Launch the Alert 5!
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- Опубліковано 15 вер 2024
- Hear from one of the early Tomcat pilots as he tells what it was like racing to be the first Tomcat to be launched against Cuban MiG-21s inbound to the USS Eisenhower!
#F14Tomcat #TopGunMaverick #AviationHistory #MilitaryAviation #FighterJet #NavyAviation #AircraftPorn #Avgeek #FlyNavy #Topgun
“Slick” was one of my Tomcat instructors when I was getting qualified in the F-14 and was eventually my Boss later on in my Tomcat career…I can’t tell you how much that guy taught me…I was truly blessed!!!🫡
Thank you for your service.
I'm Frito and I remember it well! They had an article on us in the base newspaper (The Jet Observer???). I still have it somewhere! The soviet tactics the Cubans used at that time included dragging US planes back toward Cuba and over a SA missile site. It was something we were briefed on. So we knocked off the escort before we got too close. You can't get too wrapped up in the chase and lose your SA. They would have loved to peg us! I liked flying with Slick. Great pilot and that was one hell of a landing!!
Great story
Just found this channel
Absolutely loved the F-14, grew up in the 80s, built model F-14s over and over
Was an enlisted from 1988-1992
From an Army grunt, you guys Rock.
The best job in the US military!
God Bless all of you and Thank you for your service!
Patriots Unite!
Tyranny is knocking on our door!
GBPT 🇺🇸🙏
These are awesome memories. Thanks, Vic 🇺🇸🫡
I was on Ike in 77 and remember this! I was attached to VAW-121 in CVW-7.
Great story. I was attached to 143 during that time. I worked intermediate level maintenance fixing the black (grey) boxes of the AWG-9 system. Working “I” level we really never got to interface with the pilots and rio’s too much. Lived and worked with ships company while onboard and were separated from squadron when at Oceana base, but I was always proud to be part of The World Famous Pukin’ Dogs.
I was launched in my F-14 on Alert 5 off the USS Enterprise on February 8, 1988 off the southern tip of Cam Rhan Bay, Vietnam. The Russians were occupying that base with Mig 23s. I ended up getting into a dogfight for about 8 minutes with a Russian Mig-23 pilot. I had no problem staying behind the Russian pilot as he/she was making mistakes. In fact, I didn't even have to use afterburner to stay behind the Mig. If you google "South China Sea Mig-23 LT Darhl "Snail" Ehrgott, you can read more details.
I helped build Bird Number One as an instrumentation engineer on the original F-14.
I didn't realize at the time that it was a special assignment But apparently, my history with the University of California provided management with some scientific chops, in addition to the unique instrumentation that this particular bird entailed.
My professor and physics lab partner became the founders of Qualcomm. The thing that amazed me, was the experienced assembler technicians getting down on the ground and taking sledgehammers to shape various titanium flanges and components into a configuration that would fit.
Later units would get more refined specifications, but this first bird was hand-built.
🛫
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Man every time I hear these stories, I can’t help but feel deeply that I missed the best days Naval aviation had to offer. These guys lived.
All these extra clips sure looks like another full length movie ❤❤❤
Cool story thx for sharing👍
I was part of VF-142 aboard the Ike from 83 to 86. This is a great story!! Thank you!!
Great story thank you so much for your service and taking the time to share.
the naval carrier borne F-14C Tomcat (Block II) multi role fighter interceptor is a legend on it's own right . . . it was & probably still is one of the best variable-sweep wing maritime fighter jet by far . . . brilliant design lines, those curves that seamlessly blends into the fuselage at the wing root . . . optimized for better aerodynamics & minimizing drag . . . forget stealth & forget F-35A for good bcos this one is on a whole new level altogether & it has been so since 1976 . . .
There was never an F-14C.
I served on Ike after you, but I still remember the night I was sitting on the Throttles watch when the order to launch the alert 5 fighter came across the headset. Cool story but you forgot that all great sea stories begin with "now this is a no shitter". ; )
Great content! Thank you.
I'm a retired OSCS 0318. Being an AIC on a carrier is about the best job an enlisted sailor can have. I got one intercept with an alert launch off Cuba, turned out to be a King Air. Oh well.
Love all tomcat content! Keep it coming
Takes balls to launch knowing you’re not strapped in!
I love hearing these stories. Thank you!!
Great story! I always wrote my wife letters in the focsle. Alert 5 = 'Clancey novels'
That is a great story! Thanks for posting it!
I wonder if he was jazzed up about it? LOL great story
I think the Navy should still be operating Tomcats. My ship couln't operate them, too low ceiling in the hangar bay, still love that bird though.
Flight deck troubleshooter VF143 launched HARLEY HALL on his last fateful flight in 73
New to make a 21st century tomcat
BZ Love it
This is great. Bit confusing at the start when he's describing the different ready states, like the one, the 30, but then I assume it skips the others as he then talks about being on alert 5.
To all my VF-213 fighting Lions in CAG 11 onboard the USS Enterprise in 1985 World cruise...Dont be a polly wog
I thought there were no longer greenie boards on carriers?
I want to find out why he was given the 360 vector
Didnt you guys stay for Dinner?
Pls skip the sound effects & music when the person is talking . It's not possible to hear them talk .