Army vs Navy 2022

To prep for this weekend, I've watched the previous CBS game teasers (leaky eyes) balanced out with the Rylan spirit video archives. Has anyone seen a 2022 Navy spirit video yet? There are a few Army videos circulating.

Interesting story on the parent FB page about a USMA '56 grad who instructed his children to return an arrow in his footlocker to USNA after he passed away. Years after his death the item was discovered and sent to the Brigade Commander last week. Likely a trophy from the Tecumseh statue taken during a 1953 Army/Navy prank.
 
This is my first game to see in person. Coming up with my family (DD is applying to USMA). Would you all recommend being in the stadium for the March On? I assume it is a must see but also saw that you cannot exit the stadium once you enter. Just looking for thoughts on the pre-game festivities. Thanks.
 
MD1 said:
This is my first game to see in person. Coming up with my family (DD is applying to USMA). Would you all recommend being in the stadium for the March On? I assume it is a must see but also saw that you cannot exit the stadium once you enter. Just looking for thoughts on the pre-game festivities. Thanks.
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In my personal opinion, March On is not a must see. It definitely is cool to see for the first time, however it is done three hours before kickoff (or it was at least when I was a MIDN). The stands were typically pretty empty when we did it. After that, we are sitting down and waiting, grabbing food, and jeering USMA for their weird choreography during their cheers. I think there is also an intramural competition before kickoff. However, I think the really cool festivities (that happen right before kickoff) are the game ball delivery and the prisoner exchange.

If POTUS comes, I also found the traditional walk to the other sideline to be cool. It is cool to see POTUS in the flesh and while the Army-Navy game is fun for all, it reminds you how important your job will be. From the players, to the bands, to the student sections, they will all be going down range to defend the nation, its values, and our way of life.
 
We always watched the march-on live. Yes, it happens long before kickoff. But there’s just something about seeing it in person that TV — whether real time or recorded — can’t capture. We’d pass the remaining time by finding DD and catching up, meeting her shipmates, checking the stadium’s various vantage points, getting something to eat. Obviously easier to do when it’s not frigid. But again, it was always worth it.
 
I’
Usnavy2019 said:
In my personal opinion, March On is not a must see. It definitely is cool to see for the first time, however it is done three hours before kickoff (or it was at least when I was a MIDN). The stands were typically pretty empty when we did it. After that, we are sitting down and waiting, grabbing food, and jeering USMA for their weird choreography during their cheers. I think there is also an intramural competition before kickoff. However, I think the really cool festivities (that happen right before kickoff) are the game ball delivery and the prisoner exchange.

If POTUS comes, I also found the traditional walk to the other sideline to be cool. It is cool to see POTUS in the flesh and while the Army-Navy game is fun for all, it reminds you how important your job will be. From the players, to the bands, to the student sections, they will all be going down range to defend the nation, its values, and our way of life.
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Curious, do you miss it? Marching on for Army Navy? Have you attended as a spectator? It is SO patriotic from the stands…has your perception of it changed as someone no longer on the field?
 
justdoit19 said:
Curious, do you miss it? Marching on for Army Navy? Have you attended as a spectator? It is SO patriotic from the stands…has your perception of it changed as someone no longer on the field?
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I know that you didn't ask me but I don't miss the march ons at all. I much prefer the ability to tailgate and mingle to the very early march on with
very little to actually do prior to the game starting.
 
MD1 said:
This is my first game to see in person. Coming up with my family (DD is applying to USMA). Would you all recommend being in the stadium for the March On? I assume it is a must see but also saw that you cannot exit the stadium once you enter. Just looking for thoughts on the pre-game festivities. Thanks.
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Your call on it as if your DD does get in you'll probably join the legions of parents who do go in and watch it. When I was a USNA parent, I did not go inside to watch but rather stayed out with my own teammates and classmates, some of whom also had children in the Brigade/Corps but were OK with waiting until closer to game time to enter the stadium.
 
justdoit19 said:
I’

Curious, do you miss it? Marching on for Army Navy? Have you attended as a spectator? It is SO patriotic from the stands…has your perception of it changed as someone no longer on the field?
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I don't miss going to Army-Navy as a MIDN since it's such a production (0400 wakeup... if not earlier, mass logistical movement, standing in a parking lot for 6 hours, marching on 3 hours early, having to spend money on food since $15 barley gets you anything in a stadium these days, getting back at 10 PM and having to study for exams, the cold weather, etc.). However, I did think it was cool seeing what it was like to be on an NFL field. The game itself was also a blast since it is always a good game (most discount regular season records as accurate performance predictors) and you know how special it is to the Academies, college football, and the Nation. I'd also say the rivalry has changed for me a bit too. Being on the other side of USNA, I have really made an effort to understand how each branch is necessary to provide an all-encompassing national defense posture. I cheer for all the Academies except when they play Navy. As a MIDN, I really cared about being the best Academy!

I have not gone as a spectator since I have been in flight school for the past 2.5 years (almost thru!). I'd like to make it back to a game someday, though! I think for most MIDN, Navy sports are something you gain an affinity for as an alumnus. I followed Men's Basketball's run to the Patriot League finals last year and I keep tabs on the football team. I feel like it is reading in school. Yes, the books are interesting, but the fact you don't have a choice makes it a chore sometimes. Overall though, I have always enjoyed watching Navy sports and I am hoping for a W this year!

I think my feelings are common amongst MIDN... the things that look the best on the outside aren't necessarily enjoyable to the Brigade. Ask any MIDN about Friday parades and you'd be hard pressed to find a MIDN who says they enjoy spending their Friday afternoon on Worden. Granted, there is a legitimate purpose for the Public Affairs aspect of USNA, however, I think MIDN get burnt out by the frequency and all the behind-the-scenes stuff. That said, I didn't mind normal march-ons for football games. The weather usually wasn't too bad, kickoff happens pretty quickly after, and the logistics are minimal (we just walk right in pretty much).
 
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Real question: how does this happen? What are the logistics? Whose airplanes? Pilots are Mids? And in this day and age, 3 planes dropping stuff from planes seems….alarming? So curious the more I think about it 🤔


www.eyeonannapolis.net

Elite Group of Navy Pilots Drops “Beat Army” Ping Pong Balls On Army’s West Point Campus

CMDR Alana Garas, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Naval Academy has confirmed that on December 5, 2022, at 11:59 am EST, midshipmen from the Class of 2023 successfully conducted an air…
www.eyeonannapolis.net www.eyeonannapolis.net
 
Five midshipmen led the three flight crews for the Piper PA-28 Cherokee Warriors, flying down the Hudson River Corridor to take a pass around Lady Liberty, then proceeding south, returning to the better service Academy along the Severn River. The mission was dubbed “Operation Black Knight Falling.” The Academy could not confirm how many ping pong balls were dropped and deemed it “classified.”
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Says mids did it. That's some serious planning. Getting flight plans approved in the NYC area is a big deal.

Pretty epic one for the books!
 
IronmanDaremo said:
Says mids did it. That's some serious planning. Getting flight plans approved in the NYC area is a big deal.

Pretty epic one for the books!
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I saw that. But wonder how?
 
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It looks like it might have been the Intercollegiate Flight Team. I was a member of the team as a MIDN and I recognize the aircraft that were used. The team would ferry our planes up to USMA every year for a competition (one of the events actually dropping a weight out of the plane for accuracy). We rented the planes from a Fixed Based Operator at a local airport. Even though they are civilian aircraft, they fall under USNA insurance since it is an official activity. There is a Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) around NYC that allows for low-flying aircraft. There are certain procedures and routing that are established and a training course one must go through to utilize the SFRA. Additionally, civilian aircraft are legally allowed to fly in formation if it is pre-planned. Nothing unusual from an Air Traffic Control (ATC) perspective. While long, flying from MD to NJ isn't an unusual flight plan, even for small aircraft. Additionally, if the aircraft were flying under visual flight rules, there is no requirement to file a flight plan or be under positive ATC control (unless flying in airspace requiring ATC communications).
 
Usnavy2019 said:
It looks like it might have been the Intercollegiate Flight Team. I was a member of the team as a MIDN and I recognize the aircraft that were used. The team would ferry our planes up to USMA every year for a competition (one of the events actually dropping a weight out of the plane for accuracy). We rented the planes from a Fixed Based Operator at a local airport. Even though they are civilian aircraft, they fall under USNA insurance since it is an official activity. There is a Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) around NYC that allows for low-flying aircraft. There are certain procedures and routing that are established and a training course one must go through to utilize the SFRA. Additionally, civilian aircraft are legally allowed to fly in formation if it is pre-planned. Nothing unusual from an Air Traffic Control (ATC) perspective. While long, flying from MD to NJ isn't an unusual flight plan, even for small aircraft. Additionally, if the aircraft were flying under visual flight rules, there is no requirement to file a flight plan or be under positive ATC control (unless flying in airspace requiring ATC communications).
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Excellent planning and tactical thoughts required. I love it.
 
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Ba
Usnavy2019 said:
It looks like it might have been the Intercollegiate Flight Team. I was a member of the team as a MIDN and I recognize the aircraft that were used. The team would ferry our planes up to USMA every year for a competition (one of the events actually dropping a weight out of the plane for accuracy). We rented the planes from a Fixed Based Operator at a local airport. Even though they are civilian aircraft, they fall under USNA insurance since it is an official activity. There is a Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) around NYC that allows for low-flying aircraft. There are certain procedures and routing that are established and a training course one must go through to utilize the SFRA. Additionally, civilian aircraft are legally allowed to fly in formation if it is pre-planned. Nothing unusual from an Air Traffic Control (ATC) perspective. While long, flying from MD to NJ isn't an unusual flight plan, even for small aircraft. Additionally, if the aircraft were flying under visual flight rules, there is no requirement to file a flight plan or be under positive ATC control (unless flying in airspace requiring ATC communications).
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TY that all makes sense. Epic spirit mission!
 
justdoit19 said:
Real question: how does this happen? What are the logistics? Whose airplanes? Pilots are Mids? And in this day and age, 3 planes dropping stuff from planes seems….alarming? So curious the more I think about it 🤔
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Great details already supplied in posts above. DS and I (well, he piloted, I sat there next to him and took pictures like the one below) flew the hudson corridor in a Cessna 172, and as others noted the main issues are understanding the elevation rules, restricted air spaces very close by, tower communication with the various airports you pass (Teterboro, Trenton, West Chester NY etc.) - we did it when Trump was President so that meant part of Manhattan was a no fly zone because of his residences there. What is described in the article logistics wise is certainly do-able.

I'm not sure if this prank actually happened or was just a fiction article posted for fun- there's just enough bona fidis presented that I think it might have been pulled off. However, toward your point @justdoit19 and curiosity, the one part of the story my BS meter loudly ding'd on and I assume was 100% embellished for fun was the idea of 3 pilots dropping anything out of an airplane directly on top of USMA cadets causing them to break formation - even just ping pong balls and paper strips - I'm sorry - but IMO, no way, Jose. The FAA really does not have a sense of humor, and I don't think any pilot midshipman or alumni, much less 3 of them (although I do subscribe to that funny poster quote that none of us is as dumb as all of us - haha) would risk their FAA certs to violate the federal regulation violation outlined below: And, filed flight plan or not, super easy to confirm who done it via tail numbers, documented flight paths, even using FlightRadar24- the FAA would know. Imagine being a pilot, wanting to Fly Navy, and then this stunt sidelines you from getting back into a cockpit and living your dream - I just don't see it as a reality. Maybe they strafed an empty stadium if this happened at all.

Does anyone have pics of the alleged drop, people scrambling directly below? I suspect no. Do we know if this actually happened or is just a very clever spoof? Either way I really enjoyed the post/ article - it's creative/ fun/ great for camaraderie/ ribbing and made my day yesterday. Thanks for sharing it @Heatherg21

1670420377119.png

§ 91.15 Dropping objects.​


No pilot in command of a civil aircraft may allow any object to be dropped from that aircraft in flight that creates a hazard to persons or property. However, this section does not prohibit the dropping of any object if reasonable precautions are taken to avoid injury or damage to persons or property.

CNN ran the story, which if this is a spoof makes this an even more epic prank: https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/06/politics/army-navy-football-2022-spirit-mission/index.html

Does anyone remember during the OJ freeway chase when someone called into ABC news pretending to be on-site? Funny stuff.
 
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Herman_Snerd said:
Great details already supplied in posts above. DS and I (well, he piloted, I sat there next to him and took pictures like the one below) flew the hudson corridor in a Cessna 172, and as others noted the main issues are understanding the elevation rules, restricted air spaces very close by, tower communication with the various airports you pass (Teterboro, Trenton, West Chester NY etc.) - we did it when Trump was President so that meant part of Manhattan was a no fly zone because of his residences there. What is described in the article logistics wise is certainly do-able.

I'm not sure if this prank actually happened or was just a fiction article posted for fun- there's just enough bona fidis presented that I think it might have been pulled off. However, toward your point @justdoit19 and curiosity, the one part of the story my BS meter loudly ding'd on and I assume was 100% embellished for fun was the idea of 3 pilots dropping anything out of an airplane directly on top of USMA cadets causing them to break formation - even just ping pong balls and paper strips - I'm sorry - but IMO, no way, Jose. The FAA really does not have a sense of humor, and I don't think any pilot midshipman or alumni, much less 3 of them (although I do subscribe to that funny poster quote that none of us is as dumb as all of us - haha) would risk their FAA certs to violate the federal regulation violation outlined below: And, filed flight plan or not, super easy to confirm who done it via tail numbers, documented flight paths, even using FlightRadar24- the FAA would know. Imagine being a pilot, wanting to Fly Navy, and then this stunt sidelines you from getting back into a cockpit and living your dream - I just don't see it as a reality. Maybe they strafed an empty stadium if this happened at all.

Does anyone have pics of the alleged drop, people scrambling directly below? I suspect no. Do we know if this actually happened or is just a very clever spoof? Either way I really enjoyed the post/ article - it's creative/ fun/ great for camaraderie/ ribbing and made my day yesterday. Thanks for sharing it @Heatherg21

View attachment 13261

§ 91.15 Dropping objects.​


No pilot in command of a civil aircraft may allow any object to be dropped from that aircraft in flight that creates a hazard to persons or property. However, this section does not prohibit the dropping of any object if reasonable precautions are taken to avoid injury or damage to persons or property.

CNN ran the story, which if this is a spoof makes this an even more epic prank: https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/06/politics/army-navy-football-2022-spirit-mission/index.html

Does anyone remember during the OJ freeway chase when someone called into ABC news pretending to be on-site? Funny stuff.
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Yes, but from what I have seen, the FAA doesn't really get involved unless a larger issue comes of something. Controllers are not out there to bust people. They typically only do so when it causes a safety of flight issue. A lot of times, even when told to contact the tower for a possible pilot deviation, the conversation is usually a cordial and the purpose is for both sides to learn something. Ping pong balls and paper strips are not likely to cause danger to person or property, so I think it fits the bill. Also, considering CDR Garras' coverage, it seems that they went through all the official channels, so nothing likely would have been compromised. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if they called the Flight Standards District Officer (FSDO) for New York to get approval. I don't think the mids would get approval if there were possible negative consequences.

This also appears to not be the first time this has happened to the Cadets: https://www.athletesofvalor.com/articles/the-army-navy-rivalry-game

Sounds like they pulled out and dusted an old plan!
 
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