The Tomcat’s debut as a precision strike-fighter came in 1999 with NATO Operation Allied Force in Kosovo. We talk to a former F-14 RIO who played a key role in the Tomcat’s successful performance and reveals unexpected episodes from combat missions.

Our guest, retired Rear Admiral Dell “Snapper” Bull, deployed with VF-14 aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt from March-September 1999. He recalls their expectations and combat experiences, and shares stories that are told here for the first time. You’ll hear technical details, learn about the value of delay lazing, and once again realize that resourceful aviators often make the difference between failure and success.

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The F-14 and F-15 were developed only a few years apart, and their intended missions had many overlaps, so a rivalry was only natural. We talk to a USAF F-15C pilot who was assigned to a Navy F-14A squadron for an exchange tour and provides wide-ranging and entertaining comments on squadron environment, training, and other topics – as well as the fighters themselves: handling characteristics, engines, and much more.

Our guest is retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Doug “Norton” Carney, and he peppers the discussion with different terms for some familiar Navy items, such as calling the PLAT the “danger channel.”

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U.S. Navy carrier aviation underwent significant changes in the 1990s, with retirement of several types and debate over the future. A team of visionaries realized that the F-14 Tomcat would be much more valuable if it could improve its multi-mission performance and do it quickly – and got to work adapting the Air Force LANTIRN* system to make the Tomcat a premiere precision strike-fighter.

Our guest is former F-14 RIO Dave “HeyJoe” Parsons, known to most F-14 fans for his books and incredible photographs, who was also a key member of the small team that worked miracles in getting LANTIRN on the Tomcat in record time. HeyJoe identifies the people who led the charge and describes how they made it happen. The interview provides fascinating insights into military procurement and shows what a few determined people can accomplish, and explains why the Tomcat was an exceptional strike-fighter.

* LANTIRN: Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night.

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U.S. Navy aircraft carrier ops are a series of complex and challenging events for the pilot, RIO or other crew, and shipboard personnel. There is a back-up for almost everything, and the ultimate backup is a barricade recovery.

We talk to a pilot and RIO about their night barricade recovery while flying with VF-2 aboard the USS Ranger in 1989. Pager and Rico describe how they got into the situation, how they prepared when starting this unusual approach, and what it was like flying into a giant net at 150 mph!

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Operation Desert Storm, which started in January 1991, was a landmark in modern warfare and the F-14 Tomcat made some important contributions. Former F-14 pilot “Fuzzy” Matheson and RIO “Woodie” Wood, who flew combat missions with VF-84 aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, talk about taking the big fighter into combat.

Fuzzy and Woodie share fascinating stories about last-minute training, chaotic early missions, and learning some hard lessons of combat … and how Desert Storm influenced Topgun and other Naval Aviation training.

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The F-14D "Super" Tomcat introduced a host of new combat systems: APG-71 radar, Infrared Search and Track (IRST), and more.

On this episode, we interview combat-experienced F-14D RIO “Fun” Mhley to get the scoop on how they increased combat effectiveness of the Tomcat's ultimate version; it was a lot more than just an improved radar!

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The photo reconnaissance mission required a high level of aircrew proficiency, and could be as challenging and exciting as any TACAIR missions. The F-14 performed “recce” using TARPS – a massive pod on the Tomcat’s belly that carried multiple cameras – for much of its career.

We interview RIOs from early and later in the TARPS program, “Rooter” Root and “Santa” Noel, respectively, who describe everything from mission preparation to high-profile flights and combat missions. In addition, technical expert “Kodak” Tennyson, a former limited duty officer (LDO), adds details on camera capabilities, film handling, the TARPS program, and more.

Remember: smile, you’re on camera!

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This episode gives you the full story of the F-14D, sometimes known as the Super Tomcat, as only “Jungle” Jones can tell it! The D-model Tomcat brought powerful engines and many other improved systems to the fight, and our guest is enthusiastically reports on their effectiveness.

Jungle was an F-14D pilot and Topgun instructor, and takes us into his combat missions as well as training dogfights where he surprised many friendly fighters who didn’t realize what the ultimate Tomcat could do. A great story-teller, he holds nothing back in reporting on the problems experienced when the jet was new, but mostly its strengths when put to the test.

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Crunch and Bio tell the stories behind their callsigns and answer questions: Fuzzbusters, fuel ladders, switching between the Tomcat and Hornet, and more! 

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Hot steel on target, on time. That’s the difference between a strike fighter feared by the enemy and a parade aircraft. The men who enable that mission effectiveness are Aviation Ordnancemen, who proudly call themselves “Ordies.” In this wild episode we interview two Ordies who embody the professionalism and fighting spirit of the rating: Randy Zeitler and Steve Folsom.

With raucous energy they talk about the weapons that gave the Tomcat its claws, as well as the unforgiving flight deck environment, life in an F-14 squadron, and many other details you won’t hear in other places. Their admiration for the Tomcat and its flight crews is evident, as well as their pride at being an essential part of the program during combat operations.

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