17. Keep 'em Flying: Tomcat Technicians

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... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices