F-14 Tomcast

This is the 26th and final episode of the F-14 Tomcast season 1. On this episode, Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello of the Fighter Pilot Podcast, interviews hosts Craig “Crunch” Snyder and Dave “Bio” Baranek, discussing favorite parts of the series, missed opportunities, and more. We also present audience poll results and hints about the future...

It is said that all good things come to an end, and so it was with the Tomcat’s service. The end came in 2006, when the final US Navy F-14 squadron, VF-31 Tomcatters, shut down their F-14Ds for the last time. But there’s a lot more to the story than the Tomcat Sunset ceremony at NAS Oceana and a final flight, such as the final deployment and behind-the-scenes activities. Our guest is uniquely qualified for this topic as he was the last commanding officer of VF-31: James “Puck” Howe. His accounts of the squadron’s performance and the aircraft’s final months will make you proud to be a Tomcat fan!

Coalition combat returned to Iraq in 2003 with Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Among US Navy forces were the Bounty Hunters of VF-2, which brought F-14D Tomcats to the fight. This episode goes into detail on the big fighter’s performance in a challenging threat environment. Our guests are former Tomcat pilot “Grumpy” Kimberly and RIO “Boog” Denneny, who flew demanding missions in OIF and share riveting tales of their experiences. Their opening comments also provide excellent background of the F-14 community in the 1990s and early 2000s.

In response to the 9/11 terror attacks, American and coalition forces commenced combat operations in Afghanistan with conventional operations commencing 7 October 2001. It was an incredible period in history, and our guest was a key participant. Former F-14 RIO Mike "Tung" Peterson describes what it was like being deployed when 9/11 happened…and flying in the first strike to begin the military response. A member of VF-213 flying from USS Carl Vinson, Tung describes aerial refueling challenges that almost turned his first mission into a disaster (but was saved by a daring USAF tanker crew), enthusiasm among the ship’s crew to avenge the attacks, and dealing with the MANPAD threat. He relates a heart-stopping mission to support friendlies in a desperate situation and shows his “Afghanistan ordnance Christmas tree.”

The AIM-54 Phoenix air-to-air missile was a major part of the F-14 program: it affected the Tomcat’s design and was the weapon that gave the Tomcat its unique and most impressive capabilities. During the Tomcat’s three-plus decades of service with the US Navy, however, American crews had only three combat Phoenix launches and none were successful. Our guest was one of those shooters. We interview “Jumby” Castleton, the lead RIO in a section of F-14Ds that attacked Iraqi aircraft in January 1999 during Operation Southern Watch. While the Phoenix did not score a kill, the tactics used by the Tomcat crews, and the Hornet crews with them, make a great story!

Sure, you’ve seen an air show, and the lucky have seen an F-14 Tomcat demonstration, but you will be amazed by what it took to train for the performance and what it was like to fly a show in the big fighter! We interview a pilot and RIO team, "Shorn" Saccomando and "Ponch" Rivera, who candidly reveal the extreme professionalism and commitment required to succeed in this high-risk mission. They talk about managing the incredible power of the F110 engines in the D model, dealing with the FAA, and how a pilot and RIO worked together to show off the incredible capabilities of the F-14D. They conclude with some of their memorable quotes and explain the story behind each one.

Aviation fans are likely familiar with the movie 'Speed & Angels,' a 2008 documentary that still receives high praise for its fighter aviation scenes and realism. The film follows two upcoming F-14 pilots in training, reveals their life stories and dreams, and continues as they enter the fleet. Our guests are one of the pilots profiled in the film, Meagan Flannigan (who was then Meagan Varley), and the fighter pilot who originated the idea and worked tirelessly to see it to completion, Paco Chierici. This episode is full of revelations about flying the Tomcat, making a movie, and living in front of the camera.

One of the stars of the 1986 movie 'Top Gun' was undeniably the F-14 Tomcat,. On this episode, we dig deep into what it took to create this memorable film. From the canopy-to-canopy scene, tower fly-by, and low-altitude flights over the desert, filming Top Gun required careful coordination and skillful performance from all involved, including the aviators, camera operators, and others. Former F-14 pilots “Bozo” Abel and “Smegs” Semcken were instrumental participants who offer their first-person recollections of the challenges and successes that helped make this iconic film. They disclose details that are sure to surprise! As a bonus, at the end of the interview we show a few minutes of never-before-seen HUD video from one of the TOPGUN squadron F-5s while filming scenes involving the “MiG-28.”

In the 1970s and 80s, the US Navy maintained a robust adversary force to provide air-to-air training for its fighter squadrons, proving it had learned from experiences in Vietnam. Our guest was an F-14 Tomcat pilot who served as an adversary, flying the A-4 Skyhawk and the F-21 Kfir – an Israeli product based on the sleek Mirage 5, with a powerful J79 engine. Retired Commander Bob “BB” Brauer talks about close-in combat as a Tomcat pilot, and what it was like to fight against the big fighter. He describes tricks the adversaries used and recalls his encounters with famous Tomcat pilots Hoser and Snort, as well as fighters of other services.

The AWG-9 radar was one of the systems that made the Tomcat a remarkable fighter when it was introduced. It had exceptional range and multi-shot capability but required specialized maintenance to operate at full capability. On this episode, two former Aviation Electronics Technicians – ATs in Navy rating language – provide a different perspective on the F-14. Barry Shumate and John Kovar discuss how they learned their craft: Navy schools, spending free time in the shop, sharing tricks with other ATs, and more. They describe repair methods you won’t believe and the hilarious pranks they pulled.

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!  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/f-14_tomcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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.