The Final F-14 Tomcat Flyby

**gunnut** · 04 Oct 07,, 10:32

Performed after the last carrier launch of F-14 Tomcat, off USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). Flyby formation comprise of VF-31 "Tomcatters" and VF-213 "Blacklions" respectively forming up for a massive 22-unit flyby, thus marking an end to a glorious era for the Tomcat, with official retirement slated during last Sept. 2006.

LiveLeak.com - The Final F-14 Tomcat Flyby

It was...majestic.

**dave lukins** · 04 Oct 07,, 12:14

That was GOOD

What a memory for the Pilots and spectators to have. Sad, but that's progress I suppose

**Shamus** · 04 Oct 07,, 14:13

I used to daydream about flying one of these beauties,still love to watch them fly.Thanks for the link bud

.

**wabpilot** · 05 Oct 07,, 01:17

About a year ago, I flew to Oceana for the ceremonial last flight of the F-14. It was a good reunion for those of us Atlantic Fleet aviators who had been in the F-14 community. Some sea tales were told, some adult refreshments were consumed. Old friends looked a little grayer and some a little less lively. My takeaway from that weekend was how good the people were. I won't miss the airplane. I never looked back when I retired. But, I do miss the good people involved in the community.

**Officer of Engineers** · 05 Oct 07,, 05:23

Commander,

Dinosaur to dinosaur. How do you feel this current crop of navy fliers is holding up your legacy? If you read through the old threads, you will find alot of opinions that our fossil bone opinions is that this current crop of geeks cannot do WWIII but then again, their decision cycles are unimagined in our time.

Oh, btw, Commander, someday, I really want to buy you a good scotch.

**Repatriated Canuck** · 05 Oct 07,, 05:52

Hey pilot did you fly the Tomcat then?? If so I am very jealous, I wanted to be a fighter pilot so bad as a kid. Instead I'll have to settle with getting my helicopter license, only $50,000. Good thing my partner is really cool and wants me to do it and doesn't mind helping me so long as I help her with Uni after.

Fair deal in my books!

**-{SpoonmaN}-** · 05 Oct 07,, 10:53

I must say the Tomcat remains a sexy beast even after retirement.

**Bluesman** · 06 Oct 07,, 05:46

Originally Posted by -{SpoonmaN}-

I must say the Tomcat remains a sexy beast even after retirement.

Just like ME.

**dave lukins** · 06 Oct 07,, 08:06

Originally Posted by Bluesman

Just like ME.

That's not what Capt. Blue says!!!!

**Bluesman** · 06 Oct 07,, 08:41

Originally Posted by dave lukins

That's not what Capt. Blue says!!!!

She DOES, though; she still chases me around the sofa, until I catch her!

)

**Bluesman** · 06 Oct 07,, 08:42

Then we play 'Escaped Prisoner and the Warden's Wife', or maybe 'Rebel Raider and Yankee School Marm'.

Two great old favorites; just like US!

**gunnut** · 06 Oct 07,, 09:15

Tmi!!! Tmi!!!

**Tarek Morgen** · 06 Oct 07,, 11:49

I guess it doesnt cheer you much up that they are still used in Iran and might even see some action (though rather briefly I think) in the near future?

**dave lukins** · 06 Oct 07,, 18:13

Originally Posted by Bluesman

She DOES, though; she still chases me around the sofa, until I catch her!

)

**wabpilot** · 07 Oct 07,, 04:01

Originally Posted by Officer of Engineers

Commander,

Dinosaur to dinosaur. How do you feel this current crop of navy fliers is holding up your legacy? If you read through the old threads, you will find alot of opinions that our fossil bone opinions is that this current crop of geeks cannot do WWIII but then again, their decision cycles are unimagined in our time.

Oh, btw, Commander, someday, I really want to buy you a good scotch.

COL, I'll take you up on that scotch! I'll even buy you a hefe weisen or two.

As it stands today, no one can do WWIII as we prepared to wage war in the 1980s and 90s. Russia, despite Rick's well researched opinions, is no USSR. They cannot close the North Atlantic to us. But, we have little to put in a REFORGER convoy, let alone seven of them. Neither Russia nor NATO is in a position to successfully attack the other. NATO is well defended, but lacks any counter attacking ability. Beyond NATO and Russia, no one has anything close to the capability of waging WWIII.