The US Navy Says Goodbye to the Tomcat

Posted by ryuzaki0 on Thursday September 21, 2006 @02:47PM from the off-into-the-wild-blue-yonder dept.

jonerik writes "Though it's not being widely reported, this week marks the end of the line for the F-14 Tomcat in US Navy service. First flown in 1970, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat was easily one of the world's most powerful, advanced, and deadly aircraft for many years, capable of flying at Mach 2.3 and firing its half-dozen Mach 5 AIM-54 Phoenix air-to-air missiles at targets as much as 100 miles away. Having been gradually replaced during the last several years by the newer F/A-18E/F, the last of the aircraft in US service will be officially retired on Friday, September 22nd in a ceremony at Virginia's Oceana Naval Air Station. However, at least a few F-14s will continue to fly for a few more years: Iran — which took delivery of 79 aircraft before the overthrow of the Shah — still flies the plane, though only a small number (perhaps ten or twenty) are believed to still be in service due to a lack of spare parts and attrition."

5 of 576 comments (clear)

And so marches on the.... by d474 · 2006-09-21 14:57 · Score: 1, Troll

...Military Industrial War Complex....new planes, new weapons, new profits...

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1. Re:And so marches on the.... by wall0159 · 2006-09-21 18:12 · Score: 0, Troll
  
  "in case a really big war breaks out.."
  
  just an accident, like catching a cold: 'mummy, I've caught a cold...' 'mummy, we've caught a war...'
  
  Remember kids - countries and politicians decide when to make war and when to make peace. it doesn't 'just happen'
  
  in case... we really need to 'help democracy' in some country where there just _happens_ to be a huge economic advantage to us becoming involved...
Re:Thank God by Frogbert · 2006-09-21 16:52 · Score: 1, Troll

I'm just happy because it means that Australia will be getting a whole new batch of secondhand, breaking down, last generation military equipment.
Re:Weapons by operagost · 2006-09-22 02:52 · Score: 0, Troll

What is up with modding this "troll"? Moderation isn't a popularity contest, people.

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Re:Thank God by DarrylKegger · 2006-09-22 04:00 · Score: 0, Troll

eat shit you nazi-cocksucker!