Goodbye, Tomcat

After an extremely successful career as the premiere example of carrier-based aripower, the Navy has retired the F-14.

And I'm sad to see her go. The F-14, in all it's variations has been described as the 60's musclecar of naval aviation. Her replacement, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is easier to maintain (read: cheaper) and carries a heavier payload. It also has shorter range, and lower top speed. More Super Hornet specs can be found here.

Most people never had the opportunity to see a Tomcat in real life. The closest most got was Top Gun or JAG. Which, I'll have to admit, isn't all that bad. But having seen VF-1 Wolfpack deployed on USS Ranger CV-61, real life was so much better.

The Tomcat was a maintenence-intensive craft, requiring 40 hours on the ground for each hour in the air. But, dang. She sure was pretty. Even sitting in a hangar, she looks mean, cool, and sexy. Put her in the air, and she's mean, cool, and sexy.

Here's to everyone who was involved in her design, production, flight, and maintainence. And of course, those who never came back.

Anytime, baby!

The Navy's story of the retirement party can be read here.

USA Today's story can be read here. Their blog, Remembering the Tomcat, can be read here.

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