F-14 Tomcat ATG/Radio Show

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F-14 Tomcat ATG/Radio Show

We are educating the future by honoring the past! F-14 Calverton ATG (All Things Grumman) 🐾🏴‍☠️
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09/05/2024

Welcome to located at 5050 Santa Fe Drive
Atwater, CA 95301.
Castle Has over 70 different historic airframes, it is also home to the “Last” F-14 Tactical Demo airframe, F-14D Super Tomcat BuNo 164601 from the Grim Reapers of Fighter Squadron 101 based out of NAS Oceana.
The last Demo Team would take the honor to turn and burn one more time, AD160 was crewed by Pilot LT Jack “ROCCO” Tangredi and RIO LT Joe “SMOKIN’” Ruzicka
This would be the “LAST” Tactical Demo for the US Navy F-14 Tomcat and for this Cat as well, and it was an Awesome Display!!!
It was also given a special paint job to honor the Grim Reapers first Tomcats they received in the Mid 1970’s. We are glad to see that this Airframe was saved as it’s quite Historical. BuNo 164601 is also the 4th to last Super Tomcat Built in Grumman Calverton, Ship # 34 of 37 Super Tomcats built New! It was delivered by Grumman on 4/17/1992.
Again, it’s one of the very last Cats on the production line!, 164602 is AJ213 VF-213, 164603 is Felix 101 VF-31, 164604 is Vandy One VX-9 Vampires the last and only Black Tomcat.
Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸👍

09/03/2024

Repost from .s.a
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INFERNO 107 F-14A starts it’s take-off roll down 24R

VF-301 Devil’s Disciples - U.S. NAVY RESERVE SQUADRON
Bu.No. 158994 - ND-107
Miramar - April 1987

Photo by Dan Stijovich

08/27/2024

Anyone know what we just wheeled out and put by the Tomcat???
History unlike any other pulled out of Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Grumman Calverton last night and now have arrived
The rest of our staff will be here tomorrow and the real work begins!
The Big Fighter demands SWEAT!
Ask anyone who has ever served with it..
We hope to see you here! 🔥🔥
Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸🤙

08/24/2024

Repost from
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Air Fest 2024 at NAS Wildwood is just a week away is pleased to announce that renowned aviation author and photographer David F. Brown will be attending Friday, Saturday and Sunday this Labor Day Weekend! He will be signing his latest release in the Legend of Warfare series from Schiffer Publishing, which will be available for purchase in the museum’s gift shop.

David has spent decades documenting Grumman’s BIG Fighter. The history of the F-14 couldn’t be written without mentioning his name. The entire Tomcat community, including those who served in it, maintained it, built it, and admired it holds Mr. Tomcat in high regard. Who else has a topographical feature at NAS Oceana that has taken his namesake in Dave’s Ditch where countless images of resident and visiting aircraft were taken.

So stop by, say hello, and soak up some history from a legend. Dave has numerous other aviation books he has authored or collaborated with others. Feel free to bring them along, and he’ll be happy to sign those as well.

08/22/2024

Repost from
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An amazing photo of an F-14D Prototype sitting on the Ramp at Grumman Calverton fresh off the line.
The second photo is F-14A Prototype BuNo 157980 exiting the paint shop at Grumman Calverton plant (photo 2) still with masking taped Canopy.
With Assembly Stations 1-4 in the canopy’s rearview mirrors, this almost finished Grumman Cat will pass thru Station 5: Engine Run Ups, Fuel Calibration and Taxi Test are done before going to Station 6: The Paint Shop. Station 7: Adding Weapon Pylons and Rails and also test the M61A1 20mm six barrel cannon, still under Station 7: Flight Acceptance begins according to DOD Form 250 which states a minimum of 3 flights being necessary prior to Navy acceptance.
The Navy also has in house Flight Crews which will also fly 1-2 sorties as well in a new plane before handing it over to Ferry Crews who fly them out to their destinations as desired by the buyer 👌.
Grumman Aerospace Baby! 🐾🐾

08/21/2024

Great Repost from
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F-14A Tomcst at Wings over the rockies museum Denver Colorado 😍😍 and it still has the engines 😬😬😬 and overall still in excellent condition 🤘🏽🇺🇸🇺🇸

08/20/2024

During the late 1970’s and into early 1980’s, the Fighting Renagades of Fighter Squadron 24 will earn the CNO Aviation Safety Award for 6 years/22,000 Flight Hours without incident.
1983, VF-24 embarks aboard USS Ranger along with CVW-9, this WestPac Cruise will include 121 days of operations in the Indian Ocean, the longest of any Conventional Powered Carrier to date at that time, but sadly this cruise will not end on a good note, it will get the Nickname “Death Cruise” as Ranger deals with the loss of 11 Crewman.
VF-24 Fighting Renagades surpassed 3 years of Foreign Object Damage (FOD) an accomplishment no other F-14 Squadron at that time.
1986, the Renegades take part of Operation Coyote, VF-24 will send 4 F-14’s with all the spare parts and almost 150 personnel within 46 hours to Adak Alaska.
VF-24’s Tomcats will arrive at Adak within 30 Hours of orders given to deploy.
Once there they practiced Air Intercepts, Mission Planning and Tactics.
Not to anyone’s surprise this was an overwhelming success!
The Fighting Renagades will complete another 20,500 flight hours with out incident and yet picking up another CNO Aviation Safety Award to end 1986.
1987, VF-24 was also awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation and Navy Expeditionary Medal for this deployment and also earned the same CNO Aviation Safety award again in 1988 during Operation Olympic Presence aboard the USS Nimitz.
VF-24 was the perfect choice to provide security for the Olympics along with training along side Singapore, Malaysian and Thailand air forces.
YES! You guesses it, they received yet another CNO Aviation Safety Award to seal 1988 in to the History Books!
Renegades schooling the F-14 Community for sure!
Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸🤙

08/15/2024

Let’s look at the TF30-P&W-414A Engine Operating Limits.
Some may wonder what is the “Maximum Performance” you can ask for in the Grumman F-14A Tomcat,
Here’s some answers:
1). The TF30 (not F110) has Afterburner selections of Zones 1-5 with Zone 5 being the Maximum Afterburner selection.
2). Turbine-Inlet temperature should not to exceed 1175 degrees Celsius (2,147 degrees Fahrenheit).
Time limit for the TF30 in afterburner is 45 Mins or all available fuel capacity which is much less than 45 minutes in AB and more like 10 mins as each engine burns about 1,000lbs per minute. (These test were conducted on a stand with unlimited fuel).
3). Normal operating oil pressure should be about 45 PSI, .
4). Maximum Engine RPM is not to exceed 104.9%, if so Engine Inspection is required,
5). Any RPM “Over Speed” above 106.2% will require an engine change. Keep in mind there are 2 engines to change!
(GO SEE THE SKIPPER).
6). Any engine Over Speed MUST be reported as a discrepancy along with maximum RPM and the amount of time the Afterburner was engaged should also be noted as well!
Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸🤙 🔥🔥
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08/12/2024

The Photo Definition of Total Air Superiority!
The Big Fighter has the best fans in the world!
Here is someone who loves the Tomcat! 🔥🔥
Shout out to for such an inspiring photo!
Anytime, Baby!

08/12/2024

It’s Monday, let’s get after it: The Navy along with Grumman realized that the ACM Role “Air Superiority” must have priority in the VFX design.
Grumman already had this environment in mind when they started work designing 303E (the Tomcat), although not forgetting the standoff missile capability, Grumman’s priority was to make this long range platform be able to dogfight in the sky better than any threat or projected threat for years to come.
What makes a good fighter is a legitimate question, a better question is to ask what makes a good air superiority airplane!
Keep in mind nothing is more important in the skill of the Aircrew!
Two of the Many Important factors in Air Superiority are:
1). Relative Aircraft Performance: This includes longitudinal acceleration, or how fast a plane can get from point A to point B and level flight. What is the maximum G the airplane can take? Which doesn’t mean a continuous turn, but just how hard the Pilot can yank the nose around the fire the guns or missiles. The maximum sustained Turning Ability is very important. Fuel endurance in combat is also very important, making the other pilot run out of gas is a tantamount to a victory.
2). Combat Qualities: These are also parameters that the designers can control. They include relative size, flying qualities, field of view amongst others.
They are all important and go into designing an answer to a threat!
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat met that goal and is still relevant almost 50 Years later!
That’s what happens when a Manufacturer builds it right the first time!
GRUMMAN IRONWORKS BABY!
Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸👍.

08/10/2024

This is BuNo 161615 which made its first deployment with fighter squadron VF-21 Freelancers.
Seen in the cover photo with Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14) taking off from the USS Constellation CV-64 during “Fleet Exercise 85” on October 29, 1984.
Welcome to the Combat Air Museum at Topeka Regional Airport Forbes Field, Topeka Kansas.
This is home to BuNo 161615, a Grumman F-14A Tomcat which was delivered by the Grumman Aerospace Corporation in Bethpage New York to the US Navy in December, 1983 (The ultimate Christmas present).
A new Tomcat for VF-21 Freelancers who proudly made it their CAG bird in the Squadron.
June 1988, BuNo 161615 would serve next with the Sundowners of VF-111 before eventually heading to the Checkmates of VF-211 in 1990.
After proudly serving with the Checkmates, it’s now 1998 and 161615 would next head to the Black Aces of VF-41.
161615 is assigned now to its last squadron to finish its career. BuNo161615 would serve at Naval Strike and Warfare Center in Fallon Nevada also simply known as NSAWC which host TOPGUN Naval Fighter Weapons School in Fallon, Nevada.

08/08/2024

Maintenance NEVER ends!
Let’s take a look at the “Engine Oil System” on the Pratt & Whitney TF30-414A: The engine oil is pumped through different stages of the engine for lubrication.
The oil is also pumped through cooling stages as well, including for cooling is the Air-Cooler, Main Fuel Cooler, and Afterburner Fuel Oil Cooler (if AB is engaged).
After passing thru the Coolers, the oil is sent straight to the engine bearings and accessory gear box which also serves as the stowage tank.
Filters and dipsticks are provided on both sides of the Forward Gearbox, for checking oil quantity. This should be checked within in 15 minutes of engine shutdown. The engine oil system capacity is 5 Gallons with 4 Gallons being useable.
Normal engine oil consumption is 0.3 gallons per hour during flight. The Oil System is “Self Contained” and is pressure regulated at 45 PSI... HOWEVER, although the Oil system permits engine operations under all conditions, it is noted that during Zero or Negative “G” You will see the oil pressure drop on the gauge. This will return to normal PSI when you reintroduce positive G flight.
The indicating system, has an Oil Pressure “Caution Light” which illuminates when the oil pressure drops below 25 PSI! Ok that covers Engine oil! Next week is windshield cleaning!
Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸👍

08/07/2024

Let’s drop the “Hook” and trap at The Aviation Museum of Kentucky. Which is located at 4029 Airport Road - Lexington, KY USA
40510. Phone: (859)231-1219
This is home to BuNo161860, an F-14B Tomcat from The Swordsmen of Fighter Squadron 32, AKA Gypsy 101.
“Gypsy” is the radio callsign used by The Swordsmen.
Delivered by Grumman Calverton in August of 1984, 161860 would first serve with The Tomcatters of Fighter Squadron 31. Next, 860 heads to The Grim Reapers of Fighter Squadron 101 AKA the RAG.
After training some new aircrews, 161860 would be transferred to The World Famous VF-11 Red Rippers and finally in its last stand as an F-14A, 680 served with The Black Aces of Fighter Squadron 41. BuNo161860 would now be off to Grumman St Augustine in Florida to be “Remanufactured” to an F-14B. From there, The Diamondbacks of VF-102 would pick it up from Grumman, but wouldn’t have it for long, as It would be Upgraded again to “F-14B Upgrade” standards and transferred to VF-11 once again who originally operated it as an F-14A.

2001, The World Famous Red Rippers would turn 680 over to The Swordsmen of Fighter Squadron 32. 160860 proudly flew missions in the Middle East with The Swordsmen until 2005!
The is very proud of this Tomcat, it still wears its Official Navy Paint Job and the Aircrews from VFA-32 hold Camps regularly for the Children and teach them about Naval Aviation with Gypsy 101 at the Museum.
This is perhaps the most beautiful Tomcat on display in America. It has never been repainted and is untouched from the day VF-32 flew it to the museum.
Gypsy Roll, Baby! ⚓️🇺🇸👍

08/04/2024

Operation Desert Storm: The Sluggers of Fighter Squadron 103 suffered a combat loss during the Gulf War.
On the fourth day a Sluggers Tomcat was shot down by what was believed to be an SA-2 surface-to-air missile while on an es**rt mission.
After ejecting from their damaged F-14, the RIO, LT Larry Slade, was captured by Iraqi troops and held in Baghdad as a POW until the end of the war.
The pilot of the aircraft, Lt Devon Jones, was able to evade Iraqi capture, and after spending 8 long hours deep in enemy territory, he was eventually rescued by a USAF special operations force.
RIO Lt Larry Slade recalls in the book “Gulf Air War Debrief”.
“The airplane had departed controlled flight pretty violently after being hit and entered a flat spin.
At 24,000ft I reached for the secondary ejection handle with my right hand.
I couldn’t talk to my pilot since his oxygen mask had come off. I couldn’t tell whether he was trying to get the plane under control and I told myself I would give him until 15,000 ft before ejecting us. I held on to the handle, but I was also bent out of position, though not as much as he was.
I looked at my altimeter and the last thing I saw was 10,200 ft. I began to pull the handle as the canopy blew off.
I felt the seat go up the rails. I recall everything clearly, especially deciding to pull the handle. I don’t remember actually pulling it.
**Although the pilot Lt Devon Jones would be rescued by our Special Forces, the Rio Lt Larry Slade did spend the remainder of the war in prison, amazingly he had a front row seat as we even bombed his prison! Knocking down 2, 4 story wings of the prison itself, needless to say the Iraqi prison guards would be angry, especially after they returned to their post from “Running for their lives”…
Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸👍

08/03/2024

The Tophatters of Fighter Squadron 14 are the oldest active Squadron in the US Navy. The Tophatters stood up in 1919 and were redesignated many times before becoming VF-14, they recently celebrated over 100 years in Naval Aviation.
They received their first F-14A Tomcats in January 1974 at NAS Miramar. Teamed together with The Swordsmen of Fighter Squadron 32, they will be the first to bring their new Grumman F-14 Tomcats home to NAS Oceana but they won’t be there long.
Pairing up with VF-32 as they will be the first Atlantic Squadron to head to the Boat with the Tomcat and the USS John F Kennedy will be there home. 1978, a great milestone for the Navy,
The Tophatters of Fighter Squadron 14 along with the PRIDE of Grumman Calverton set an all time Flight record for the F-14, they flew 977 hours in 1 month while in the Mediterranean. Now that’s Operational Readiness in action! .
Oldest & Boldest, Baby! ⚓️🇺🇸👍

07/25/2024

Several F-14 Crews back in the day gave testimony to the fact that a section of Tomcats (2 =section) could easily put fight to “8” McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantoms! CDR Jim Taylor, CO of the Bounty Hunters of VF-2 along with his RIO LT Kurt Strauss, who together amazed the world at the Paris Airshow in May 1973! (They flew the VF-124 F-14A NJ401 that we covered) CDR Taylor captures the flavor of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and it’s Impressive Preformance——> No Matter what other fighters you put against us, we are going to come out on top in a turning Dogfight, At 30 degrees AOA (Angle Of Attack), the F-4 Phantom is out of control, While the Tomcats Gun is Tracking the Target Smoothly. If the F-14 passes another Fighter head on and let’s say the other Fighter is flown by the “Super Number 1 Ace of the Base” well he better not turn to meet us! He better just keep on going in the same direction he was headed! If he does turn he will be between a rock and a hard place as the Cat will eat him Up. What other Airplane can pull 4-4.5G’s and still be under full control when the wings are stalled. What other Fighter is controllable at 100 or 110 Knots? Also to have the ability to fly at 25 Degrees AOA at 50 Knots and still be able to Roll 360 Degrees will instill confidence in any Pilot. Most development aircraft are sweating to meet their “Design Specifications”, While the Grumman F-14 Tomcat is “EXCEEDING” these Specs in a lot of areas! (Photos range era is from Vietnam to about 1990)
Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸🤙
grumman

07/23/2024

Where Am I ?
I’m BuNo 161426, an F-14B Tomcat delivered by Grumman Aerospace Bethpage NY.
That’s the companies headquarters and manufacturing sites Plants 1-5 where I was manufactured, but it would be Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant Calverton Aka Grumman Calverton Plants 6 & 7 where I made my first flight in August of 1982..
Proud to say, I joined a World Famous Fighter Squadron on my first tour with the Pukin Dogs of VF-143, My first cruise I was flying TARPS missions over Lebanon.
The Navy couldn’t help but see my eagerness to serve which is why I was chosen to be the 2nd F-14B (R) airframe when the F110-GE-400 Program was initiated.
I proudly headed back home to Grumman Calverton to get my new motors which were smaller and lighter while simultaneously producing an extra 10,000lbs of thrust out the business end.
I was returned to the World Famous Pukin’ Dogs but I’m sure if anyone recognized me from our first cruises together.
1997, a time I’ll never forget, the orders came in and I got assigned to Jolly Roger’s of VF-103, those were the days 🏴‍☠️.
1998, I wasn’t surprised when I got the pat on the back and was sent to CFWL for some serious upgrades like DFCS (Digital Flight Control System) and some other stuff like the ALR-67 RWR and a new HUD as well. Gear up out of there in AB 🔥🔥 and feeling frisky like the king of the skies that I am, I had no idea what was next! Then the Aircrew reaches for Flaps and Gear over NAS Oceana where I not just found out I was headed to the RAG (haha have fun deploying, to my brother BuNo’s) they pop my canopy on the Ramp where I’ll spend the rest of my life in service with Grim Reapers! Of Fighter Squadron 101.. Wait it gets even better!!! I’m selected as the F-14B Demo Bird for the Airshow Circuit and received colored tails which goes along way on the ramp with the ladies on a Friday Night!
WHERE AM I TODAY???????
Big Thank You to who traveled there for us to photo me.
Photos 7-9 are me in service, the 6th Pic is taken right after i was delivered to VF-143 From Grumman Calverton!
Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸🙌

07/20/2024

Fighter Squadron 114: The Aardvarks Phantom period ended in December 1975 when their first F-14A Tomcat arrived. Transition took just over a year and was completed by January 1977.
In October of that year, their first F-14 cruise took place, on the USS Kitty Hawk, VF-114 was once more a part of CVW-11 and with sister squadron VF-213.
March 1979 saw CVW-11 deploy onboard the USS America and take part in a Mediterranean cruise, something of an oddity for a west coast based air wing. Even more unusual was that a second cruise followed in 1981.
On both of these deployments VF-114 captured the Golden Tailhook award (Fly Navy!) an award given to the squadron that has the highest landing score for the cruise.
While based ashore VF-114 gained another award, winning the West Coast “High Noon” 🤠 Aerial Gunnery Competition. The Aardvarks also won the M***a trophy for 1982, signifying them as the Pacific Fleet’s best fighter squadron.
After their 2 Mediterranean cruises, VF-114 returned to the Pacific, deploying in September of 1982 onboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). During this cruise VF-114 participated in one of the largest naval exercises since the Second World War when it hooked up with the carrier groups of USS Midway (CV-41) and Coral Sea (CV-43) in the Northern Pacific for two weeks.
Returning from cruise Vf-114 kept up its high tempo, once again winning the “High Noon” and M***a trophies, the first time that an F-14 squadron had won both awards two years in a row,
Deploying again on Enterprise from May 1984 through December 1984.. During this cruise the squadron and airwing took part in several exercises, the “RIMPAC” exercise off Hawaii and exercise “Beacon Flash” in the North Phillipines.
Once again the Aardvarks took part in a Fleet exercise in the Northern Pacific, this time with the carriers USS Midway (CV-41) and Carl Vinson (CVN-70).
‘Varks.Baby!
Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸🙌

07/18/2024

Today, we discuss the most important thing you will ever hang on the jet: The CNU-188/A is an external baggage container which is a modified Aero 1C fuel tank.
It contains 2 shelves mounted Center and Aft.
Tail configuration shall be a bobbed configuration.
Locate cargo on shelf with CG as near to the center of the shelf as possible.
CAPACITY: Center shelf 200lbs, aft shelf shore base 233lbs & 150lbs for CV operations.
Full weight: 632lbs, Maximum. Length: 227 inches, Diameter=27 inches.
SUSPENSION REQUIREMENTS:: Carriage authorized on BRU-10 (with cartridges removed) on stations 3 & 6 only.
RESTRICTIONS: Acceleration Limits: -1g to +3g, Maximum Airspeed: 525KIAS/0.81IMN (whichever is less), Roll Rate: 1/2 lateral stick, Bank Angle: 60°.
Additional Info: Drag is 9 counts per container carried. Abrupt control movements are NOT permitted.
There is NO jettison capability.
Concentrated point loading on the storage shelves shall be avoided.
The CNU-188/A may be loaded with any equipment that: Fits within the confines of the 2 shelves, Does not exceed the shelf length, does not exceed the shelf weight limitation, can be restrained by two tie down straps,
Maintains the Center of Gravity limits.
Care should be taken to ensure the straps are tight to preclude any significant shift of cargo.

FLY NAVY! ⚓️🇺🇸👍

GRUMMAN baby!
If you must fly…….Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸👍

07/15/2024

The F-14 Tomcat is all Fighter.
Multi-mission capability has not been permitted to dilute the original concept or degrade the performance to our fly and out fight any aircraft encountered. The swing wing design assures optimal wing geometry over a full spectrum of speeds.
Unswept at 20 degrees (forward) the wings give ample lift for low wind over the deck launches and carrier landings at 120 knots.
Unswept during CAP missions they increase endurance while giving the Tomcat the instant ability to dash to super sonic speeds.
Swept back fully to 68 degrees and the Tomcat is just as it appears to be: A High Performance, Highly Maneuverable Fighter.
The F-14’s Thrust to Weight ratio and wing loading produce outstanding maneuverability, the kind of ability to engage and disengage the enemy at will while bringing the weapons to bear!
Article, Grumman Horizons, 1970….
Anytime, Baby! ⚓️🇺🇸🙌

07/13/2024

The BlackKnights of Fighter Squadron 154 finally transitioned to the F-14A in October of 1983.
Due to their late start with the Tomcat (31 was the last squadron to transition) VF-154 received TARPS equipped F-14A Tomcats from the start.
The BlackKnights first cruise with the F-14A was onboard the USS Constellation (CV-64) in 1985 as part of CVW-14. Several more cruises aboard ‘Connie’ followed, with one taking place in 1987. This eventful cruise saw VF-154 operating around the Persian Gulf, an also conducting operations in the Gulf of Oman.
After these cruises onboard Constellation CVW-14 moved to the USS Independence (CV-62) and it was as part of this team that saw VF-154 and The Freelancers of VF-21 become the first F-14 squadrons to arrive in the Persian Gulf as part of “Desert Shield”.
Due to taking part in “Desert Shield” and having been on deployment for several months already, VF-154 and Indy (USS Independence) returned to the USA before Desert Storm began.
1991 and the USS Independence would now be home based at Yokosuka, Japan, to replace the USS Midway. VF-154 stayed with the boat for this, but moved from CVW-14 to CVW-5 and from NAS Miramar to NAF Atsugi, thus becoming the first forward deployed F-14 squadron. At the same time as joining CVW-5 VF-154 became the first F-14A squadron to deploy with A/G (Air to Ground bombing capability).
BKR Baby! .

Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸.

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Videos

Coming in at #9 in the 2023 Top 10 Countdown of your favorite post.. .Wednesday, we take a look at the Persian Cat.. Many ask.. Are they still airborne? Which Is what the average person might think.. This is one of 2 post that we run on the Maintenance Hangar (Remanufacture line) at 8th airbase at Esfahan and take a look around. The Persian Cat undergoes a high profile maintenance program.The “key word” today is “Maintenance”! They are strict on how they do things, there is only one way and it is a simple one , they maintain them the way Grumman/Navy taught them too. Maintenance:: This is 8th Airbase in Esfahan Iran, the location for the “Heavy Maintenance Depot” the only place in the world where an F-14 can still enter in one end of the Depot and pass thru a series of stations. Some require different levels of service, Most enter for a standard service. However, some are overhauled and refitted with all new systems if need be. These jets were built by Grumman to the same pristine level and care that our US Navy Tomcats were. Grumman Calverton delivered the best built products in the world! A high Naval Standard of which the Persian Cat would follow. This itself is a testament to the time it has withstood based on: Its been treated more like an Airforce F-15 Eagle than like a Navy F-14 Tomcat! No slamming carrier flight decks for an arrested landing, no salt spray and no catapult shots, which all contribute to the shortened lifespan of a navalized aircraft! .The IRIAF’s current plan is to fly the Tomcat out to about the year 2030! Which will conclude almost 60 years of service from the Grumman F-14 Tomcat. Sometimes something’s just need an overhaul.. #grumman #f14 #f14tomcat #aviation #flynavy #instaaviation #navy #tailhook #usnavy #iriaf #iiaf #pilot #plane #instagram #airplane #military #history #legend #office #hardwork #militaryaviation #mechanic #engineer #factory

Get your popcorn 🍿 out! . Virginia Beach 2003, The Neptune Festival takes place each year, it’s is a celebration of a variety of things, one being NAS Oceana hosting its annual Airshow. The lucky Squadrons which are not forward deployed will participate in a 3 day Long Airshow! Friday Night kicks off the show at NAS Oceana, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat taxis out and takes care of business, Saturday AM, the main show starts with the National Anthem and Naval AirPower Demo which many squadrons proudly participate including the Legacy Hornet Squadrons. But it’s the Tomcat High Speed Sneak Pass that seals the deal on why you came in the first place! The Beach Blast down in front of the Hotels, oceanside. There is what seems like miles of hotels and shops and restaurants and bars, with a board walk which is on the Oceanside and runs the whole distance of the strip. At show center is a historical landmark, the Old Coast Guard Station. The Blue Angels would meet and Greet the Fans while you guessed it! Just as you see here, the F-14 Tomcat would gear up out of Oceana, plug the blowers in and punch through show center unlike any other Airframe in the world! Just as you see when the video starts. Naval Historical Fact: When it’s all on the line, when everyone is looking at you, you only get one chance, one shot, one opportunity.. to own it! And they did.. 🐾🐾 And for the fans, yea they’d lose themselves in the moment! . Notice anything unusual in this display? Comment below! . #grumman #f14 #f14tomcat #aviation #instaviation #navy #tailhook #usnavy #photo #history #navalaviation #longisland #legend #pilot #plane #instagram #airplane #military #photography #office #hardwork #militaryaviation #mechanic #wings #aviator #aviationlovers video source:IRST

Here’s a clip of EP3 of The Official F-14 Tomcat Radio Show/Podcast with Leekster SYPHIN and Ken. This is TUNG from the Bounty Hunters of Fighter Squadron 2. TUNG shares a story from Hornets and Tomcats working together, in Naval Aviation it’s all about Team Work! This especially is seen in the Air Wings, so when TUNG says “Belt Feeding Hornets like a magazine, that’s impressive and again it’s defining moment in the term “TEAMWORK”. Every Airframe has its short comings. You win by working together to accomplish the mission in direct support of the brave men and women on the ground who count on you! Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸👍 . **Also EP3, we introduced Scott Banasaiewicz aka “BANANA” @scottbanasiewicz3 hear some amazing VF-84 Plane Captain stories right from the horses mouth! Or catch him on his show “Tomcat University” with VIRUS @tomcat_cockpit_pov and Rob Todd Cat 3 USS America CV-66. . #grumman #f14 #f14tomcat #aviation #flynavy #instaviation #navy #tailhook #usnavy #photo #history #longisland #legend #pilot #plane #instagram #airplane #military #photography #office #hardwork #militaryaviation #mechanic #engineer #factory **For the record: The VF-2 Squadron photo is an F-14A with the bounty hunters before they switched to the F-14D Super Tomcat which is what TUNG was flying in this story!

Ever seen a billion dollar Pirate Ship? That launches Airplanes??? . Welcome to the SaturdayNight “Anytime Baby” Theater! Tonight’s feature is rated “N” (for Navy). Tonight we cross the line.. (like we haven’t already today!). We have a lot of new followers here so we need to get them from a scaly “Poly Wog” to a trusted “SHELLBACK”. But that will have to earned.. It’s 1987 and your on cruise aboard “Connie” CV-64 with F-14 Fighter Squadrons 21 The Freelancers and 154 The Black knights, for the next two days Connie would stand down Flight Operations to get her crew initiated. So, what is “Poly Wog Day” your thinking? It’s when a US Navy ship crosses the equator, King Neptune comes aboard to rule over his kingdom (the crew) and also to cast judgement to the MANY charges brought against the Pollywogs. The Wogs are posers and not official US Navy sailors as they haven’t properly acknowledged and paid homage to the God of the Sea.. King Neptune Baby! . High ranking members of the crew and those who are prior Shellbacks the longest dress up in the best costumes and they play their roles in King Neptune’s court. Rumor has it that the ship’s captain has possibly played the part of King Neptune himself. The outcome: The camaraderie amongst the crew is second to none as you hear us mention it a lot. Shellback ceremonies are witnessed by few outside the US Navy yet the story or say legend itself has gone on for centuries.. This is a great piece of history and if your a Civie and you watch it till the end, consider yourself a “Dry Docked ShellBack!” At least you now know what makes a US Navy Sailor “Officially” a US Navy Sailor.. So..sorry Navy Moms… Just because he or she graduated Great Lakes doesn’t make him or her official.. The Boats crew will get them there, and thank god you won’t be there to see it! At 9:24 is the Golden Hour of Naval Aviation! 🏴‍☠️ Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸👍 Video Source: Liberty T

VOLUME UP!!! Oh that SOUND! 😍🙌 . Repost from @atthefence111 • Happy Tomcat Tuesday IG land!! Thid F-14A Tomcats from VF-202 Superheats arrives into the overhead to Glenview NAS in March of 1994!! This was the last VF-202 Tomcat we saw as they were disbanded later that same year in July 1994 just a short few months later. More Videos on my YouTube Channel: At The Fence 111 (link in bio). #f14 #f14tomcat #f14tomcatlover #f14a #f14atomcat #anytimebaby #tomcattuesday #grumman #grummanf14tomcat #grummanironworks #vf202 #vf202superheats #aviation #aviationlovers #aviationdaily #militaryaviation #militaryaviationvideos #aviationvideo #avgeek #avgeeks #planes #instaaviation #instaplane #glenviewnavalairstation #glenviewnas #usnavy #airplane #airplanes #planes #planespotting

This is one of the most amazing demos ever recorded. . Music: GE-F110-400 x2 @geaviation . Do you think you could have handled this ride in the backseat if you were a VIP? . Honestly most would say after the first 15 seconds of this video: Land ASAP!!! I want out!, it’s just not what I was thinking! This Cat has Claws for sure! 🐾🐾 If you can handle it, the adrenaline rush.. is irreplaceable! Roller Coaster x10… . Do you have what it takes??? . Btw, does this Airshow profile looks familiar? 🤔 Lt Smith payed attention when the son of a Grumman Test Pilot spoke and taught this very routine, of which some brass may have put a stop to immediately 🥲 Basically, you weren’t going to tell SNORT who was at the time Commander of Fighter Wing Atlantic and was responsible for every single Tomcat, how to fly his jet. SNORT proudly carried the brass to pull off this type of demo. But for LT Smith it would be a short lived profile. . The F-14B is one of the most powerful and maneuverable fighters in clean configuration. What the Tomcat should always have been! 55k pounds of thrust pouring out the business end! Anytime Baby! ⚓️🇺🇸👍 . @f14tomcatdemo 😎🙌 #grumman #f14 #f14tomcat #aviation #instaviation #navy #tailhook #usnavy #photo #history #navalaviation #longisland #legend #pilot #plane #instagram #airplane #military #office #hardwork #militaryaviation #mechanic #wings #aviator #airshow

It’s Saturday Night, you still have some training to wrap up before you make them big plans! Get out your knee boards! Part of being a good pilot is Airframe Identification! You have to know what your looking at.. Comment below if you know ALL of them by Airframe, no need for Alpha’s, Bravo’s, or Charlie’s.. Of course once your done being blown out of your socks by seeing the greatest airframes fly in one video, check out this and many more which can be found on YouTube at: At The Fence 111.. @atthefence111 . . Show some love ❤️ for the HOG! @a10demoteam It’s an amazing airframe! 😍👍 . #grumman #f14tomcat #f14 #tailhook #flynavy #navy #usnavy #technology #engineer #aerospace #plane #airllane #fighterjet #jet #pilot #history #legend #longisland #aviation #instaaviation #office #mechanic #factory#navalaviation #a10warthog #f16fightingfalcon #f15 #blueangels

This is from last year before the movie was released.. . Repost from @f_14_tomcat_ • Tired of waiting? It’s only been almost 34 years! . . Video source Mark Hampton Youtube. #grumman #f14 #f14tomcat #aviation #nstaviation #navy #tailhook #usnavy #photo #history #navalaviation #longisland #legend #pilot #plane #instagram #airplane #military #photography #office #hardwork #militaryaviation #mechanic #wings #aviator #aviationlovers #topgunmaverick #topgun

Repost from @spadmcspadden • Dale “Snort” Snodgrass just needed a short, simple flight control check. #ntsb @safepilots @airshownetwork @icas_hq @f_14_tomcat_ #grumman #f14tomcat #f14 #tailhook #flynavy #navy #usnavy #technology #engineer #aerospace #plane #airllane #fighterjet #jet #pilot #longisland #history #legend #longisland #aviation #instaaviation #office #mechanic #factory#navalaviation

Toady is Americas 246th Birthday! . Together with @naswildwood & F-14 Calverton ATG @f_14_tomcat_ We are honored to celebrate Independence Day 2022 Baby! . Grummans motto was “No Points For Second Place!” . With the support of Banana, Bob, Austin Joanie, Ethan, Virus, F-14 Calverton ATG stands humble today and offer you all this amazing tribute brought to life to capture an era in a way that honors Naval Avaition. . 712 Tomcats were built, they were flown and maintained by legends! . SALUTE! ⚓️🇺🇸👍 Fly Navy! Grumman Aerospace 🙌 . A shout out to Tom @ligarageart for the amazing Tomcat artwork on that guitar that screams America! Your amazing sir! We got it done with help from our Jolly Roger Plane Captain @scottbanasiewicz3 🏴‍☠️ who was working the camera! . We dedicate this video to the F-14 Family and every other plane that still has wings! . Feel free to repost and share! . Also thank you to @chuppacabbra1971 for help with the edit of this video! Your a great American Sir! 🇺🇸 . #grumman #f14 #f14tomcat #aviation #flynavy #google #navy #tailhook #usnavy #photo #history #longisland #legend #pilot #podcast #instagram #airplane #military #photography #office #hardwork #militaryaviation #mechanic #engineer #telecaster #museum #factory @combat_learjet @combat_aviationist @pilotstuff @_pilotwife_3 @usnavy @navalaviationmuseum

Happy Fathers Day! . The greatest gift we can give to all you dads which are friends and families of Grumman Aerospace Bethpage New York HQ along with the most talented Aircrews and Maintainers of Naval Aviation is the fact that we turned 100k followers today! This is all about your life, your dreams, your achievements along with the many great friends made and lost upon the high seas! The mission of F-14 Calverton ATG is to take you on cruise one more time baby! The Final Deployment! Where you all share the greatest stories left behind in Naval Aviation with the greatest airframes! Grumman Iron Works Airframes! We could not have done this without the help of some incredible people behind the scenes here.. Wether it’s thru inspiration to write, or the hard work put in by them all to make happen what we see and hear everyday! In no particular order we stand and Salute these amazing people! @leeksterf14 @eric.syphin.mcm @tomcat_cockpit_pov @offbrakesnow @robtbuds229 @scottbanasiewicz3 @tomcat_junkie @f14_baby @hoglan83 @chuppacabbra1971 @flying_hai_ @goldleaderatx . We can be bigger than ourselves even while we celebrate as this is a family and it’s not just about us! Again in no particular order here’s some amazing F-14 pages we collaborate with daily! @f14tomcatdemo @topgunbio @navy_f14 @mani.specialist @aryanavy @nasmiramar_fightertown_usa . Most of all thank you to all of you amazing Tomcat Fans! . On behalf of Leroy Grumman, Jake Swirbul, Ed Poor & Clint Towl, the 4 men with the courage to leave Loening Aircraft in Manhattan NYC and head to Baldwin, Long Island NY and start The Grumman Aircraft Company in 1929.. We take a bow on behalf of them and leave you with this.. NO POINTS FOR SECOND PLACE BABY! 🐾🐾 . Grumman/Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸👍. . #grumman #f14 #f14tomcat #aviation #flynavy #navy #tailhook #usnavy #photo #history #longisland #legend #pilot #plane #instagram #airplane #military #photography #office #hardwork #militaryaviation

This was great! However, back in the day if the pilot upfront heard this over the Jets ICS… Well, he’d probably reach for the safety switch on the top of his ejection seat and at the least, your flight has ended.. 😉 . I mean even the drop of a TOPGUN line could cost you a minimum of $5… Jam out the song in the back seat oughta buy you a ride in your chute! (Skipper: What happened up there? Pilot: I don’t know, he freaked out and lost it, I got nervous and took control of my seat away from him, next thing ya know.. Boom, the canopy went than he went right after it! 😎👌) But to be real with ourselves, one would have to think 2 decades + later and we’ve all come to appreciate this and let’s be honest..He nailed the notes and your still smiling! Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸👍 . Repost from @6096.wgcdrmm • SINGING IN DANGER ZONE WHILE PUSHING THE SOME GS #topgunmaverick #topgun #6096_wgcdrmm #navalaviation #grumman #f14 #f14tomcat #aviation #flynavy #navy #tailhook #usnavy #photo #history #longisland #legend #pilot #plane #instagram #airplane #military #photography #office #hardwork #militaryaviation #mechanic #engineer #factory

Wednesday is our Persian Cat day. Last week we covered in photos and the story about the Paris ‘73 Airshow that Grumman/Navy sent Shop #22 to act as the Sales Demo on a short European Tour. Here’s the video, and also the Fly-off against the F-15 at Andrew’s AFB in Maryland. Notice a VF-124 Gunfighter F-14 sitting on the ramp as a back up while Grumman Test Pilot Don Evans fly a new Tomcat which hasn’t even been delivered to the Navy yet (VF-1 just received their first F-14). Upon climbing out of the Tomcat, the Shah of Iran would place an order immediately for 30 Tomcats.. Not long after it would change to 40.. and than 80.. and than 160, but we never got that far. It ended at 80 delivered which what was paid for. The other 80 was a signed contract that hadn’t been funded yet. #grumman #f14 #f14tomcat #aviation #flynavy #instaviation #navy #tailhook #usnavy #photo #history #longisland #legend #pilot #plane #instagram #airplane #military #photography #office #hardwork #militaryaviation #mechanic #engineer

Wait till the end! • Tomcat Twosday!! . Repost from @atthefence111 . A pair of F-14D Tomcats (2x) of VF-11 Red Rippers NK-105 & NK-106 arrive and depart in tandem in some not ideal conditions at Glenview NAS in 1993!! Notice the Tomcat's even had their LVL's turned on! Yes we spotted at GNAS in the crappy weather too!! More Videos on my YouTube Channel: At The Fence 111 (link in bio). #f14 #f14tomcat #f14tomcatlover #anytimebaby #tomcattuesday #grumman #grummanf14tomcat #grummanironworks #vf11 #vf11redrippers #aviation #aviationlovers #aviationdaily #militaryaviation #militaryaviationvideos #aviationvideo #avgeek #avgeeks #planes #instaaviation #instaplane #fighterjet #fighterpilot #glenviewnavalairstation #glenviewnas #usnavy #avgeekery #airplane #airplanes

Repost from @f_14_tomcat_ • ** Here’s another Flight Deck tutorial video we play every 3 months to maintain that perishable skill we call “Naval Aviation”. . Today in our Monday RAG Class, we will spend some time with the Boss! This is a short clip of what goes on during Flight Ops on the Boat. We all have seen photos of a Tomcat, Hornet, Hawkeye, COD or Prowlers and Intruders, landing on the boat. Lets bring those photos to life today. Naval Aviation is a very serious job, no one takes it more serious than the “Air Boss”, his Job is to insure the over all safety of all planes coming and going along with all hands on deck. The responsibilities of the Airboss are also shared with the “Mini Boss”. This is about the over all safety of every one on the boat, so it’s very understandable how serious the Airboss is when it comes to Naval Aviation. They will take Naval Aviation from “Dangerous” to as “Safe” as can be, by making sure everyone on deck follows the rules.. We want to give a special shout out to a Job well done to all of you that wear the memories of Naval Aviation. It’s hard work and we thank you for accepting the challenge and especially making the Grumman F-14 Tomcat look so damn good on deck! Now grab your float coats, roll your goggles & sleeves down, and remember it’s MONDAY! Let’s get after it! Stay focused baby! Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸👍 . ** Next Monday, we continue with F-14 RIO RAG Class. #grumman #f14 #f14tomcat #aviation #navy #tailhook #usnavy #photo #history #navalaviation #longisland #legend #pilot #instagram #military #office #hardwork #militaryaviation #mechanic #wings #aviator

Since TOPGUN Maverick are you having a “Need For Speed” issue? • This is the HeatBlur/Grumman F-14 Tomcat in the Flight SIM called DCS. When we spoke with the videos creator @vander.the.germanshepherd about what went into making this video, we quickly realized he hit the mark with his ideas along with the angle he chose to create this masterpiece. He replied: I wanted to present the F-14 Tomcat in a way that would honor the “Legend” that it is, to capture the spirit of the Big Cat. We think he nailed that 100%! Although we have posted this before. it’s a reminder, that we all need a day off every now and than to spend with the Cat in DCS! . Also available is the F/A-18C Hornet, F-16 Falcon, F-15 Eagle, F-5 Tiger II, A-10 Warthog and many others! They are called modules in the Sim which need to be purchased. They are developed with high detail. DCS is a Free Down Load for PC.. it comes with 2 free planes! SU-25 Frog foot and TF-51 Mustang. All others must be purchased. You do not need a state of the art PC but a Commodore 64 won’t work either! Do you have what it takes to understand how to start up and fly away in a F-14 Tomcat?? DCS will get you there! . #grumman #f14 #f14tomcat #aviation #instaviation #navy #tailhook #usnavy #photo #history #navalaviation #longisland #legend #pilot #plane #instagram #airplane #military #photography #office #hardwork #militaryaviation #mechanic #wings #aviator #aviationlovers #dcs #eagledynamics #heatblur #topgun #topgunmaverick

**Parody** Has TOPGUN possibly reached new altitudes in comedy spoofs? It is amazing how this movie has made people and even animals back in 1997 recreate one of the best film ever made! . TOPGUN Baby! Directed by Tom Stern. Who did an amazing job as this is amazingly funny! Source: turburgular27 Youtube . #grumman #f14 #f14tomcat #aviation #nstaviation #navy #tailhook #usnavy #photo #history #navalaviation #longisland #legend #pilot #plane #instagram #airplane #military #topgunmaverick #topgun

Will this be the 1st or 2nd time or maybe even the 3rd time seeing TOPGUN Maverick going into this weekend???? . Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸👍. . #grumman #f14 #f14tomcat #aviation #usnavy #photo #longisland #instagram #history #legend #photography #office #hardwork #militaryaviation #mechanic #engineer #factory#topgun #topgunmaverick

Here is some behind the scenes footage from TOPGUN Maverick. . Maverick talks filming and camera angles along with what it’s really like for the actors to fly in jet aircraft with the US Navy! . Fly Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸👍. . #grumman #f14 #f14tomcat #aviation #usnavy #photo #longisland #instagram #history #legend #photography #office #hardwork #militaryaviation #mechanic #engineer #factory#topgun #topgunmaverick

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