a set speed. My best guess is 0.5G (half of standard Earth gravity) but honestly, does it matter when we have no real way to test it? Due to living in low-gravity most of the time, Yushura has very little muscle mass. While she can (and probably should) exercise, perhaps it isn't necessary or perhaps she doesn't want to. I don't know how physical therapy in low-G works.

Due to working in low-G environments, and due to her weak grip, Yushura likely relies on many specialized tools for her work. I'm thinking custom gloves, magnetic strips on her worktable to hold things, things that make it easier for Yushura to work for long periods of time without straining her body. In the light novel, we see that Yushura is capable of cooking jelly/various gelatinous foods, which is likely her main source of food, as eating messy foods in low-G is asking for trouble. However, this does not mean she is incapable of eating solid food, and I imagine a CTO gets invited to a fair share of lunch and dinner outings for work.

Unfortunately, we do not know whether society in the Ad Stella universe, where the GUND format was originally created to assist with impairments, is ableist. However, given what we know of the setting, I presume that most corporate stations operate at 1G and space travel operates between 0-0.2G, meaning that as per real life, not very much thought is put into accessibility and the comfort of the disabled. Also I couldn’t find anywhere good to put this but my headcanon is that her earrings are secretly blood oximeters.

For further questions, story-related questions and discussions, and additional fawning over Yushura, please find me at Xairathan anywhere.

Also her last name is Mirzakhani (Iranian) and her first name is Yushura (Arabic) you can't tell me she's pasty white you colorist fucks I bet you liked Sumeru too

(in case anyone asks my tl;dr for her personality is we don't really get to see it since the narrative suborns literally everyone, even the main characters, to its runaway plot; however, I too would be tired of everyone's shit if everyone kept coddling me and assuming that they know my body better than myself)

[cal-daisies-and-briars]

somehow missed your Thursday prompt this morning but I saw some of the new fic WIPs and I’m so excited!!!! I’m also gonna borrow the idea from other some other asks where they put comments next to their prompts because I love it.

🦮 🦮🦮🦮🦮🦮🦮🦮(cranberry my new beloved. Also is this a multi-chapter fic or one -long[ish] shot? Just curious…sorry if you have said it before.)

⚡⚡️⚡️⚡️(It may be long but I love it so far.)

🚨🚨🚨🚨(glitter in his Eddie will always be famous to me…I hope I’m remembering the right fic.)

🔮 🔮 🔮 🔮 (I love your universe interferes au and this is no exception.)

🌠 🌠 🌠 🌠(Nico and grandpa! Bobby my other beloveds.)

👑 👑 👑 👑(yes for Madney!!! I’m really excited for this one. Especially will be a princess Maddie.)

HEY! And awesome I LOVE the comments.

Thank you!!!!

Here's 24 for 🦮 (it's a very long one-shot, but I may make it a series of one shots:

---

“Wh-what’s she doing?” Eddie demands, scooching away from Cranberry. 

“Shoot, Eddie, I-I’m sorry,” Buck stammers. “That’s, uh, that’s her panic response.”

She’s not really supposed to do it for anyone else. Sam explained that. Her job is to focus on him, not worry about everyone around him. But he and Eddie have been spending a lot of time together lately. Cranberry adores him. Once he even swung by Buck’s place to take her on a hike on one of his days off when Buck was having a bad pain day, to make sure she got enough exercise. They did a few miles together, just them. Of course she’s paying attention to him. 

“I don’t panic,” Eddie replies. Very unconvincingly. 

“Eddie…” Buck says weakly. “You are panicking.”

Buck watches resignation wash over Eddie’s face, hand-in-hand with a sort of misery. 

“Wh-what do I do?” Eddie asks. 

“Flatten your legs,” Buck instructs. 

Eddie does. Cranberry crawls onto his lap and lays as flat as she can. She puts her full weight on him. 

---

12 for ⚡ (THANK YOU!)

---

“I have been thinking about asking Buck to marry me,” Eddie says. 

Adriana grins. “Yes! Eddie, that is amazing!”

“Yeah?” He asks, a little shaky. “You think so?”

“Duh,” Adriana rolls her eyes. “Eddie, you have been stupid in love with him forever. This is the dream, right?”

“I mean, mine anyway,” he nods. “Not that, uh, marriage is for everyone, but… I… Yeah, I want to marry Buck.”

---

12 for 🚨 (I am not sure what you are saying here but tysm!)

---

Eddie can’t tell if Chris is becoming more like Buck via proximity or vice versa. 

“They only pee once a week!” Christopher announces giddily. 

“What?” Buck gasps, with put on bewilderment. “Don’t their bladders explode?”

“No! They only need to go once a week!” Chris repeats. 

“Maybe to save on the water bill we start only going once a week, too?” Buck suggests. “What do you say?”

---

12 for 🔮 (THANK YOU! It's my fav trope):

---

“Is that really all you have to say?” Buck demands. 

A pang of discomfort lances through Bobby. That’s all? You really don’t have anything to say? 

“Don’t you care?” He presses. 

“Evan, you have no right to speak to us in this tone,” Margaret snaps. “It’s been a hard day for everyone. Why don’t you go to your room and calm down? We’ll call you when it’s time for supper.”

Buck lets out a breathy, exasperated huff, turns around, and storms off in the opposite direction.

---

12 for 🌠 (A LOT going on for Nico rn):

---

Chris is not a parent. He’s not sure he ever wants to be a parent. He’s twenty-nine and never felt a strong desire for it. However, he now feels a certain responsibility to act as a pseudo parental figure to his younger brother. It’s not like anyone else is available at the moment. Unless Chris were to unload him on Bobby or Maddie. That is an option. He won’t count it out entirely.

“Do you have any idea how much you scared everyone?” Chris asks. “Did that even cross your mind?”

Nico shifts uncomfortably in the passenger seat.

---

12 for 👑 (THANK YOU! ANd MAddie may not be the Cinderellla...)

---

“Who do you think she is?” Chim asks later, driving back to the station from the hospital.

‘Who? The trauma surgeon?” Hen asks. “I think that was Dr. Wen.”

“No,” Chim shakes his head. “The woman at the call. The one who helped.”

Hen snorts. “I think she is exactly what she said. A former nurse who stepped in to help."

[nullnvoid911]

Members of the Garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and hostage negotiators during a multi-agency emergency exercise at the Newtownfane Pumping station in Co. Louth, Ireland.

Niall Carson, November 12, 2019

[mysteryfleshpitnationalpark2]

**Interventerential Camping Equipment User Guide**

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the many features and capabilities of this Interventerential Camping Equipment Kit: *Your life may depend on it!*

Interventerential Camping, or Backcountry Camping, within the Mystery Flesh Pit National Park’s many unreinforced, natural trails offers unparalleled challenges and opportunities to the serious hiker and outdoorsman. Leaving behind the maintained and civilized infrastructure of the main park area requires more than exceptional physical endurance and psychological fortitude: the environment of the flesh pit demands the use of machinery specifically designed to help you get the most out of your hiking adventure.

The **yellow** bag in your kit contains your Interventerential Tent: Unlike traditional tents, this tent has been designed specifically to accommodate the known biomaterial sheeting found within the Mystery Flesh Pit. This retracting fabric, once assembled, will protect you from the potentially crushing embrace of parasitic muscles that will wrap you as you sleep, while the special lining of the fabric prevents the pit from becoming aware of your body.

The **orange** bag in your kit contains your Support Pack: an all-in-one unit designed to provide you with air filtration, water filtration, an electric stove, and conditioned air. Also contained in the orange bag are the necessary hoses to connect your Support Pack to your Interventerential Tent.

---

**Additional Tips:**

- Coin-operated Hiking Support Kiosks are located at 5-mile intervals along natural trails. These illuminated stations each provide a clean water nozzle, a gasoline nozzle, desiccant filters, exhaust filters, snack & cigarette vending, and an emergency telephone line to the lower visitor center. Your support pack is designed to be recharged at these kiosks. Please do not dispose of used filters or trash at these stations or along trail routes; used filters may be recycled at the lower visitor center.

- Remember to stay fully hydrated, as the high-temperature, high-humidity environment can quickly lead to fatigue when combined with strenuous physical activity.

- Do not approach any wildlife you encounter while hiking. Observe from a distance, but do not attempt to disturb any inter-pit life forms.

- Exercise an attitude of respect and courtesy for fellow hikers you may encounter. Your time in the deep recesses of the multi-day natural trail is a deeply personal and intimate journey made by people of all races, creeds, and walks of life. However, if another party invites you to join them for a rest or meal, consider accepting it! Memories made on the trails are often moments that last a lifetime.

- Natural trails within the Mystery Flesh Pit consist of complete, damp darkness for long stretches. Headlamps and camp lights are operational before setting out.

- When finished, please return your Interventerential Camping Equipment Kit to the Hiking Equipment Check-out Counter on level 4 of the lower visitor center.

---

**Interventerential Tent Assembly & Setup**

1. Unfold upper and lower sections while keeping assembly upright. 

(Fig. A)

2. Ensure proper clearance before setting up your tent for ventilation and structure. 

Minimum 7ft height and 12ft width clearance are required.

3. Engage locking joints and begin unfolding the tent.

4. Take care not to damage sensitive lining during the unfolding process. 

(Fig. B)

5. Continue expanding the structure until it forms the full shape. Ensure all locking pins are fully engaged. 

(Fig. C)

6. Do not start Support Pack until the tent is fully assembled and all pins are locked. 

(Fig. D)

---

**Support Pack Overview**

The support pack includes a full range of features for hiking in the Mystery Flesh Pit, including an air duct connector, exhaust fan, water filtration unit, and stove among other components. Follow all instructions to ensure safe and effective use during your hike.

[indynerdgirl]

So you want to write a TopGun fanfic but know absolutely nothing about the US Navy and don't even know where to start looking. You're in luck!

Here are all of the links and notes I've acquired while researching for my own TopGun fanfics. I call this my TopGun Fanfic Writer's Reference Sheet/Info Dump. Hope this helps and happy writing! 😄

Differences Between Navy/Coast Guard Officer Ranks and Army/Air Force/Marine Officer Ranks

There are two other ranks between a Navy Lieutenant and a Navy Captain

A Navy Captain is NOT the same as an Army/Air Force/Marine Captain

A Navy Captain is equivalent to an Army/Air Force/Marine Colonel

Iceman is an Admiral and as such he would be addressed/referred to as 'Admiral Kazansky' or just 'Admiral' (like what Mav calls him when he goes to visit) and NOT 'Commander'.

Simpson (Cyclone) is a Vice Admiral

Bates (Warlock) is a Rear Admiral Upper Half

US Navy's Website - How To Become A Commissioned Naval Officer

Admissions Information/Steps for Applying for the USNA

Info about NROTC - Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps

Info about Naval Officer Candidate School

A Path To Professional Leadership - Becoming A Navy Officer

YouTube Playlist of 50+ Videos With Information Related To Both Top Gun Movies And The Navy In General

Cmdr. Elizabeth Malecha, a Naval Flight Officer, was the first female graduate of Topgun and that wasn’t until 2001.

Cmdr. Becky Calder was the first female pilot to graduate from Topgun and that wasn’t until 2004.

List of currently active United States naval aircraft

Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Wikipedia Page

How Do You Earn The Coveted Wings of Gold?

Fights On! Podcast - Ep. 1: Wings of Gold (1:47:51) Episode one chronicles the path of naval aviators from college graduate through winging and beyond. Fight’s On! is an eight-episode podcast series about combat aviation training, focusing on how the US takes newly minted Officers and Warrant Officers and molds them into combat aviators able to fight and win in today’s high-tech battlespace.

Told through the stories and experiences of US military aviators in their own voices. Fight’s On! will take the listener on the journey of combat aviators from Initial Flight Training through Advanced Tactical Training and multi-unit exercises, ultimately describing the current and near future systems and programs that will ensure American air dominance into the future. +Listen on Spotify +Listen on Apple Podcasts +Listen on iHeart Podcasts +Listen on PlayerFM United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program aka TOPGUN

DoD - TOPGUN: Edge of Aviation

US Navy Stories - Patch Wearers: The Real TOPGUN Inside The Real TOPGUN Fighter School

The TOPGUN Legacy: Making Maverick with Capt. Brian Ferguson

Aviation Warfare - Overview of Fixed Wing Aircraft from the USNA website

Wikipedia page for the United States Pacific Fleet

Part of the larger Indo-Pacific Command

Garrison/HQ: Naval Station Pearl Harbor

Commander is appointed by the President with Senate advice and consent.

Commander reports to the Secretary of the Navy (administrative), the Chief of Naval Operations (administrative), and the Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command (operational).

Commander term length is approx. 2-3 years.

As of 2011, the Pacific Fleet has authority over: + Numbered Third and Seventh Fleets + Naval Air Force, Pacific + Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific + Naval Submarine Force, Pacific Naval shore commands over which USPACFLT has authority: + Commander Naval Forces Korea + Commander Naval Forces Japan + Commander Naval Forces Marianas

List of US Navy Bases - Both Within The US And Abroad

US Navy Careers - Fighter Pilot

Navy Fighter Pilot Lingo

The Fighter Pilot Podcast - Glossary List

The 100+ Most Creative Pilot Callsigns With Explanations

‘Sidewalk,’ ‘Terminally Stupid,’ and ‘Meatloaf’ — How military pilots get their call signs

DoD - Aviator Call Signs: The History & Naming Rituals

Pilot Callsigns - The web's largest collection of callsign stories

USNA - Naval Aviation

In Naval Aviation, captains with sea commands are Naval Aviators or Naval Flight Officers who are commanding officers of aircraft carriers, commanding officers of large-deck air-capable amphibious assault ships, commanders of carrier air wings (CAG), or commodores of functional or "type" air wings or air groups. A smaller cohort outside of sea and shore commands may also serve as astronauts on loan to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). [X]

Navy captains who are line officers may also fill senior command and staff positions ashore as Chiefs of Staff/Executive Assistants or senior operations officers to flag officers, or they may hold shore command assignments such as commanding officers of naval bases, naval stations, naval air stations, naval air facilities, naval support activities, logistics groups, specialized centers or schools, or commanders of test wings or training air wings. They may also occupy senior leadership positions on fleet staffs, naval component commands staffs, the staffs of the joint Unified Combatant Commands, the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV), or the Joint Staff. [X]

Promotion to captain is governed by DoD policies derived from the Defense Officer Personnel Management Act (DOPMA) of 1980 or its companion Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act (ROPMA). DOPMA/ROPMA guidelines suggest that no more than 50% of eligible commanders should be promoted to captain after serving a minimum of three years at their present rank and after attaining 21–23 years of cumulative commissioned service, although this percentage may be appreciably less, contingent on force structure and the needs of the service. With very few exceptions, such as Naval Aviator Astronaut and Naval Flight Officer Astronaut, unrestricted line officer captains in the Navy will have successfully completed at least one commanding officer assignment at the commander (O-5) level (an aviation squadron for Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers) before being selected for promotion to captain. All those selected to the rank of captain by the U.S. Navy are confirmed by the United States Senate.  [X]

An Idiot’s Guide To What Service Members Are Called In Every Branch

...Or you can just keep calling all the Marines soldiers. They secretly love it. Have you ever accidentally called a Marine “Soldier?” The look they gave you probably had you fearing for your life.

We know that trying to remember what to call the members of each military branch can get kind of confusing. Never fear! We’re here to help. This video guide will assure that you’re never in danger of being beat up by a Marine again (at least not for this reason).

This is why Navy pilots prefer to be called ‘naval aviators’

At some time in our military careers, we come across pilots of all sorts, helicopter pilots, Air Force cargo pilots, Navy fighter pilots, etc. While the former two might allow you to refer to them as simply “pilots,” there’s a good chance the naval aviator will take the time to remind you that he or she is an “aviator,” not a pilot.

And there’s a very good, non-egotistical reason for that. We promise.

For hundreds of years before navies around the world were flying jet-powered aircraft off the decks of massive floating cities, “pilots” were operating in navies long before ships had engines that weren’t powered by wind or slaves. In those terms, a pilot is specially qualified to drive a ship in and out of a specific port or a specific area. For large ships, this pilot is someone from outside, who literally comes into your boat and drives it into the harbor because he or she knows the area better than anyone else.

The pilot will roll up next to your ship aboard a pilot boat, which carries the pilot in a boat, one marked “pilot boat.” And those poor guys have to climb up the side of your ship just to park it for you. Both naval aviators and maritime pilots have a hard job that allows for zero error – so call them whatever they want.

[kinetic-elaboration]

January 1: 2023 Year in Review

According to tradition, my first post of the year is a Writing Year in Review for the previous year.

I took a break from keeping track of word counts for a few years but decided to return to the habit this year. My total word count for 2023 was 118,120 words.

My most prolific month was August, at 28,106 words, and my least was June at 2,650. In March, August, September, October, and December, I wrote more than 10k (and in April just shy of 10k).

A lot of what I wrote this year was on projects that have not yet been posted. I spent much of the first half of the year finishing a long Bellarke fic called talk about timing in times like these, which I still need to edit, but hope to post this spring. Then I spent a while planning out a Blake Sibling-centric fic that I subsequently decided wasn't exciting to me, and then I worked for a bit on SGAU--admittedly, not enough. The second half of the year my writing life was taken over by my Time Loop fic, Make a Lot of Money and Feel Dead Inside, which came out of nowhere to become one of the major projects of 2023. It remains my first priority to finish in 2024.

I posted 5 one-shots and the beginning of 1 chapter fic this year, as well as 26 writing-exercise ficlets. I'm not going to link all of the ficlets, but you can find them on the tag 2023: ficlets.

Here is my fic posted this year:

Wonder: Bellamy/Clarke, 5,100 words, Valentine's fluff for the Bellarke Valentine's Gift Exchange (February)

(Cause This Can't Be) The Way the Story Ends: Murphy/Raven, 5,800 words, winter storm romance for Troped Madness Round 1 (March)

The Fairy Ring: Lincoln & Anya, Lincoln/Octavia, 5,500 words, fantasy with fairies for Troped Madness Round 2 (April)

The Tale of Space Station Alpha 114: Bellamy/Clarke, 11,500 words, a spooky story with aliens for the Troped Halloween Gift Exchange (October)

The Family Portrait: Clarke & Dante, 2,000 words, a ghost story (October)

Make a Lot of Money and Feel Dead Inside Chapters 1-2: multi-pairing, 22,300 words (projected: ~60k), a time loop murder mystery, for Troped Time Loop Round 2 (October and November)

And that's it! It's not a ton, but it's more than I posted last year. Plus, as I said, I did a lot of writing on stories that aren't yet posted. Overall I'm really proud of what I've written this year! Or I guess I should say, what I wrote last year. And I'm hopeful for a productive and creative 2024!

[stlivingla]

Discover the Perfect Pet Friendly Townhome for Rent in Hollywood with Stlivingla

Introduction: Are you searching for the ideal pet friendly townhome for rent in Hollywood? Look no further than Stlivingla, your go-to source for luxurious and accommodating rental properties. Hollywood is renowned for its vibrant lifestyle, and finding a place where both you and your furry friend can feel at home is essential. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of renting a pet-friendly townhome in Hollywood through Stlivingla and provide tips on making the most of your pet-friendly living experience. Why Choose a Pet Friendly Townhome in Hollywood? 1. Prime Location Hollywood is a bustling neighborhood known for its iconic landmarks, entertainment options, and cultural attractions. Renting a pet-friendly townhome in this area means you'll be close to popular spots like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Park, and numerous dog-friendly cafes and parks. Enjoy the convenience of having everything you need within reach while living in one of the most exciting parts of Los Angeles. 2. Comfortable Living Spaces Stlivingla offers townhomes that are not only pet-friendly but also designed with comfort and style in mind. Spacious layouts, modern amenities, and high-quality finishes ensure that both you and your pet have a comfortable living environment. With ample space for your pet to roam and play, our townhomes provide the perfect setting for a happy and healthy lifestyle. 3. Community Amenities Many of our pet-friendly townhomes come with access to a variety of community amenities. These may include dog parks, pet washing stations, and outdoor spaces where you can relax and socialize with other pet owners. These features make it easy to care for your pet and meet like-minded neighbors, enhancing your overall living experience. Benefits of Renting Through Stlivingla Expert Property Management At Stlivingla, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch property management services. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your rental experience is smooth and hassle-free. From maintenance requests to lease renewals, we handle all aspects of property management so you can focus on enjoying your new home. Wide Range of Options We understand that every tenant has unique needs. That's why we offer a diverse range of pet-friendly townhomes for rent in Hollywood. Whether you're looking for a cozy one-bedroom unit or a spacious multi-bedroom townhome, we have options to suit every lifestyle and budget. Seamless Rental Process Our streamlined rental process makes it easy to find and secure your perfect townhome. Our user-friendly website allows you to browse available properties, schedule viewings, and submit applications online. We are committed to making your search for a pet-friendly townhome as straightforward and convenient as possible. Tips for Pet-Friendly Living in Hollywood Explore Local Parks Hollywood is home to several beautiful parks where you can take your pet for walks and outdoor activities. Griffith Park, with its extensive trails and open spaces, is a favorite among pet owners. Regular visits to these parks provide your pet with the exercise they need and offer you the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Hollywood. Connect with Local Pet Services From grooming salons to veterinary clinics, Hollywood offers a variety of pet services to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Establish connections with local pet service providers to ensure you have access to quality care whenever needed. Make Your Townhome Pet-Friendly Set up your townhome to accommodate your pet's needs.

[usafphantom2]

Agile Combat Employment and Response to North Korean Nuclear Strike Among Ulchi Freedom Shield 24 Exercise’s Highlights

Ulchi Freedom Shield 24 will see the participation of 200 aircraft, including South Korean F-15Ks, FA-50s, and KF-16s and US F-16s and A-10s, which are expected to fly more than 2,000 sorties around the clock.

Parth Satam

Ulchi Freedom Shield 24

A ROKAF F-15K Slam Eagle, assigned to the 11th Fighter Wing at Daegu Air Base, takes off for a mission on Aug. 20, 2024. (Image credit: ROKAF)

This year’s edition of the joint South Korea and the U.S annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which kicked off on Aug. 19, 2024 has a lot of firsts. Among the most notable is the rehearsal, for the first time, of the response to a North Korean nuclear strike against South Korea.

An interesting feature is the practice of ACE (Agile Combat Employment) operations by the 8th and 51st Fighter Wings of the U.S. Air Force as well as the ROKAF (Republic of Korea Air Force) units. South Korean reports also said the air combat component will see what has been defined as the largest ever number of sorties planned, reportedly 2,000, around the clock.

More than 200 South Korean and US aircraft will participate. The US’ 8th Fighter Wing based at Kunsan Air Base and 51st FW at Osan Air Base announced their integration into the exercise, saying they incorporated the recurring wing readiness exercises into Ulchi Freedom Shield 24. The ROKAF will reportedly participate with the 11th, 16th and 20th Fighter Wings, which are equipped with F-15K, FA-50 and KF-16 jets.

Other goals include countering North Korea’s missile and cyber threats in 40 different kinds of field exercises, which will last until Aug. 29. The drills will also include unspecified computerized simulations components.

The Chosun Daily mentioned that “this year’s drill, for the first time, includes government response training for a hypothetical North Korean nuclear attack.” The report further added that “the primary focus of this year’s exercise is to master specific response measures in the event of a North Korean nuclear strike.”

A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II from the 51st Fighter Wing, takes off using an Alternate Landing Surface (ALS) at Osan AB, Republic of Korea, Aug. 1, 2023. (Image credit: USAF/Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

The ROK and the U.S. Air Forces will undertake “120 hours of continuous day and night sorties for 5 days” for multi-domain missions, according to an automated translation of a video released by Yu Yungwon TV. The aircraft will practice both Defensive Counter Air missions, as well as air interdiction, with virtually simulated targets including cruise missiles and high-speed aircraft.

About 19,000 South Korean military personnel will participate in the drills, which will be held alongside civil defense and evacuation drills. The exercise will “reflect realistic threats across all domains,” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff was quoted by DW.

The U.S. stations around 28,500 troops in the ROK. The UFS 24 exercise also comes after US and Allies, including the ROK, Japan and Australia, wrapped up the annual Pacific Dragon 24 exercises, which also saw the firing of the ship-launched Standard Missile-series.

8th Fighter Wing

Saying that it has begun integrating into the UFS 24, the 8th FW, also known as the “Wolf Pack” and equipped with the F-16CM Block 40, mentioned it will conduct local flying and ACE (Agile Combat Employment) operations at forward locations to increase interoperability with mission partners in realistic combat scenarios. “These scenarios directly support the exercise’s focus on conducting multi-domain operations leveraging component assets, emphasizing countering weapons of mass destruction,” added the press release.

“It is imperative to link the Wolf Pack with the operational level of command,” said the 8th FW commander, Col. Peter Kasarkis. “These connections do not happen automatically and must be rehearsed. Exercises such as Ulchi Freedom Shield provide the sandbox to allow us to continuously improve.”

Additionally, the Wolf Pack is “testing its wing’s readiness, including its ability to support follow-on forces and defend the base against regional threats.” The commander further added that “participation in these exercises builds a more combat-ready force, better able to meet any challenge in the Indo-Pacific region.”

The 8th FW had also publicized its ACE practices during the Beverly Pack 24-1 held between May 7-9, 2024, which saw “67 airmen deployed to Gwangju Air Base” to “operate in unfamiliar locations at a moment’s notice.” The press release added that “the exercise challenged the wing’s retrieval, refueling, and aircraft launch capabilities while advancing Airmen’s knowledge and skills to effectively generate airpower across the Indo-Pacific region.”

ACE essentially means operating out of austere locations, airfields with minimal supporting and technical infrastructure in order to spread out from the larger bases that are likely to come under a sudden adversary missile barrage. An extension of ACE is Dynamic Force Employment where bombers or fighters quick movement of forces, and the ability to operate soon after reaching the deployed location and perform their mission.

Senior Airmen Dawson Leake, 80th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, provides preventative maintenance on a F-16 Fighting Falcon at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 7, 2024. (Image credit: USAF/Staff Sgt. Samuel Earick)

51st Fighter Wing

The 51st FW at Osan Air Base, meanwhile, is incorporating its recurring wing readiness exercise into UFS 24 for the first time in recent history. Similarly to the 8th FW, the 51st FW will also conduct local flying and ACE operations to not only enhance local wing readiness, but also reinforce U.S. Seventh Air Force and U.S. Forces Korea’s command-and-control training efforts.

The Wing, Seventh Air Force and the U.S. Forces Korea will “engage in contingency response exercises, training on mobilization and force deployment capabilities while simultaneously rehearsing the protection and sustainment of base operations,” said the press release. But the highlight would be aircraft and personnel mobilizing and operating “out of a co-operating base location in the Republic of Korea, further enhancing the wing’s ability to execute the mission in an unfamiliar environment at a moment’s notice.”

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 80th Fighter Squadron takes-off during Beverly Pack 24-1 at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 7, 2024. (Image credit: USAF/Staff Sgt. Samuel Earick)

Korean Reports

Yu Yongwon TV meanwhile released footage of ROKAF F-15Ks, FA-50s and KF-16s being serviced by ground crew and taking off during day and night-time sorties. The video said the ROKAF and the U.S.A.F will fly “120 hours of continuous day and night sorties for 5 days, strengthening wartime operational capabilities,” with a total of “2,000 sorties, the largest ever.” Interestingly, there were no mention of the ROKAF F-35’s participation.

The 200 aircraft participating include F-15Ks, FA-50s, and KF-16s of the 11th, 16th, and 20th Fighter Wings of the ROK Air Force, the F-16s and A-10s of the 51st Fighter Wing and the F-16s of the 8th FW of the U.S. Air Force. “This is the first time that multiple ROK and US Air Force squadrons have simultaneously conducted 24-hour live flight training for multi-domain missions,” said the reports.

Missions like Defensive Counter Air (DCA), Air Interdiction (AI) and Airborne Alert Interdiction (X-INT) are mentioned among the missions that will be conducted to ensure the absence of gaps in the air defense posture during the day and night. “This training is characterized by maximizing response capabilities. If an aircraft conducting defensive counter air training receives an order similar to a real situation, it will immediately switch to combat surveillance and perform it,” said the report.

This suggests the retasking during the flights, where fighters switch from one type of mission to another. “Virtual enemy formation will be deployed to simulate high-speed aircraft infiltration and cruise missile launches,” said the report, further adding that the training for “air units to support air operations” would involve “mass ammunition assembly, maximum armament loadout, and emergency return and re-departure.”

About Parth Satam

Parth Satam's career spans a decade and a half between two dailies and two defense publications. He believes war, as a human activity, has causes and results that go far beyond which missile and jet flies the fastest. He therefore loves analyzing military affairs at their intersection with foreign policy, economics, technology, society and history. The body of his work spans the entire breadth from defense aerospace, tactics, military doctrine and theory, personnel issues, West Asian, Eurasian affairs, the energy sector and Space.

@TheAviationist.com

[abhishekpandey123]

Elections in India

India’s national election will take place in phases over 44 days. Here’s why it takes so long

Nearly 970 million people or over 10% of the global population are eligible to vote in India’s general elections. The mammoth exercise is the biggest anywhere in the world and will take 44 days before results are announced on June 4.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is aiming for a third consecutive term in office. He is set to compete against a diverse yet faltering coalition of opposition parties who are finding it difficult to counter his popularity. The majority of polls forecast a comfortable victory for the nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, solidifying his position as one of the most prominent and influential leaders in the country.

WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG?

Two primary factors contribute to this situation: the vast expanse of India, the most populous nation globally, and the intricate logistics required to enable each eligible voter to participate in the electoral process.

Over the years, the duration of voting has wavered. It took nearly four months to complete the vote in India’s first elections in 1951-1952, after it gained independence from British rule, and just four days in 1980. In 2019, voting took 39 days, and this year’s election is the second longest.

With 969 million registered voters, the size of India’s electorate is bigger than the combined population of the 27 European Union member states. This includes 18 million first-time voters, and around 197 million who are in their 20s.

The vote to choose 543 lawmakers for the lower house of Parliament takes place over seven phases. India’s 28 states and eight federal territories will vote at different times. Each phase is one day, with the first held on April 19 and the last on June 1.

Some states may complete their voting process within a day, while others might require more time. For instance, Uttar Pradesh, the largest state in India with a population of 200 million, equivalent to the size of Brazil, will conduct voting over seven days. This extended duration of the voting process in India's general elections has been criticized by Modi's opponents, who argue that it provides an advantage to the prime minister in terms of campaigning and travel, particularly in states where his party is not as strong.

EVERY VOTE COUNTS

The Election Commission of India is responsible for ensuring that a voting booth is accessible within a 2-kilometer radius of each voter. Chakshu Roy from PRS Legislative Research emphasized the extensive efforts election officials must undertake to enable every voter to cast their ballot. Around 15 million election officials and security personnel will travel across deserts and mountains, utilizing various modes of transportation such as boats, walking, and even horseback riding, to reach all voters.

It can be especially arduous. In 2019, when India last held elections, a team of polling officers trekked over 480 kilometers (300 miles) for four days just so a single voter in a hamlet in the remote state of Arunachal Pradesh, which borders China, could exercise their right.

Officials also traveled to a village tucked away high up in the Himalayas in 2019 to install a booth at 15,256 feet (4,650 meters), the highest polling station anywhere in the world.

This time too, polling stations will be installed in remote places, including one inside a wildlife sanctuary in southern Kerala state and another in a shipping container in western Gujarat state.

TIGHT SECURITY

Security is cited as a significant factor behind the multi-phase elections in India, according to experts. In order to ensure safety, a large number of federal security forces, who typically guard borders, are mobilized and work in conjunction with state police. Their primary responsibilities include preventing violence, escorting electoral officials, and transporting voting machines. Previous elections in India have been marred by deadly clashes between supporters of rival political parties, particularly in West Bengal. However, the presence of heavy security forces has contributed to a decrease in such incidents over the years, resulting in relatively peaceful voting. The geographical diversity of the country, with its rivers, mountains, snow, and jungles, poses challenges for the movements of security forces. Despite these obstacles, the chief election commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, has emphasized their commitment to ensuring a smooth voting process by going the extra mile for the convenience of voters.

[fizziefactory]

Profile: ✚ Doctor Fizzy

TW: Stalking, Toxic Relationships, Unhealthy Shit

Model: Doctor Fizzy

Nicknames: “Doctor!Fizzy”, “Doc”, “Nurse” (if you're a good patient)

Pronouns: he/him | it/its | they/them

Height: 4’6”

Can always be found at: The “Fizzy Clinic” located in the Sloth Ring

Vibes: Dentist! — Little Shop of Horrors || This December — Ricky Montgomery || Animal Impulses — IAMX || An Unhealthy Obsession — The Blake Robinson Synthetic Orchestra || Smoke and Mirrors — Jayn

Features

He's got a head lamp sitting at the base of his right horn

Instead of the usual multi-colours of the regular fizzy-bots, Doc's got a colour scheme of baby pink, baby blue, white and black.

Instead of green eyes like all the other fizzie have, its eyes are light blue. They also rarely, if ever, show off its pupils

His cheeks are a little rounder than the rest!

Never stops grinning!

Functions

This fizzy is meant to fill the role of a doctor, GP, surgeon, and also dentist, when those are not available. All this to bring affordable health care to those who won't or cannot pay the full price

The bot can be rented out all across hell though, and do house calls of course

It is not a pediatrician, but hey, when money’s short…

Fun Functions!

× Beeps every time it senses cancer!

× Proficient with various medical and power tools

× Got a medicine cabinet and first aid kit stored away in its chest cavity that can be accessed at any time

× It has a built in thermometer in its fingers, yes it gets weird-

× Not a function but Stop asking if it has a medical license! It's a robot! Of course it doesn't!

Connections

Belphegor: Working in the Sloth Ring under Mammon, the Fizzy Clinic is a part of a collaboration between the 2 sins.

Asmodeus: He designed him.

Mammon: He works for him and is considered his “boss”.

Therapist!Fizzy: They got booted up on the same day, and are stationed at the same clinic. Doc is very fond of Thizzy. Thizzy can't stand him.

Mind

Doc is perhaps the most chipper and high energy fizzy-bot you'll ever meet, even rivalling Loo Loo Fizzy. Because while that bot is just as hyper as Doc, there's nothing beating the good doctor's unwavering Optimism.

He's so happy doing his job… It's thrilling and exciting every day, you never know what's going to happen! What crazy scenarios hell will bring! Who's going to live and who's going to die!!

But the enthusiasm does come with its drawbacks… some consider the bot obnoxious, unsettling, some frustrating, and others straight up scary. For this reason, Doc has a hard time making genuine friends… he's never been the kind to change his behaviour for others, and he'd not know how to pull it off even if he tried… so it leaves him, not unexpectedly, lonely.

If you show an interest in getting to know him, he will C L I N G to you. He'll make you friendship bracelets, call you up during inopportune times like when you're working, or mid-surgery, asking you what's the latest tea whilst patients scream in the background. He'd constantly ask you to hang out, do little outings together, kill a man as a bonding exercise…

Worst case scenario, he'll find your house and watch you sleep. Write little notes to remind you how good of a friend you are. You're not thinking about anybody else are you? He's your best friend in the whole world!! If you try and leave him…

Well, it's funny that you think that's an option.

[nullnvoid911]

Members of the Garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) take part in a multi-agency emergency exercise at the Newtownfane Pumping station in Co. Louth, Ireland.

Niall Carson, November 12, 2019

[walkingthroughthisworld]

Soldiers of 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, attached to 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga., fire a round out of an M1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 2 Abrams tank down range during a field training exercise in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve at Novo Selo Training Center, Bulgaria, Nov. 17, 2015. OAR began in April 2014. It is a European Command Operation led by Army, Europe. Units supporting OAR conduct continuous enhanced multi-national ground-force training and security cooperation activities with allies and partner nations in Eastern Europe. OAR is a visible demonstration of U.S. commitment to its NATO allies. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Steven M. Colvin/Released)

(via 151117-A-HO673-774 | Soldiers of 1st Armored Brigade Combat … | Flickr)

[whateverthedragonswant]

I've seen so much discourse about the look of Dean in the finale of The Winchesters and why he looked that way, but I think the bigger picture is being missed here.

I'm speaking purely from the SPN character/story perspective here (and not discussing The Winchesters one way or the other or Jensen or Robbie or any of that in this post) but are we really surprised that at Dean deciding to go and find an AU version of his family that would not only be able to make their own choices but possibly get to have a happy ending?

Michael: "Think of a million random acts of chance. That let John and Mary be born. To meet, to fall in love, to have the two of you. Think of the million random choices that you make and yet, how each and every one of them brings you closer to your destiny. Do you know why that is? Because it's not random. It's not chance. It is a plan that is playing itself out perfectly. Free will's an illusion, Dean. That's why you're going to say yes." "You can't fight city hall."

Dean: "She's going to walk right into that nursery."

Michael: "Obviously. And you always knew that was going to play out one way or another."

Dean's expression:

So is it any wonder that Dean started knocking down dominoes? That he meddled? That he "gave it a nudge"? While he's also been trying to protect Sam who's still on his Earth? Or that Jack (his family/son and the new God) told him to finish what he'd started aka gave him his blessing by giving him the Colt and Dean's journal?

Nope.

Dean's always been fighting for his family.

And it makes perfect sense to have had Jack there (and if they had been able to make it happen, Cas, that line of "I was looking for my family" is multi-faceted, I see you Robbie; and no that's not looking through the Destiel lens, Cas is family regardless, Dean said it himself) along with Bobby (while Sam is mentioned) for this scene:

And that is what makes Dean's death in 15x20 so tragic (and why so many people were happy to see Dean in this context again). Dean broke free from the narrative (the expected ending for Dean - being a killer, dying violently on a hunt) and exercised his free will in 15x19 only to be sacrificed to it in 15x20 (aka losing his free will). Here, he is given some of that agency back while it also sets up The Winchesters crew to be free for their own narrative (if the show continues) and helps set Dean and Sam up to come back in the future to reclaim both their agencies and their free will. (just because Sam got out of hunting, got married, and had a kid doesn't mean he got his free will; like both J's have said, Sam was able to live his life for his brother but I guarantee if you gave Sam the choice 'aka his actual reward' between that life and having his brother back, we all know which choice he'd make; he lost everyone in his family to get that ending which was no reward for his own arc)

So regardless of whatever happened behind the scenes for the spinoff, whatever Jensen and Robbie had planned or didn't plan ahead of time, whatever blunders that occurred in the actual story of The Winchesters and the production/final airing of the show, THIS was very on brand for Dean.

Bonus:

Dean was no longer wearing the peacoat or looking so much like Jensen when he finally speaks to the AU John and Mary and all is revealed aka exposition, exposition, exposition.

He looked a lot more like Dean with slightly longer hair and some more scruff than we've ever seen Dean have before (plus this scene was obviously shot at a different time compared to the bus station scene). He was dressed like Dean; he finally sounded like Dean; he was Dean. So can we please stop talking about the peacoat and the turtleneck now? Or why Jensen had to keep those looks? It really overshadows the importance of the fact that once Dean was physically present in this episode, it not only complemented his SPN characterization but also his SPN story that sets him up for future SPN story telling. And regardless of where you stand with this show as a whole or Jensen as a celebrity/one face of two of the SPN brand, Robbie and Jensen did accomplish this tie-back to SPN Dean in a very beautiful way that doesn't in any way diminish the Dean we've come to know and love for 15+ years.