End of an era

[vonkamp]

They retired the Tomcat today.

I worked on that plane for 13 years. Had a lot of good times and met some lifelong friends. And some great stories as well. :beer:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-09-22-F14-tomcat_x.htm

[gpapich]

When I saw your post I knew it was finally time.

I was on the Saratoga (CV-60) in Jacksonville, FL back in 93-94. I did that ship's final cruise and remember the Tomcat very well. That was one airplane that even inspired me to get laser surgery on my eyes :beer: and try to lateral transfer to the aviation community.

As a midshipman, I remember my firstie cruise at Oceana, VA and going out to the practice airstrip nearby (name escapes me...) and standing in the LSO position while VF-84's planes made dusk approaches. Talk about the sound of power...Just like TopGun, only real.

Take care and thanks for the nostalgia trip.

George