Remarks: This Tomcat was built in November 1980 and had the honor of flying the last F-14 combat flight on Feb. 9 2006 from the USS Theodore Roosevelt. It returned to base the following month and, on April 11 2006, was flown by the unit commander from NAS Oceana to here on its last flight to become part of the museum's collection.
Remarks: An armed "VF-213 Black Lions" F-14D Tomcat basks in the sun onboard CVN-71 USS Theodore Roosevelt during the Tomcats final combat deployment known as the Double DD's cruise due to two F-14D units VF-31 and VF-213 being onboard with CVW-8.
Remarks: A/C has been restored displaying the markings of VF-213 ("The Black Lions"). It is the last F-14 to fly a combat mission over Iraq. Upon retirement from operational service, it was presented to the National Museum of Naval Aviation, NAS Pensacola, FL., by the Commanding Officer of Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213). Upon restoration, it is being exhibited as part of the Museums Flight Line collection.
Remarks: A/C (AJ-204) displaying the markings of Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213), "The Black Lions". It was the last F-14 "Tomcat" to fly a combat mission over Iraq, prior to the retirement of the F-14 from operational service. It is currently part of the flight line exhibits at the National Museum of Naval Aviation, Forrest Sherman Field, NAS Pensacola, FL.
Remarks: A/C (AJ-204) displaying the markings of Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213), "The Black Lions". This A/C was the last F-14 "Tomcat" to fly a combat mission over Iraq, prior to the retirement of the F-14 "Tomcat" from operational service. It is currently part of the flight line exhibits at the National Museum of Naval Aviation, Forrest Sherman Field, NAS Pensacola, FL.
Remarks: VF-213 "Black Lions" jet, AJ-112 taxies back to the ramp after participating in the Navy Air Power Demonstration rehearsal for the 2004 NAS Oceana Air Show.
Remarks: VF-213 "Black Lions" jet, AJ-204 sits on the flight deck of CVN-71. USS Theodore Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing Eight were deployed during 2005, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This was to be the last combat cruise by the final two Tomcat units, VF-31 & VF-213.
Remarks: A VF-213 "Black Lions" Tomcat sits on the deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt in a beautiful Persian Gulf sunset, shot during the Tomcats last ever combat cruise. After 34 years of faithful service with the United States Navy, the Cats, the USN's last true fighters have now been retired from service. So Long Baby.
