The Tomcat’s debut as a precision strike-fighter came in 1999 with NATO Operation Allied Force in Kosovo.

On this episode, a former F-14 RIO who played a key role in the Tomcat’s successful performance reveals unexpected OAF stories. Retired Rear Admiral Dell “Snapper” Bull, deployed with VF-14 aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt from March-September 1999.

Snapper recalls combat experiences, sharing stories first-told here. You’ll hear technical details, learn about the value of delay lazing, and be reminded that resourceful aviators often make the difference between failure and success.

The F-14 and F-15 were developed only a few years apart and their intended missions overlapped, so a rivalry was only natural.

On this episode, a USAF F-15C pilot assigned to a Navy F-14A squadron for an exchange tour 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.

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

US Navy carrier aviation underwent significant changes in the 1990s, with the retirement of several aircraft types and much debate over the future.

A team of visionaries realized the F-14 Tomcat would be more valuable if it could improve its multi-mission performance and do so quickly – so the team got to work adapting the Air Force LANTIRN (Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night) 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.

This interview provides fascinating insights into military procurement, showing what a few determined people can accomplish, and explains why the Tomcat was an exceptional strike-fighter.

US Navy aircraft carrier operations are complex and challenging for the aircrew and shipboard personnel. A back-up exists for almost everything, and the ultimate backup for landing 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!

Operation Desert Storm, which started in January 1991, was a landmark event in modern warfare and the F-14 Tomcat made some important contributions.

On this episode, former F-14 pilot “Fuzzy” Matheson and RIO “Woodie” Wood, who flew combat missions with VF-84 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt, discuss 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 … plus how Desert Storm influenced TOPGUN and other Naval Aviation training.

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

On this episode, combat-experienced F-14D RIO “Fun” Mhley provides the scoop on how combat effectiveness was enhanced on the Tomcat's ultimate version, and spoiler alert - it was a lot more than just an improved radar!

The photo reconnaissance mission requires a high level of aircrew proficiency and is as challenging and exciting as any traditional strike fighter missions.

The F-14 performed “recce” using TARPS – a massive pod on the Tomcat’s belly that carried multiple cameras. 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.

Additionally, technical expert “Kodak” Tennyson, a former limited duty officer, adds details on camera capabilities, film handling, the TARPS program, and more.

Smile, you’re on camera!

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

Jungle was an F-14D pilot and TOPGUN instructor who 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, Jungle holds nothing back in reporting on the problems experienced when the F-14D was new, but mostly its strengths when put to the test.

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

Hot steel on target, on time - that’s the difference between a strike fighter feared by the enemy and 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 elsewhere.

Randy and Steve's 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.