US Navy to showcase mixed-reality experience during Richmond's NASCAR weekend Aug. 14-15

The U.S. Navy will showcase its ‘Strike Group’ multi-scenario, mobile mixed-reality experience during NASCAR weekend at Richmond Raceway Aug. 14-15. The ‘Strike Group’ is designed to demonstrate the breadth and depth of Navy STEM careers in the most realistic ways possible.

The ‘Strike Group’ provides participants with an immersive, hands-on look into the technology and teamwork that are central to every role in the Navy, according to officials.

“From the depths of the sea to the heights of the stars, America’s Navy is the most highly skilled, technologically advanced military force in the world,” said Rear Admiral James P. Waters, commander of Navy Recruiting Command. “A STEM career in the Navy provides a life-changing experience filled with adventure, teamwork, and support, and the ‘Strike Group’ brings all these aspects to life.” 

The ‘Strike Group’ comprises 3 distinctive, interactive challenges and experiences:  

• All Hands – Players can test their skills on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier in a five-person mixed-reality game. They will don a Meta Quest 3 headset and be virtually transported to the USS Gerald R. Ford, where they will team up to launch an F-35C Lightning II jet. Working together in different roles – from loading fuel to flying helicopters to piloting the aircraft itself – each player will be immersed in the experience of what it is like to serve aboard an aircraft carrier and how their efforts influence a Navy mission.

 • Support – Participants will navigate an interactive map of the world with a range of Navy ships and vehicles to explore the breadth and depth of the Navy's humanitarian missions around the globe, experiencing operations at strategic geographic locations. Each vehicle will trigger an educational experience, not only about the mission, but also about the potential careers to help provide aid to communities worldwide.

• Fly – Players will experience Naval aviation through a full-motion flight simulator that will drop participants into the cockpit of an F-35C Lightning II, where they’ll launch from an aircraft carrier with their wingman on a training mission. With some up-front tutorials, users will learn to maneuver the aircraft prior to engaging in a mission to drop munitions on a practice target and then land safely back on the carrier.