View previous topic :: View next topic
Author	Message
Batman47 Board Founder/CNC User is Offline Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 394 Karma: 5 applaud / smite 425 points 0 warnings 0 tempbans	Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 2:17 am    Post subject: TOMCAT AND HORNET SUPERSONIC, TWIN ENGINE FIGHTERS · Quote TOMCAT AND HORNET SUPERSONIC, TWIN ENGINE FIGHTERS (the world's premier air defense fighters) A long, storied chapter in naval aviation history came to a close July 28 with the final aircraft carrier flight operations for F-14 Tomcats, fighter jets that have spent more than 32 years in the fleet but are now retiring and making room for F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) conducted qualifications in the Western Atlantic from 21 to 31 July 2006. The final aircraft carrier operational launch for Tomcats happened aboard the Norfolk-based Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt  when aircraft No. 112 from the “Tomcatters” of Fighter Squadron (VF) 31, piloted by Lt. Blake Coleman and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Cmdr. Dave Lauderbaugh, made its way down catapult No. 3 at 4:42 p.m. Tomcats Officially Retire - September 26, 2006 http://eqneedf.jconserv.net/viewtopic.php?p=80#80 "Currently, all air wings include F-18 Hornet supersonic, twin-engine fighters, S-3 attack planes, E-2 AWACS, EA-6 electronic warfare planes, and a combination of helicopters.  The air wings are capable of making 150 strikes per day (sorties flown is much higher).  The Navy intends to fully convert the air wings to F-18C/D and F-18E/F fighters over the next few years followed by the introduction of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) as it becomes available.  SV-22 Osprey aircraft are also slated for inclusion in the air wings" (Ref. 673). "The Grumman F-14, the world's premier air defense fighter, was designed to replace the F-4 Phantom II fighter (phased out in 1986). F-14s provided air cover for the joint strike on Libyan terrorist targets in 1986. The F-14A was introduced in the mid-1970s. The upgraded F-14A+ version, with new General Electric F-110 engines, now widespread throughout the fleet, is more than a match for enemy fighters in close-in, air combat. The F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, variable sweep wing, two-place fighter designed to attack and destroy enemy aircraft at night and in all weather conditions. The F-14 can track up to 24 targets simultaneously with its advanced weapons control system and attack six with Phoenix AIM-54A missiles while continuing to scan the airspace. Armament also includes a mix of other air intercept missiles, rockets and bombs. Initial operational capability in 1973; first flight on 21 December 1970. 79 Tomcats were delivered to Iran before the 1979 Revolution. They are normally grounded for lack of parts; some were seen flying during December 1989 Iranian maneuvers. The US Navy has 699 in service or on order, with deliveries continuing in the early 1990's (The aircraft was not procured by the US Marine Corps). Production shifted to the F-14D in 1988, and Initial Operational Capability for the F-14D Aircraft was in FY92. The original program schedules envisioned the first D delivery in March 1990 with an all-D fleet achieved by 1998. Plans called for 127 new-production F-14D and modification of 400 F-14A and F-14A+ to D configurations. The revised defense budget submitted in April 1989 proposed cancelling the new-construction portion of the program, but Congress authorized 18 new F-14Ds for 1990 with the stipulation that these would be the last new aircraft authorized--a total of 37. The first F-14D was delivered in February 1990. The funding plans for remanufacturing F-14As into F-14D(R)s in the 1990-1994 period included 6 in 1990, 12 in 1991, 24 in 1992, 48 in 1993, and 60 in 1994; the schedule was later scaled back to 18 in 1992, 20 in 1993, and 24 aircraft in 1994 and 1995. Further defense spending cutbacks eliminated almost all procurement funding for 1991 and provided no money at all in 1992-1993. The final blow fell in mid-February 1991 when the Navy cancelled an already-funded $780 million contract for 12 remanufactured F-14, effectively ending further production. Since the early 1980s F-14s have had provision for the attachment of the Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS), carrying optical and infrared cameras and permitting the aircraft to perform the photo reconnaissance role without degrading its performance in other roles. The only modifications required are wiring changes and cockpit readouts. In 1989, the Navy decided to phase out the F-14's reconnaissance mission in favor of using F/A-18 Hornets. During Operation Desert Storm in January-February 1991, however, F-14s flew 781 TARPS missions. In FY96, all active duty F-14 squadrons, except Fighter Squadron (VF)-154, were relocated to Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Virginia. VF-154 will remain at NAS Atsugi, Japan, through FY03. The Reserve F-14A squadron, VF-201, was located at the Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas and transitioned to F/A-18 Aircraft in FY99â€� (Ref. 686). The F-18 Hornet supersonic, twin-engine strike-fighter aircraft is flown by the Navy and Marine Corps in significantly larger numbers than any other naval aircraft. Carrier air wings have three VFA/VMFA squadrons flying the F/A-18â€� (Ref. 672). Since its inception, the Super Hornet program has remained on time, on weight, and on cost. Boeing is currently building Super Hornets under a second five-year multiyear contract (MYP II) with the U.S. Navy for 210 Super Hornets. The contract runs from 2005 to 2009. Deliveries for the MYP II aircraft will begin in Fiscal Year 2007. The U.S. Navy plans to buy a minimum of 460 Super Hornets through 2011. April 2005. The combat-proven F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is the 21 st century's premier strike fighter with all the capability, flexibility and performance necessary to modernize the air or naval aviation forces of any country. Built by the industry team of Boeing, Northrop Grumman, GE Aircraft Engines, Raytheon and more than 1,800 suppliers nationwide, the Super Hornet provides the war fighter with today's newest advances in multimission capability and growth for decades to come in missions, roles and technology. Two versions of the Super Hornet are currently in production: the single-seat E model and the two-seat F model. Both are true multi-role aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defense, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker. Converting from one mission to another can be done quickly and as simply as just flipping a switch. The Super Hornet's suite of integrated and networked systems provides enhanced interoperability and support for ground forces as well as the overall force commander. With a total of 11 weapon stations, the Super Hornet also provides war fighters with extraordinary payload flexibility by carrying a mixed load of air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance. A typical basic loadout for a self-escort strike mission starts with an advanced infrared targeting pod, one AIM-120 “AMRAAM,â€� two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, and an external fuel tank. This leaves six under wing weapon stations available to carry a variety of weapons and other stores. A comprehensive spiral development design concept including the addition of the APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar  offers continuously improving overall mission capability and supportability. Other recently incorporated upgrades include an advanced targeting forward looking infrared (ATFLIR), joint-helmet mounted cueing system (JHMCS), multifunctional information distribution system (MIDS), and an advanced aft crew station. Fifth generation aerodynamic design gives the F/A-18E/F exceptional combat maneuverability, an unlimited angle of attack, high resistance to spins and departures and ease of handling and training. Its reconfigurable digital flight control system can detect damage to or full loss of a flight control and still allow safe recovery. These and other enhancements will ensure that the Super Hornet remains combat relevant well into the 21 st century. Two General Electric F414-GE-400 engines power the Super Hornet, producing a combined 44,000 pounds of thrust. The F414's light yet robust design yields a 9:1 thrust-to-weight ratio, one of the highest of any modern fighter engine. Increased airflow to the engine is provided through the Super Hornet's large, distinctively shaped inlets. A full authority digital electronics control (FADEC) allows for unrestricted engine response in any phase of flight" (Ref. 674). "The Air Force selected the F-16 for production; the Navy selected the YF-17, but made major modifications, leading to the F/A-18 developed jointly by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop. The naval aircraft failed to fully achieve its range/payload goals in the attack role. The development of the F/A-18 came as a result of pressure by Congress for the Navy to obtain a lightweight fighter to complement the F-14 in carrier air wings. Congress originally had directed the Navy to select the winner of the Air Force's lightweight fighter competition of the mid-1970s between the General Dynamics YF-16 and Northrop YF-17 prototypes" (Ref. 668). "The first production model Super Hornet was delivered to the U.S. Navy in December 1998, more than a month ahead of schedule. To date the program is 12 deliveries ahead of schedule. After completing the most thorough operational evaluation in U.S. Naval history, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet entered operational service in November 1999 and the program was awarded an unprecedented five-year multiyear contract for 211 aircraft. The first operational F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadron - VFA-115 - stood up in June 2001 and deployed aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in July 2002. The program delivered the 200th Super Hornet to the U.S. Navy in August 2004. In April 2005, Boeing delivered the first Block II Super Hornet, complete with AESA radar" (Ref. 674). "The F/A-18 replaced the F-14 Tomcat and A-7 Corsair aboard carriers; in the Marine Corps, the F/A-18 replaced the F-4S Phantom fighter, A-6E Intruder and A-4M Skyhawk attack aircraft, and RF-4B Phantom and OA-4 Skyhawk special-purpose aircraft. The development of the F/A-18 came as a result of pressure by Congress for the Navy to obtain a lightweight fighter to complement the F-14 in carrier air wings. Congress originally had directed the Navy to select the winner of the Air Force's lightweight fighter competition of the mid-1970s between the General Dynamics YF-16 and Northrop YF-17 prototypes. The Air Force selected the F-16 for production; the Navy selected the YF-17, but made major modifications, leading to the F/A-18 developed jointly by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop. The naval aircraft failed to fully achieve its range/payload goals in the attack role. The original F/A-18 procurement plan was for 11 development aircraft and 1,366 production planes for 24 Navy attack and six fighter squadrons and 12 Marine fighter squadrons, plus 332 aircraft in reserve units and 142 attrition and pipeline aircraft; the actual procurement was less. The Navy/Marine Corps Blue Angels flight demonstration team began flying the F/A-18 in 1987. These are early, development models of the Hornet that are not carrier capable. The F/A-18 has been a controversial program because of the initial Marine decision to procure the AV-8B Harrier instead of the F/A-18 for the attack role, higher-than-predicted F/A-18 costs, and the F/A-18 having less range than the A-7. However, the aircraft's widespread use has had positive cost and support impact, and its performance in Operation Desert Storm (1991) equaled its manufacturers performance promises. Operational; in production. First flight: F/A-18A on 18 November 1978; F/A-18B on 25 October 1979; F/A-18C on 18 November 1978; F/A-18D on 6 May 1988. IOC: Navy F/A-18A in February 1981 (VFA-125); Marine F/A-18A in March 1983 (VMFA-314); F/A-18D in May 1991 (VMFA[AW]-121). Through 30 September 2000, 1,048 F/A-18s of the A/B/C/D variants were delivered to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, ending production of these aircraftâ€� (Ref. 672). The Air Force selected the F-16 for production; the Navy selected the YF-17, but made major modifications, leading to the F/A-18 developed jointly by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop. The naval aircraft failed to fully achieve its range/payload goals in the attack role" (Ref. 686). In addition, 483 are being delivered to foreign air forces (including aircraft assembled, mostly with U.S. components, in Australia, Finland, and Switzerland). Almost all F/A-18A/B models have been retired from U.S. service. Australia, Canada, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain, and Switzerland have purchased the F/A-18 for land-based operation. (A proposed Northrop F-18L land-based variant has not been procured). (Ref. 672). ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL STRENGTHS BY REGIONAL AREA AND BY COUNTRY (309A). December 31, 2004. http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/tables/2004/09militarypersonnel.pdf THE DECLINE AND RENAISSANCE OF THE NAVY - 1922 to 1944 http://www.ibiblio.org/pha/USN/77-2s202.html STATEMENT OF RADM MARK P. FITZGERALD DEPUTY CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, AIR WARFARE – ON NAVY CAPABILITIES FOR CONDUCTING CONVENTIONAL LONG RANGE STRIKE - MARCH 3, 2004 - Ref. 670 - BEFORE THE HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE PROJECTION FORCES SUBCOMMITTEE http://armedservices.house.gov/openingstatementsandpressreleases/108thcongress/04-03-03fitzgerald.ht ml US Navy Ships - "NAVY VISIBILITY AND MANAGEMENT OPERATING AND SUPPORT." http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship Militaryinfo.com - Military Online Community Guide - "Portal to information on the United States Navy and Army."  http://www.militaryinfo.com Blue Angels is the U. S. Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron: Admiral Nimitz, the Chief of Naval Operations, ordered the formation of a flight demonstration team to keep the public interested in Naval Aviation. The Blue Angels performed their first flight demonstration less than a year later in June 1946 at their home base, Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Florida. Flying the Grumman F6F Hellcat, they were led by Lt. Cmdr. Roy "Butch" Voris." http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/aircraft/b-angels/blues.html FIRST BLUE ANGEL AIRSHOW was 14 June 1946 - "The first aircraft the Blue Angels used was the F6F Hellcat, and they only had three of these aircraft and one SNJ. This aircraft didn't last long with the Blue Angels. After two months it was replaced by the newer F8F Bearcat.  The paint color on the Hellcats was FS15042-Gloss Sea Blue and the yellow was actual gold leaf. Blue Angels Grumman F64 Hellcat http://www.blueangels.org/Aircraft/Planestat/Planes.htm Warbird Flights 2006 Schedule http://www.natg.com/schedule.html References at www.uscarrierhistory.com During the 1940s, both the Navy and the Marine Corps occupied Miramar. East Miramar (Camp Elliott) was used to train Marine artillery and armored personnel, while Navy and Marine Corps pilots trained on the western side. The bases were combined and designated Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in 1945. In 1947, the Marines moved to El Toro in Orange County, and Miramar was redesignated as a Naval Auxiliary Air Station. In 1954, the Navy offered NAAS Miramar to San Diego for $1 (the offer was refused). Only the western half of Miramar's facilities were put to use, and the old station literally began to deteriorate, with many buildings sold as scrap. Miramar found new life as a Navy Master Jet Station in the 1950s, but really came into its own during the Vietnam War. The Navy needed a school to train pilots in dog-fighting and in fleet air defense. In 1969 the Top Gun school was established (and immortalized by the 1985 movie of the same name). In October 1972, Miramar welcomed the famed F-14 Tomcat. VF-124's mission was to train Tomcat crews for aircraft carrier operations. The first two operational Tomcat squadrons, VF-1 and VF-2, trained here before deploying aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1974. These squadrons flew top cover during the evacuation of Saigon in 1975. http://www.miramarairshow.com/miramar_history.htm Tomcats Officially Retire - September 26, 2006 Virginia Beach, VA. - The F-14 Tomcat was officially retired after 36 years of service at the Final Flight Ceremony held at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana Sept. 22. More than 1,300 former and present F-14 aviators, maintainers, and support personnel attended the ceremony. The Tomcat helped maintain freedom and democracy around the world, said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Christopher Kaelin, a support equipment maintainer with Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD). When you see it come off the flight deck, you know it's a force to be reckoned with. According to Corporate Vice President and President of Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems Scott Seymour, the Final Flight Ceremony is as much a dedication to the aircraft as to the people who contributed to its legacy. We are here to salute the vision that conceived the aircraft, Seymour said, as well as the intellectual capital that engineered it, the pride of those who built it and the dedication of the Sailors who have maintained it and the raw courage and icy nerve of the flight crews that flew it in defense of our country. Seymour said although the F-14 is being retired, the human qualities that brought it about are still as vital as ever. The Navy's new F/A-18E/F Super Hornet will replace the F-14. The Tomcat lives on to its enduring mission and to the men and women committed to those missions, said Adm. John Nathman, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. âIt's a transition from one superb aircraft to another; the Tomcat to the Super Hornet. A small number of F-14s will be departing NAS Oceana through Sept. 30 to their final destinations at museums or be placed in war reserve at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. To further recognize the F-14 retirement, Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf publicly dedicated Sept. 22 as Tomcat Day in Virginia Beach. "We love the Navy, Oberndorf said. And today, the Tomcat is at the top of the list. http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,114939,00.html?ESRC=navy.nl Aviators share their memories of flying the F-14 By JACK DORSEY, The Virginian-Pilot © September 17, 2006 http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=111078&ran=178799 Tomcat Chapter Draws to a Close Story Number: NNS060729-02 Release Date: 7/29/2006 7:56:00 AM By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark A. Catalano, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (NNS) -- A long, storied chapter in naval aviation history came to a close July 28 with the final aircraft carrier flight operations for F-14 Tomcats, fighter jets that have spent more than 32 years in the fleet but are now retiring and making room for F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. The final aircraft carrier operational launch for Tomcats happened aboard the Norfolk-based Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) when aircraft No. 112 from the “Tomcatters” of Fighter Squadron (VF) 31, piloted by Lt. Blake Coleman and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Cmdr. Dave Lauderbaugh, made its way down catapult No. 3 at 4:42 p.m. “Bittersweet is a perfect term for this,” said Tomcatters' Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Jim Howe. “As a career F-14 pilot, I would be much happier flying the Tomcat until the end of my days in the Navy. But instead we have to enjoy this as long as we can.” The Navy’s transition from the F-14D Tomcat fighter jet to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, a strike-fighter aircraft, is all but complete, as Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8’s Tomcatters now make up the final F-14 squadron. As part of the final transition, F-14 pilots and maintainers will take on any necessary additional training and learn the ins and outs of Super Hornets, which Howe said is a much easier aircraft to work with. “One of the reasons the Tomcat is going away is because it’s so hard to fix,” Howe said. “I’m happy for my young maintenance guys, because they’ve worked their tails off and they can fix just about anything. So, this transition to the Super Hornet, because that particular aircraft is so much easier to maintain, will be an easy one for them.” Dating back to its initial combat missions during Vietnam and spanning to its most recent combat missions in the Persian Gulf, the F-14 Tomcat has played a vital role in naval aviation. The Tomcat entered operational service with Navy fighter squadrons VF-1 Wolfpack and VF-2 Bounty Hunters aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in September 1974. The F-14’s purpose was to serve as a fighter interceptor, eventually replacing the F-4 Phantom II Fighter, which was completely phased-out in 1986. Although its dogfighting superiority had already been made clear through simulated training missions, the F-14 was first tested in combat operations in August 1981. While on patrol outside Libya, two F-14As were fired upon by two Libyan Sukhoi SU-22s. The Tomcat pilots safely maneuvered from a defensive position to an offensive one before engaging and destroying both SUs. Four years later in 1985, F-14s were called upon in response to the hijacking of an Italian cruise ship. The terrorists, who were from the Palestine Liberation Organization, attempted to make an escape after going ashore and boarding a Boeing-737 commercial airliner. Tomcats from VF-74 and VF-103 were launched from USS Saratoga (CV 60) to intercept the 737. The terrorists, realizing they were no match for the Tomcat’s air-to-air attack capabilities, allowed the airliner to safely land in Sigonella, Sicily. In 1989, the Tomcat was once again challenged by Libya when two MiG-23 Floggers engaged two F-14As from VF-32 that were flying combat air patrol missions from aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67). The MiG-23s were determined hostile and the eight-minute engagement resulted in the downing of both Floggers. During its first 17 years of operational service in the Navy, the Tomcat played a vital role as an interceptor with its air-to-air capabilities. However, during the 1991 Persian Gulf War, where there was more need for air-to-ground abilities, the need for the Tomcat’s air-to-air capabilities diminished. Despite its many upgrades over the years, from the F-14A, to the F-14B, and finally the F-14D with its powerful GE F110 engines and more sophisticated weaponry and surveillance equipment, it appeared the Tomcat’s days were fading fast. However, this state of uncertainty wouldn’t last for long. Shortly following the Persian Gulf War, Navy leaders decided to devise removable bomb racks for Tomcats to allow them to carry MK-80 “dumb” bombs. The Tomcats were also given the Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) targeting system to allow for delivery of laser-guided bombs. With its new upgrades the Tomcat’s were soon dubbed “Bombcats.” “This aircraft has done a lot for naval aviation history,” said Senior Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic (AW) Fred Parker. “It’s obviously been through, and played a vital role in, many wars and evolutions.” During the proceeding years, the F-14s took on a new, more effective role as a fighter-bomber. In Operation Deliberate Force in Bosnia, the Tomcats delivered laser-guided bombs while other aircraft painted the targets with lasers. The Navy was credited with 30 percent of the kills against forces in Kosovo as a result of the bombing performance of the Tomcat. The F-14 also demonstrated its ground attack capabilities in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2002, VF-14 led the first long-range tactical air strike, flying more than 1,700 miles round trip to Mazar-e Sharif, destroying Taliban aircraft on the ground. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Tomcats lived up to their “Bombcat” nickname with their air-to-ground missions, continuing to save the lives of coalition ground forces. “I will never forget flying a ‘show of force’ over a city in Iraq where our troops were taking fire from insurgents,” said Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Knepper, a pilot for VF-31. “After making a high speed/low altitude pass over the shoot-out, the insurgents fled and hopefully, we saved the lives of some of our Soldiers. The Tomcat has been a phenomenal part of naval aviation. It will be sad to see such a storied fighter decommissioned.” The Tomcat has been leading the way in naval aviation for some time now, but just like a senior Sailor retiring to make way for a new up and coming junior Sailor, it is time for the Tomcat to retire and make way for the Super Hornet. “A lot of the guys in the squadron have been upbeat and we’ve been having a great time, but this is bittersweet,” said Lt. Chris Rattigan, a pilot for VF-31 who piloted the final arrested landing today. “Now we’ll transition to the F/A-18E, which is a single-seat version of the Super Hornet. It’s okay though. I’m just glad to have gotten the chance to be a part of this aircraft. It’s been a lot of fun. This is something I’ve always wanted to do growing up, and I was lucky enough to be able to do it.” TR is currently training as part of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Carrier Strike Group Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) in the Atlantic Ocean. For related news, visit the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Navy NewsStand page at http://www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn71 Tomcats Officially Retire - September 26, 2006 Virginia Beach, VA. - The F-14 Tomcat was officially retired after 36 years of service at the Final Flight Ceremony held at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana Sept. 22. More than 1,300 former and present F-14 aviators, maintainers, and support personnel attended the ceremony. The Tomcat helped maintain freedom and democracy around the world, said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Christopher Kaelin, a support equipment maintainer with Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD). When you see it come off the flight deck, you know it's a force to be reckoned with. According to Corporate Vice President and President of Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems Scott Seymour, the Final Flight Ceremony is as much a dedication to the aircraft as to the people who contributed to its legacy. We are here to salute the vision that conceived the aircraft, Seymour said, as well as the intellectual capital that engineered it, the pride of those who built it and the dedication of the Sailors who have maintained it and the raw courage and icy nerve of the flight crews that flew it in defense of our country. Seymour said although the F-14 is being retired, the human qualities that brought it about are still as vital as ever. The Navy's new F/A-18E/F Super Hornet will replace the F-14. The Tomcat lives on to its enduring mission and to the men and women committed to those missions, said Adm. John Nathman, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. âIt's a transition from one superb aircraft to another; the Tomcat to the Super Hornet. A small number of F-14s will be departing NAS Oceana through Sept. 30 to their final destinations at museums or be placed in war reserve at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. To further recognize the F-14 retirement, Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf publicly dedicated Sept. 22 as Tomcat Day in Virginia Beach. "We love the Navy, Oberndorf said. And today, the Tomcat is at the top of the list. http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,114939,00.html?ESRC=navy.nl _________________ U. S. Navy Veteran  August 1977 to July 1983 Yoeman Second Class, with student pilot's license
Back to top
All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First

Related topics
Topics		Replies	Author	Views	Last Post
•	Announcement: Guidelines for interacting with Military personell	4	Outsider	908	Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:01 pm Outsider
•	Announcement: Posting Rule changes, updated:17 November 2006	0	Outsider	1265	Fri Nov 17, 2006 8:24 pm Outsider
•	Fire fighter fatalities i the line of duty	4	Doc McKelvie	527	Sat Nov 18, 2006 7:56 am Doc McKelvie
•	COP Jokes with Respect Meant...	5	Doc McKelvie	625	Fri Nov 17, 2006 8:47 am Doc McKelvie
•	Civil servants all in one	5	Doc McKelvie	974	Fri Nov 17, 2006 8:31 am Doc McKelvie

EQNEED  is in no way endorsed or supported by the US government Dept. Of Defense Or ANY branch of

of the United States military.

In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work on this message board is being distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for non-profit research and educational or criticism purposes only. Not withstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work including such use by reproduction in copies or phono records or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is NOT an infringement.