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!

[dk/coro]

Thank you so very much for your kind words. This site does so very much for the morale of our Services; and we deeply appreciate your superlative efforts herein.

"Bravo Zulu", GodBless!

[Diver Dave]

Great presentation!!!
It's easy to understand the feelings of all those who have had and association with the F-14s as they fly into the retirement sunset. Feel the same way as I read about ships like mine when they are decommissioned and sold or scrapped.

They will live forever though in the hearts of those who built 'em, flew 'em and maintained 'em. Even those with an indirect connection will feel that lump in the throat.

Thanks for the presentation.

Well Done, F-14. You've served your country well.

[Mama_Bear]

Great post, GeeBee. You found some awesome F14 photos. I wish I knew more about military jets so that I could identify them when I see them - and remember them the next time I see them. I don't know one from another, but my husband can practically identify them when he hears them flying over (well, that's a bit of an exaggeration). LOL.

I truly admire the pilots that fly these incredible birds. I can't imagine being entrusted with a 38 million dollar jet.

Can you imagine landing this plane on that little tiny carrier??! YIKES!

[Mama_Bear]

Just beautiful!

[Majie Purple]

http://www.topedge.com/panels/aircraft/hangar/avi/f14/2tombrr3.avi

[Majie Purple]

I love that pic with the P O E !

[Majie Purple]

I love that pic with the P O A !

[Majie Purple]

Wow! Cool # 14!

[Majie Purple]

Really great # 16!

[Majie Purple]

Breathtaking #'s 23 & 24!

[Snomover]

[Majie Purple]

[AngelesCrestHighway]

Proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free.....

[AngelesCrestHighway]

Awesome...just made that my desktop...

[M Kehoe]

Thanks for the ping. Another good post.

5.56mm

[GodBlessUSA]

What a wonderful day you must have had! I would love to go to an air show. We have had some, not nearby but close enough to go. I will get there.

From time to time, we do get Military Aircraft fly through here and my family always run out to see what aircraft is flying over. :)

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning Luv :)
Thank You so much.

[DollyCali]

Thanks for the great thread GeeBee. Didn't know about this "retirement". What is/has replaced it? F15? how different are they I wonder. & what will be done with the ones currently in service. (sold on E-bay). don't expect you to research but perhaps a visitor here will know.

Seems like no matter what question one throws out to FReeperland, someone knows the answer (it may not be correct but usually there are one or more offerings)

Gone most of yesterday & must get a lot done today to make up for Monday & the weekend. Some major MUST DO projects.

[GodBlessUSA]

Thank You so much dk/coro! :)
I'm thankful for this site. So many people, from all over the country and world, come together and share in honoring our Military. Americans are so blessed by our Military.

[The Mayor]

June 20, 2006

Legal Versus Right

LISTEN TO ODB RADIO: Real | MP3 | WMA

READ: Acts 5:17-29

Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” —Acts 5:29 In his powerful book Unspeakable, Os Guinness wrestles with the problem of evil in the world. In one section, he focuses on the Nuremberg trials that followed World War II. The Nazis stood charged with crimes against humanity, and their mantra of defense was simple: “I was merely following orders.” The verdict, however, was that the soldiers had a moral obligation to defy orders that, though legal, were clearly wrong.

In a much different context, Peter and the disciples were arrested for presenting the message of the risen Christ and brought before the religious rulers in Jerusalem. Rather than allowing themselves to be shaped by the mood of the mob, the disciples declared their intention to continue preaching Christ.

The orders of the religious establishment may have been legal, but they were wrong. When the disciples chose to obey God rather than the godless religious leaders, they raised a standard of conviction that rose above the opinions of the rulers of this world.

The trials we face may test our commitment. But we will find opportunities to exalt the King if we trust Him for the strength to go beyond the words of the crowd-pleasers and do right as He defines it in His Word. —Bill Crowder

Say not, “The days are evil. Who’s to blame?”
And fold the hand and acquiesce—oh, shame!
Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God’s name,
Be strong!  —Babcock

We must choose daily the way of the cross over the way of the crowd.  —Warren

Bible in One Year: Bible in One Year:   Esther 1-2; Acts 5:1-21