VF-31 F-14D makes a quick departure out of NAS North Island

"Tomcatters: F-14D departing runway 18 late afternoon

VF-31 F-14D with a late afternoon departure from North Island

w/o 11NOV83

This beauty was delivered to the US Navy as F-14A-105-GR on 11 February 1980 , the Cat was assigned to VF-101 and continued its operational life with VF-84 as AJ-201 (late 1986), VF-31 as AE-213 (late 1990), this AE-201 with the Tomcatters and was seen with VF-24 as NG-206 in mid 1993, NG-110 with VF-211 from mid 1994 and it ended its operational career as NG-201 from early 1995. The Cat was removed from the operational inventory on 6 March 1996. Most probably it is scrapped from that moment.

This VF-31 aircraft still carries USS Saratoga titles, but was deployed to USS Nimitz on its maiden cruise in 1975. The picture was taken somewhere in European waters. The aircraft was later converted to F-4S and then to QF-4S.

Rare picture of a F-4B of VF-31 on board USS Saratoga. VF-31 only operated the F-4B from 1964 until 1967 when these were replaced by F-4Js. This particular aircraft was later converted to F-4N.

In full colour markings of "The Tomcatters", VF-31, at Spithead anchorage, off Portsmouth.

VF-31's CAG F-14D performing a high speed pass

FELIX 103 on delivery day to Joe Davies Heritage Airpark. Flown in by 'Tank' & 'Supafly'

Catching the number 4 wire at the TR. Aircraft usually go for the number 3 wire. Pilots are aiming for that wire, as it is the safest/most effective one. They never aim for the 1st because that one is dangerously close to the edge of deck. If they come in too low on the 1st wire, they could easily crash into the stern of the ship. It is acceptable to snag the 2nd or 4th wire, but for a pilot to move up through the ranks, he/she has to be able to catch the 3rd wire consistently. In the squadron room the achievement of each pilot is logged, catching too many times the wrong ones cost you beers