From the Navy news service:
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.
‚ÄúBittersweet is a perfect term for this,‚Äù said Tomcatters’ Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Jim Howe. ‚ÄúAs 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.‚Äù
Somebody get that man a tissue.
Three thumbs up from the troubleshooters under the port wing – Mirabile dictu!
Geez… I remember the F14 replacing the F4 on the USS America like it was yester… well last week.
Give ME a tissue!
One whose words will live on in Cyber-World might be well-advised to temper his sarcasm at the passing of the Tomcat; lest his words rise up at some future time and smite him in his six.
The “Bug” will sometime pass as well Lex, replaced by something newer, more exotic, more “jointly.” Or shudder…something without a human wearer-of-wings aboard at all.
‘Til then, give the “Turkey” community their time of mourning – they’ve earned it.
Back during the Gulf War, I wrote to a Sailor on the USS Theodore Roosevelt. He sent me all sorts of goodies from the ship- a big patch with the carrier on it and a teddy bear were my favorites. The bear was dressed up as President “Teddy” Roosevelt. He’s only the second penpal I’ve had that I met in real life too- the other one is Army.
Made most of my early cruises with Phantoms, most of my latter deployments with Tomcats. Jeez, I’m getting old!
Turkeys are like “Jason”. Just when you think (hope?) they’ve gone they stage another curtain call..
Can you imagine if they surge?
B2
Hey, B2! Wondered if you’d ever come back. Thought I’d maybe p*ssed you off terminally, somehow.
Glad to see that wasn’t true
’tis no more/less maudlin than it was for another Grumman product:
http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1997/so97/va75.pdf
and rightly deserving of the due given…have fond memories of working with both communities.
-SJS
Lex,
You? Would all that lightness p-me off? Never!
No Lex, I was off catching trout and shootin varmints at long range in Big Sky country followed by a bidness trip (including golf scramble) in your neighborhood to say goodbye to an “old friend” at NI…..
I see I’ve missed lots a good stuff last cuppla. You’ve been overactive son. ‘Specially liked that CVN discussion. Even Skippy didn’t play “Devil’s A” with that topic!
B2