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1977-1978
Photo by C. Jeff Dyrek
That's right, this plane is not only called a F14 Tomcat, it is also called an Aardvark. In this case, the Aardvark refers to the squadron name.The F14 Tomcat in the background is one from the squadron VF-213, I believe they were called the Black Lions. As you continue looking at this site you will see a good photo of the Aardvark painted on the tail.The 1977-1978 deployment of the USS Kitty Hawk hosted the first West PAC deployment of the F14's. We were very lucky to have these fine planes on our ship. They were very powerful and a 0009159HSPACE=10 VSPACE=10 BORDER=2 height=135 width=250 align=RIGHT alt="F-14 Tomcat Jet Fighter">thrill to watch. Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114) has attained distinction aboard the Kitty Hawk. The only squadron that has made every WestPac deployment aboard the USS Kitty Hawk since she was commissioned, the "Fighting Aardvarks" continue to meet the challenges of detection and interception of hostile aircraft. The famous aardvark, "Zot, " staring out from the tail of the squadron's F14A Tomcat aircraft, is recognized as the mascot proven to be the first in fleet protection. VF-114 continues to live up to its motto "First to Fight." 0005471HSPACE=10 VSPACE=10 BORDER=2 height=156 width=200 align=RIGHT alt="US Aircraft Carriers"> Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213) has distinguished itself on the USS Kitty Hawk during six combat and three peacetime cruises. The "Black Lion" insignia, on the constellation Leo rising in the night, represents the mission on an all-weather fighter squadron. Flying the F14A "Tomcat" aircraft, the "Black Lions" surface surveillance, strike group support, and force defense. The officers and men of VFR-213 are proud to maintain the "Black Lion" tradition of being one of the U.S. Navy's finest fighter squadrons. |
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F-14 Tomcat Links
Vets.Com, A great way to find fellow vets from VF-114 and More
Manufacturer | Grumman |
Length | 62'8" |
Height | 16' |
Span | 64'2" |
Area | 565 sq. ft. |
Empty Weight | 40,100 lbs. |
Max. Weight | 74,4350 lbs. |
Engines | 2 |
Powerplant | Pratt & Whitney TF30 |
Thrust | 41,800 lbs. Both engines on AB |
Max. Speed | 1,345 kts 1,545 mph |
Click Here for a list of WW2 Fighter Groups
Click Here to go to the YellowAirplane Online Museum
Look at these exhibits and tell me what these men really fought for.
the 34th fighter Squadron
USS Kitty Hawk
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