F-14: America’s Freedom Fighter

This July 4th, we are highlighting one of the most iconic United States military aircraft of all time–the Grumman F-14 Tomcat. Popularized to the general public by the Hollywood blockbuster movie ‘Top Gun,’ F-14s have an array of design features and real-world deployments to back up their global acclaim.

Introducing the Tomcat

Produced from 1969 to 1992 for the US Navy, the F-14 Tomcat was one of the last specialized fighters to reach production before the US military transitioned to using cost-saving multirole aircraft. Entering service in 1970, the F-14 became the first of the American ‘Teen Series’ fighters, a group of aircraft designed to defend US aircraft carrier operations against Soviet aircraft and missiles. Its armament included an internal cannon and various long range air-to-air missiles, allowing F-14 crews to engage enemy aircraft over 90 miles away.

F-14s Go Overseas

The Navy’s 40 F-14 squadrons made many major international deployments, including for Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-91), Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-2006), and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2006). The Museum’s F-14D, BuNo 161166, participated in the last Tomcat deployment aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. From September 2005 to March 2006, F-14D BuNo 161166 flew almost 500 mission hours, becoming one of the last Navy F-14s to see combat.

Backseater CDR Amy Tomlinson and the Tomcat’s last Cruise

“What really stands out is the final fly-off at the end of deployment—a 22-plane formation of F-14D Tomcats. Being part of that historic moment, knowing it was the final cruise for the F-14, was unforgettable. Flying in that formation was one of the proudest of my career.”

-CDR Amy Tomlinson, F-14 RIO

CDR Amy Tomlinson (right) in the Museum’s F-14. Tomlinson earned the callsign ‘Spur,’ like a spur in one’s heel, for her unwavering determination and hard-working attitude. Sullenberger Aviation Museum

CDR Amy Tomlinson was a Radio Intercept Officer (RIO) for the Museum’s F-14D, completing 47 missions on the aircraft between October 2002 and March 2006. Tomlinson’s squadron, the VFA-213 ‘Blacklions,’ was part of the F-14’s last deployment aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. “Our primary mission was to conduct daily combat flights into Iraq, providing air support and enhancing the safety and effectiveness of ground operations,” explained Tomlinson. She flew missions lasting five to six hours with multiple aerial refuelings, but the most important part to her was protecting others. “Flying combat missions was intense, focused, and a great responsibility—but also deeply rewarding. We were there to support troops on the ground, and you always felt that weight.” Markings from the USS Theodore Roosevelt, as well as Tomlinson’s callsign and maiden name, ‘Redditt,’ appear on the side of the Museum’s Tomcat.

Becoming an Artifact

The Museum’s F-14D has completed a full circle of life for an aircraft, beginning with its delivery to the Navy as an F-14A in 1981 and ending with its arrival to the Sullenberger Aviation Museum. The aircraft was converted to F-14D status in 1993 and served in several international deployments with five different fighter squadrons, including its final deployment aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. On April 12, 2006, the aircraft made its final flight from NAS Oceana to the North Carolina Air National Guard at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, where it was demilitarized for display. Today, the aircraft is fulfilling a new role as a carefully preserved artifact used to teach the public about one of the US military’s more iconic aircraft. Come to the Museum today to see this storied aircraft and learn more about the various ways it protected American freedoms!