10 Years Gone, the F-14 Tomcat’s Last Flight
By Joe Ruzicka
September 23, 2016
Associated Press
10 years gone: The F-14’s last flight from NAS Oceana, VA to Republic Airport, Farmingdale NY on October 4, 2006. Check out exclusive photos and thoughts from those who flew and admired the F-14 Tomcat.
Can it really be 10 years since the world’s most famous and preeminent fighter left us?
While many remember the Tomcat Sunset ceremony on 22 September 2006 as the ceremonial last flight, the actual last flight of the F-14 Tomcat did not occur until October 4, 2006. This final flight was a simple ferry from NAS Oceana, Virginia up to Republic Airport in Farmingdale, New York.
But this flight was more than just a cross country. It was the end of an era for a jet that had 36 years of outstanding service, swagger, and cache. When F-14D BuNo. 164603—the next to last Tomcat manufactured by Grumman—finally touched down, the last chapter was closed on a plane that began its journey way back in 1970.
http://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2016/09/23/10_years_gone_the_f-14_tomcats_last_flight_110114.html
