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!

[Mama_Bear]

Tribute to Our Troops: "Do I Make You Proud"

Oh, thank you for this. It is so very touching. A 14 year old boy created it? Very impressive.

[Billie]

Hi, Majjie, that is such a sweet bluebird, which I've saved of course! Thank you!

Hey, I was rootin' for Taylor, too. I love his voice, and that southern drawl comes through even when he sings. :)

[Billie]

Oh, thank you for this. It is so very touching. A 14 year old boy created it? Very impressive.

It is, isn't it? Beautiful, moving pictures of our military, and the song is so pretty, too.

[Billie]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Makes me proud, too. :)

[.30Carbine]

...the soldiers had a moral obligation to defy orders that, though legal, were clearly wrong.

I pray that our military chaplains will follow the lead of the apostles and prophets and pray IN JESUS' NAME regardless of the threat of regulations. It is a horror to me that we Americans cave at the mere mention of possible retaliation for our bold proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, while in other nations the Followers of the Way of Jesus Christ gladly take their freedom and their very lives in their hands daily to spread the Word of God!

Did you hear about the female high school valedictorian who lately was cut off mid-speech for the mention of the Name of Jesus and His death for sin and resurrection from the grave? She had been 'warned' ahead of time not to do it...yet she obeyed her Master not the world. What a witness! And now the news is out that for the mere mention of her faith in Christ her mic was cut and she was ordered to step down from the podium in the middle of her valedictory speech at her high school's graduation ceremony. Bravo Brittany McComb! You go, girl!

[Majie Purple]

Y s w for the b b B!
If you can't figure out my reply just let me know
I'll fill in the blanks!

As for the T. H. part of this reply I say:
"Soul Patrol! Soul Patrol! Soul Patrol!"
:)

Oh I guess I won't leave it blank...You're so welcome
for the blue bird Billie!
:)