Grumman F-14 Tomcat
Swansong at SAR 2006

As I understood from conversation overheard, the F-14 is the fave jet fighter of the person in charge of SAR chalet food service. She knows people who know people who know people, and the happy result was the historic final appearance by a "Cat-bird" at our event. True or not, we were extraordinarily privileged to have this aircraft and professional, courteous flight crew at the big show.

The F-14 flew what was probably its last carrier deployment earlier this year. By the end of September this year, the 11 Tomcats serving now with VF-31 will be flown to the "boneyard," the MASDC at Davis-Monthan AFB near Tuscon, Arizona. The pilot told me all this is subject to re-thinking if the wprld's wars require their extended service. My bet is that even if this remarkable aircraft -- which should have been upgraded and maintained in operational service for decades longer because there is nothing remaining in service with any air arm that can out perform it in specific combat situations. Thanks to all the entities that brought the Tomcat to Springfield and to the patient, accomodating crew.

f14x1.jpg (17311 bytes)
1.		 f14xx5.jpg (12193 bytes)
2.		 f14x6.jpg (12917 bytes)
3.		 f14xx7.jpg (37893 bytes)
4. This picture has been retouched.
f14x4.jpg (14551 bytes)
5.		 f14x3.jpg (14371 bytes)
6. This picture has been retouched. 		f14a12.jpg (17155 bytes)
7. 		f14a13.jpg (15952 bytes)
8. Modelers: note the difference in color around the foot insert plates below the canopy.
f14a14.jpg (18760 bytes)
9		 f14a2.jpg (22534 bytes)
10.		 f14a15.jpg (20280 bytes)
11.		 f14a18.jpg (15912 bytes)
12. Note the difference between this Felix the Cat insignia and the one on the vert stab in picture #13.
f14a19.jpg (15056 bytes)
13.		 f14a20.jpg (9235 bytes)
14.		 f14a6.jpg (18073 bytes)
15. Sunday afternoon late. While other aircraft departed KSPI, Tomcat crew talked via cell phone with their home base. Weather likely to be encountered en route home threateneds to delay the departure until Monday.		 f14a16.jpg (12918 bytes)
16.
f14a21.jpg (17146 bytes)
17.		 f14a1.jpg (17551 bytes)
18.		 f14a22.jpg (18348 bytes)
19.		 f14d1.jpg (12172 bytes)
20. The pilot and WSO were provided these cars by a SAR sponsor dealer.
f14d2.jpg (13389 bytes)
21.		 f14a5.jpg (17432 bytes)
22. The "go" to return to the nest came via cell phone and the crew preflighted and boarded the F-14.		 f14a4.jpg (23186 bytes)
23. The WSO went through his pre-flight check list . . .		 f14a3.jpg (16770 bytes)
24. . . . while the GIF (guy iu front) did the same.
f14a9.jpg (19557 bytes)
25.		 f14xx6.jpg (14213 bytes)
26.		 f14a7.jpg (23946 bytes)
27. This picture has been retouched.		 f14a8.jpg (18796 bytes)
28. This picture has also been retouched.
f14xxa1.jpg (22843 bytes)
29.		 f14xxa9.jpg (23291 bytes)
30. I took a wide stance when taking this picture to the photographer would be more than a plain vertical blob reflected in the infrared dome.		 f14xxa6.jpg (13108 bytes)
31.		 f14xxa8.jpg (11872 bytes)
32. While the crew were still on the ground, this young couple approached, and the fellow was peritted a fast peek into the cockpit. Rumor has it that he visited his US Navy recruiter first thing Monday morning. I know if I had been his age, I would have!
f14xxa5.jpg (20695 bytes)
33. Extended boarding ladder used by both crew members.		 f14xxa4.jpg (16842 bytes)
34.		 f14xxxa2.jpg (14137 bytes)
35. Engines are running, canopy closed, and the external APU remained attached for a few more minutes.		 f14a11.jpg (12208 bytes)
36. The APU has been wheeled away from the airplane.
f14xxa10.jpg (22297 bytes)
37. Several members of the Illinois Air National Guard supported the launch of the F-14.		 f14a10.jpg (17523 bytes)
38.		 f14xxa11.jpg (12912 bytes)
39. The plane begins to taxi. Note the turned nose wheels.		 f14xxa12.jpg (19715 bytes)
40.
f14xxa13.jpg (11843 bytes)
41. Passing by the KC.		 f14xxa14.jpg (14079 bytes)
42. A final glance as the aircraft departs the apron for the taxiway.		 f14xxa15.jpg (7001 bytes)
43. Last takeoff of an F-14 from Springfield.		 f14xxa16.jpg (8472 bytes)
44.
f14xxa17.jpg (6592 bytes)
45.		 f14xxa19.jpg (47180 bytes)
46.		 f14xxa21.jpg (10431 bytes)
47. The pilot flew two  passes at low altitude. I was almost stunned in awe of this incredible airplane. 		f14xxa22.jpg (5852 bytes)
48. This picture has been retouched.
f14xxa23.jpg (9645 bytes)
49. I felt like the pilot was giving me my own personal air show though I know everyone on the airport saw and immensely appreciated the generosity of the F-14 crew. Just outstanding!		 f14xxa24.jpg (5943 bytes)
50.		 f14xxa25.jpg (4940 bytes)
51.		 f14xxa20.jpg (19816 bytes)
52. This picture has been retouched to confuse the enemy.
f14xxa18.jpg (9387 bytes)
53. With a cooperative sky and perfect time of day, even earnest web master appears to have proven himself  a competent photographer; aye? I am in absolute awe of the beauty of this airplane!		 f14xxa26.jpg (6869 bytes)
54. A sad, inevitable moment: as the pilot gently rocked the wings, I new "goodbye" when I saw it, and I said a silent prayer for the safe return of craft and crew to home.		 I have seen many airplanes fly at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport,  Springfield, Illinois since I was born in 1947.  Not one made a deeper and more lasting impression on me than this F-14. Sincerest thanks to the crew of the F-14 AND to the volunteers of Springfield Air Rendezvous 2006 who came together to make this event possible.


Return to SAR Home here
To AeroKnow home here