The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) aircraft carrier saw the F-14Ds from VF-31, the Tomcatters, and VF-213, the Black Lions, embark for the “last cruise” of the legendary Tomcat in support of OIF
The amusing video in this article, which was shot during the F-14 Tomcat’s final cruise, allows you to fly with the VF-31 Tomcatters aircrews on their F-14Ds during a 7-hour mission over Mosul, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).
During the “last cruise” of the legendary Tomcat, F-14Ds from VF-31, the Tomcatters, and VF-213, the Black Lions, boarded the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) for a Med/Gulf Deployment in support of OIR. This deployment lasted from September 1, 2005, to March 11, 2006.
ROVER (Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver) III downlink was added to the F-14Ds of VF-31 and VF-213 on December 10, 2005, allowing them to send photos to ground Forward Air Controllers (FAC).
The last combat mission carried out by a US Navy Tomcat was finished on February 8, 2006, as we have previously reported. VF-213 Black Lions F-14D piloted by Commander William G. Sizemore II of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 while wearing “modex 204.” The last pilot to ever drop a bomb from an F-14 Tomcat was Bill Frank, a VF-31 Tomcatters pilot who also took part in the final mission.
Together, VF-31 and VF-213 flew 1,163 combat sorties totaling 6,876 flight hours during their final deployment aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. They also dropped 9,500 lb (4,300 kg) of ammunition during missions for close air support (CAS), surveillance, and reconnaissance.
On July 28, 2006, the USS Theodore Roosevelt launched an F-14D from VF-31 for the final time. On March 10, 2006, the VF-31 Tomcatters and VF-213 Black Lions, the final two F-14 squadrons, held their final fly-in at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana.
Photo by video screenshot