A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....06-20-06....End Of An Era -- Retiring Of The F-14

GodBlessUSA

[GodBlessUSA]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Dutchess, DollyCali, GodBlessUSA, JustAmy ~

Hundreds of former Grumman employees and aviation buffs paid their last respects, June 15, 2006, to a soon-to-retire jet F-14.

During the 1970s, '80s and '90s, Grumman produced 712 F-14s. In its heydey, the F-14 was known for its advanced radar system and its speed. The jet could track 24 targets and hit six of them with its lethal Phoenix missiles. Its speed, up to 1,544 miles per hour, made it the fastest machine in the sky.

Type Fighter
Manufacturer Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation
Maiden flight 1970-12-21
Introduced September 1974
Retired 2006, USN
Status active service, Iran
Primary users United States Navy, Iran
Number built 675
Unit cost US$38 million in 1998

Pictured above, Sailors prepare an F-14 Tomcat for flight on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003).

Above Pictured, An F-14 launches an AIM-7 Sparrow

The Tomcat played a prominent role in Top Gun, the 1986 film about naval aviators that fly the F-14. The success of that film helped the Tomcat become the most famous fighter jet of the time, and spurred a game franchise and a surge in U.S. Navy recruiting.
Kenny Loggins ~ DangerZone

Above, Logo for VF-31, F-14D Super Tomcat squadron, also known as Felix the Cat Squadron

The Tomcatters’ command master chief, Master Chief Petty Officer Tom Gall, called being part of a Tomcat squadron an honor. Even after 25 years in the Navy, he said, the plane’s aesthetics still leave him awestruck.

“The Tomcat just looks sharp,” Gall said. “It’s mesmerizing to watch it fly. Especially as it sweeps its wings back and goes in for the kill. I’m quite certain that many people will miss it when it is gone.”

Certainly, this airplane is impressive, no matter what your preference as favorite! Its changeable shape, transforming before your eyes as it zooms by in fully wing swept delta, pulling into a fully extended wing high G load turn, is one of aviation's more unforgettable sights. Cmdr. Aaron Cudnohufsky, squadron commanding officer, said the Tomcat rightfully has become an American legend — and not just because of the film.
Official Tomcat Retirement Date is September 22, 2006

(information found: internet, Stars and Stripes, Newsday, All Avation Online, Wikipedia)

03-28-06 ~ Hall of Fame #15

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 06-19-06 Military Monday

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning Diver Dave
Thanks :) I can't imagine the emotions someone feels, who's aircraft/ship has been decommissioned. It affect me and I've never had the opportunity to even see one in person.

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi Mama_Bear :)
How are you? My hubby can id them also. It's fun. If we hear a Military Aircraft, we all run out to see what Aircraft is flying over. Excellent photos :)

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi SC Swamp Fox :)
Great photo of F-14

[MEG33]

Thank You Gee Bee!Great thread! I am my house in Central Texas on OLD , slow dial up..I must get some house repairs done while I am here.

I got a lot done while this loaded..It was worth the wait!..

I am away from my computer with all my files so posting graphics is very limited for me.

Yesterday this computer froze.Please excuse my not answering or commenting much for awhile..As long as I can get this old buggy online. I will read, but need my phone and cannot stay on line as much as usual.

Thanks again for this interesting thread and comments.

*God Bless All Who Serve Our Country*

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning Dolly :)
I think, not sure, (just like you said, we are lucky, there is always someone who knows on FR) a few other Aircrafts takes it's place. I recall reading something about the Hornet. Have a wonderful day, Dolly!

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi Maj :)
I wish that link worked for me. I think it's just my media player that won't do the job. Thanks so much!

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning Meg :)
I read you are on dial up. You posted an awesome photo of F-18, fly by of Mount Rushmore, yesterday! Is that the right plane? I hope you get a lot done. It's frustrating when we are use to fast connection and then we have a slower one. It's always better than none, right, LOL

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning The Mayor :)

[The Mayor]

Hi!

[lonestar]

I could fly a jet, if I wanted to. I don't want to.

Weinie

[MEG33]

It is better than none indeed..I put that link to the Mt Rushmore F/A-18E Super Hornets flybly to have a Military Monday post just before I turned off my other computer..I have some old framed graphics parked in freepmail, too... from the days when I had not discovered notepads. I am such a computer dunce..still!

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning Weinie
Come on. We want to see you fly a jet. ;)

[GodBlessUSA]

:) I use email all the time for this. It's easier to access.

Wow, an American Airline lands without nose gear. No injuries. Landed safely. Thank God.

[StarCMC]

GB -- that's just beautiful! What a great thread! *HUGS!*

[GodBlessUSA]

:)

[GodBlessUSA]

Fantastic photo :)

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning Star :)
Thank you so much!
Hugs!

[MEG33]

I don't have cable TV anymore here so I keep up with the news on talk radio and FR mostly..I am having to watch the MSM news on local TV!Oh the pain!

[Aquamarine]

Thanks for the Post on our awesome Military GBUSA, love the Danger Zone song. The pictures on this thread give me goose bumps.

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi M Kehoe :)
Thank You!