VFA-106 Rhino Demo Team, ODU Football come together to share ‘day-in-the-life’ experiences

21 June 2024

From Jennifer Cragg, Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 Commanding Officer Capt. Jason Papadopoulos, members of the Rhino Demonstration team, and Naval Air Force Atlantic’s Force Master Chief Jimmy W. Hailey III, visited Old Dominion University (ODU) campus, June 20, to get a glimpse into the day and life of their football coaches, players and staff.

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 Rhino Demonstration team members visited Old Dominion University (ODU) campus, June 20, to get a glimpse into the day and life of their football coaches, players and staff. The opportunity provided the demonstration team to experience the teamwork and accountability to prepare players on and off season. (U.S. Navy photo by Jennifer Cragg/Released)

“It was an amazing experience for all of us involved. To see the camaraderie, dedication, and passion that the young men from ODU football put into perfecting their craft is nothing short of inspiring. The fundamentals of excellence translates across disciplines and we are truly thankful for the opportunity to learn from the ODU football team,” Papadopoulos said.

One week earlier on June 11, ODU football coaches, players and staff visited VFA-106 onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana to observe the Rhino Demonstration Team as they conducted demo practice prior to participation in the Columbus Ohio Air Show June 14-16.

“This is an awesome opportunity and there is a lot of teamwork on display,” Ricky Rahne, ODU head football coach said when he joined his players and coaching staff to observe VFA-106’s Lt. Martin Wilson conduct flight practice operating a F/A-18F Super Hornet above NAS Oceana.

Wilson added that by visiting ODU the following week provided an opportunity to see the camaraderie.

“It was a great experience working with the ODU football team,” Wilson said. “We had the visit last week to show a little bit about how we do business in Naval Aviation, but it was humbling to come and see the teamwork, motivation and dedication these players have not just in pursuit of winning, but to each other; a great reminder that no role is inconsequential and everyone has the opportunity to positively affect the outcome and make a difference in someone’s life.”

The opportunity provided for ODU to experience Naval Aviation and the follow-on visit to ODU provided the demonstration team an opportunity to experience the teamwork and accountability to prepare players on and off season.

During the question-and-answer phase of the visit aboard NAS Oceana, ODU players asked how pilots trained and prepared for arduous flights and high-G forces.

“Through a course of a couple of years of training, you build up a tolerance to it, just like a workout you compete at a certain level of human performance and every time you don’t do it for a while, or you take a break, or you are not hydrated or not rested, it takes a toll and you have to gauge your body and how you respond to it,” VFA-106 Executive Officer Cmdr. Bryan Knick said, who shared with the group his interest for Naval Aviation first began at the age of 8 when he observed the Blue Angels flight demonstration team.

Offensive Lineman Santana Saunders, originally from Landover, Maryland discussed the importance of gaining an awareness of military service.

“Both of my grandfathers served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam,” Saunders said. “It is important to understand why they served and today was not just another day in the office for me. I am always grateful to see the aircraft fly and talk to the people why they serve.”

During the visit to ODU, military members had an opportunity to observe the university’s minicamp, other aspects of their practice, specific position drills, and participate in a portion of the day’s activities.

Hailey spoke with the coaches, players and staff about the shared elements of teamwork, accountability and discipline needed to excel in both professions. He focused on Naval Air Force Atlantic’s focal areas of training, teamwork and trust.

“We are focused on building winning teams, and you got to see a great example of the importance of training and teamwork when you visited NAS Oceana,” Hailey said.

AIRLANT is responsible for six nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, 55 aircraft squadrons, 1,200 aircraft and 43,000 officers, enlisted and civilian personnel based on the East Coast of the United States. It provides combat ready, sustainable naval air forces with the right personnel, properly trained and equipped, with a focus on readiness, operational excellence, interoperability, safety and efficient resourcing.

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