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The Arabian Gulf (Mar. 22, 2003) -- An F-14A Tomcat fighter aircraft launches from one of four steam powered catapults aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk was deployed with coalition forces in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom. (RELEASED)
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As many of us in the U.S. settle in to enjoy Thanksgiving with our family and friends, we thought what better way to help celebrate “Turkey Day” than with a slideshow of gorgeous images featuring an altogether different kind of turkey, the beloved and much-missed Grumman F-14 Tomcat. While the moniker ‘turkey’ is often synonymous with ‘failure’ when it comes to aircraft, this was anything but true for the F-14 which has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning four decades of military service in the USA, and still continues to fly elsewhere… The Tomcat apparently received the nickname ‘turkey’ because it mimicked the awkwardness of a turkey in flight when coming in to land aboard a carrier – waddling in the air with its wings spread, and flaps and undercarriage splayed out in uncomfortable inelegance. But of course, that all changed as soon as the Tomcat transitioned to fly with its wings tucked back for speed…
Here’s to the spirit of a remarkable aircraft and all those who served with them… HAPPY TURKEY DAY!
The Arabian Gulf (Apr. 2, 2003) — Two F/A-18C Hornets then assigned to “The Fist of the Fleet” of Strike Fighter Squadron Twenty-Five (VFA-25), and the “Stingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron One Thirteen (VFA-113) wait in line as an F-14D Tomcat assigned to the “Tomcatters” of Fighter Squadron Thirty-One (VF-31) prepares to launch from one of four steam powered catapults on the flight deck of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW 14) were conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Elizabeth A. Bartneck. (RELEASED)
The Arabian Gulf (Mar. 28, 2003) — A Naval Aviator assigned to the “Black Knights” of Fighter Squadron One Fifty Four (VF-154) performs a pre-flight inspection on an F-14A Tomcat prior to the beginning of daily flight operations on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) were operating with coalition forces in support of Operation Iraqi Freedomat the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom. (RELEASED)
Arabian Gulf (Mar. 23, 2003) — An Aviation Ordnanceman inspects precision guided ordnance attached to an F-14D Tomcat aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) were conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Tyler J. Clements. (RELEASED)
The Arabian Gulf (Mar 23, 2003) — An F-14D Super Tomcat assigned to the “Bounty Hunters” of Fighter Squadron Two (VF-2) aboad the USS Constellation (CV 64) is prepared for another mission and loaded with four 1,000 lb. GBU-16 Laser Guided Bombs (LGBs) in support of Operation Iraqi freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain. (RELEASED)
The Arabian Gulf (March 25, 2003) — Aviation Ordnance Mate 2nd Class Jeremy Sartain performs a post-flight check on a AIM-9 Sidewinder short range air-to-air missile attached to an F-14 Tomcat assigned to the “Bounty Hunters” of Fighter Squadron Two (VF-2) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Felix Garza Jr. (RELEASED)
The Arabian Gulf (Apr. 4, 2003) — A Plane Captain assigned to the ‘Tomcatters’ of Fighter Squadron Thirty One (VF-31) wipes down the cockpit canopy of an F-14D Tomcat aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln Carrier Strike Force and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) were deployed conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Patricia R. Totemeier. (RELEASED)
The Mediterranean Sea (Apr. 8, 2003) — F-14 Tomcat aircrews assigned to the “Swordsmen” of Fighter Squadron Thirty Two (VF-32) prepare for daily flight operations on the flight deck aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman and Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) were deployed conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Jose L. Barrientos Jr. (RELEASED)
The Mediterranean Sea (Mar. 28, 2003) — An F-14 Tomcat assigned to the ‘Swordsmen’ of Fighter Squadron Thirty-Two (VF-32) prepares to be launch from one of four steam powered catapults on the flight deck of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman and her embarked aircraft were deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Danny Ewing Jr. (RELEASED)
ABOARD USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) AT SEA (Mar. 23, 2003) ñ- Flight deck personnel work together to place an F-14 Tomcat on one of the shipís steam-powered catapults for launch. America’s oldest active warship at the time, Kitty Hawk with embarked Carrier Air Wing 5 was operating with coalition forces in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographerís Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom
The Arabian Gulf (Mar. 23, 2003) — A flight deck director directs an F-14D Tomcat onto the one of four steam powered catapults as ‘final checkers’ conduct their inspections before the fighter is launched from the flight deck of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedomat the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Third Class Philip A McDaniel. (RELEASED)
The Mediterranean Sea (Apr. 1, 2003) — An Aviation Boatswain’s Mate signals for the launch of an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the “Hunters” of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Zero One (VFA-201) from the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) were deployed and conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Matthew Bash. (RELEASED)
At sea aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Aug. 6, 2002 — An F-14D “Tomcat” from Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31) launches from catapult three during flight operations aboard USS Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) were on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Philip A. McDaniel. (RELEASED)
The Arabian Gulf (Mar. 22, 2003) — An F-14A Tomcat fighter aircraft launches from one of four steam powered catapults aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk was deployed with coalition forces in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom. (RELEASED)
The Arabian Gulf (Mar. 28, 2003) — An F-14D Tomcat assigned to the “Tomcatters” of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31) launches from the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in route to support coalition ground troops. Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW 14) were conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedomat the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Philip A McDaniel. (RELEASED)
The Arabian Gulf (Apr. 3, 2003) — F-14A Tomcats fly in formation on final approach to USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Force and Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) were deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom. (RELEASED)
The Mediterranean Sea (Mar. 22,2003) — An F-14 Tomcat fighter catches the arresting wire on the rain-soaked flight deck aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Ryan O’Connor. (RELEASED)
An F-14 “Tomcat” assigned to Fighter Squadron One Four Three (VF-143) based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, returned to Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, after completing a bombing run during a training exercises in the region. Navy Photograph by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class David M. Tilton (Released)
The Arabian Gulf (Apr. 6, 2003) — An F-14A Tomcat fighter aircraft is pulled into position on the flight deck by a tow tractor aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk and Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) were deployed with coalition forces in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom. (RELEASED)
The Arabian Gulf (Mar. 30, 2003) — An F-14A Tomcat is loaded with ordnance during flight operations aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) were conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom. (RELEASED)
The Arabian Gulf (Mar. 30, 2003) — An F-14A Tomcat ignites its afterburners just prior to launching off the flight deck aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) were conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom. (RELEASED)
The Mediterranean Sea (Apr. 2, 2003) — An F-14 Tomcat (center) assigned to the “Black Lions” of fighter Squadron Two Thirteen (VF-213) prepares to launch from the flight deck aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), as an F/A-18 Hornet (right) assigned to the “Hunters” of Strike Fighter Squadron Two Zero One (VFA-201) prepares to launch. Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) were deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class James K. McNeil. (RELEASED)
Mediterranean Sea (Apr. 8, 2003) — An F-14 Tomcat assigned to the “Black Lions” of Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VF-213) and an EA-6B Prowler assigned to the “Shadow Hawks” of Electronic Attack Squadron One Four One (VAQ-141) prepare to launch from one of four steam driven catapults on the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Roosevelt and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) were on deployment operating with coalition forces in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Jason Lagoe. (RELEASED)
At sea aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Dec. 25, 2001- Christmas Day, an F-14 “Tomcat” from the “Checkmates” of Fighter Squadron Two One One (VF-211) launches off of the flight deck. Stennis and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) were conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographers Mate 3rd Class Troy M. Latham (Released)
The Mediterranean Sea (Apr. 8, 2003) — An F/A-18 Hornet (top), assigned to the “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Five (VFA-105) and an F-14 Tomcat assigned to the “Swordsmen” of Fighter Squadron Thirty Two (VF-32) prepare to launch from the flight deck aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman and Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) were deployed conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Jose L. Barrientos Jr. (RELEASED)
Central Command Area of Responsibility (Apr. 9, 2003) — F-14’s from the USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75) fly in observation formation off the wing of a KC-10 “Extender.” The “Extenders” were assigned to the 305th/514th Air Mobility Wing, McGuire AFB, N.J. at the time, and deployed to Burgas Airport and nearby Camp Sarafovo, Bulgaria, to support tanker operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt Dave Ahlschwede. (RELEASED)
Virginia Beach, Va. (Sept. 9, 2006) – Two F-14 Tomcats take off from the flight line at the 2006 Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana Air show. The 2006 NAS Oceana Air Show themed “Salute to the Blue Angels; 60 Years of Aerial Excellence”, showcased civilian and military aircraft from the Nation’s armed forces, providing lots of flight demonstrations and static displays. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon E. Holmes (RELEASED)
Aboard the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV 64) deployed in the central Pacific (April 8, 1997). . . .Two F-14D aircraft assigned to f Fighter Squadron TWO (VF-2) are framed by a rainbow while crossing the central Pacific ocean. Constellation was enroute to the Arabian Gulf as part of a regularly scheduled six month western Pacific and deployment. U. S. Navy photograph by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class James W. Olive (RELEASED)
At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Dec. 20, 2001 — An F-14 “Tomcat” lands aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt . The Roosevelt and her embarked aircraft were deployed aircraft are deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Carly J. Cranston. (RELEASED)
At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Mar. 1, 2002 – A pilot and his radar interceptor operator (RIO) sit in an F-14 “Tomcat” fighter assigned to the “Diamondbacks” of Fighter Squadron One Zero Two (VF-102), while awaiting instructions from the flight deck crew to move into position for launch. Overhead an F/A-18 “Hornet” strike fighter approaches the ship for an arresting landing, after returning from a mission. Theodore Roosevelt and its embarked carrier air wing (CVW) were conducting combat missions over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom at the time. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Stacey Hines. (RELEASED)
On board aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) December 9, 1996. . . . An F-14 “Tomcat” maneuvers the flight deck while awaiting clearance for launch, as a SH-60 “Seahawk” helicopter departs the ship for “Plan Guard” duties. John C. Stennis was conducting regularly scheduled Carrier Qualifications (CQ) off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida at the time. U.S. Navy Photo by Steve Heiner (Released)
Richard Mallory Allnutt's aviation passion ignited at the 1974 Farnborough Airshow. Raised in 1970s Britain, he was immersed in WWII aviation lore. Moving to Washington DC, he frequented the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum, meeting aviation legends.
After grad school, Richard worked for Lockheed-Martin but stayed devoted to aviation, volunteering at museums and honing his photography skills. In 2013, he became the founding editor of Warbirds News, now Vintage Aviation News. With around 800 articles written, he focuses on supporting grassroots aviation groups.
Richard values the connections made in the aviation community and is proud to help grow Vintage Aviation News.
