You guys it's been almost 1 year without the Tomcat in active service, in the U.S. armed forces. Now, I could make a flashy thread with a whole bunch of specifications and mile markers of Tomcat history. But , I am making a statement, not a documentary.

That statement is. I miss it, when I was 5 years old I started to gain interest in military aviation. Learning the simple stuff first. I got a toy Blue Angeles F 14 for Christmas one year, and haven't lost interest in it since. I one day hope I can go to the Moscow air show, and the Paris Air show. Maybe even hit up another Beaufort air show if one is held.

Sucks though, I don't think I will ever see another cat in the sky again. Unless the Cat's Claw hit's some major events.

Any way, what do you guys think? Anything you want to say about the
F 14? Or the Tomcatter squadrons, or assignments, dog fights, or just personal opinions. ANYTHING. Just post it here. Pics, stories, books you read, web links to tomcat organizations, any thing....

(please make sure you comply with the site rules and regulations, I am no forum staff person, but I don't want to get any one in trouble)

It was a nice plane but it looks like the Navy is looking to standardize as many things as possible.
For example, the EA-6B Prowler will be replaced by the EA-18G Growler. It's an F-18 modified to be an ECM aircraft.

i saw one today at the Air and Space Museum... beautiful plane

Yes, it is. The thing that gets me is that the F 14 could have been modified prolonged usage in the 21st century. But for a variety of reasons it was not pressured. I can give you info if you like.

I once saw Tomcat in the air in Randolph AFB, San Antonio, for the air show. Unbelievable. Very loud. They should be upgrade more and stay active for the few more years but, oh, well.

Originally Posted by Team Infidel

i saw one today at the Air and Space Museum... beautiful plane

You saw this one

Originally Posted by Sukio

Yes, it is. The thing that gets me is that the F 14 could have been modified prolonged usage in the 21st century. But for a variety of reasons it was not pressured. I can give you info if you like.

It was of the late 1960s and early 70s technology.... F-14 was a great aircraft but wasn't fit to serve in 21st century! I love it so much but the facts have it the other way.

Indeed, it's a beautiful bird, but it was too expensive to maintain (not taking into account any costs needed for more modernization). By simplifying the air wing and using F/A-18 variants for almost everything, the Navy can cut costs on spare parts and training.

Hell I still miss the F-4... now THAT was a workhorse.

F-4.. the only aircraft to become the standard multi-role fighter in the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps at the same time.
I think standardizing the aircraft onto the F/A-18 airframe was a great idea. Cutting costs is very important for any military and I think the F/A-18 is still good enough to ensure high enough of a performance to meet demands.