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

CAG bird on the cat of the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) during the sundown cruise of the Tomcat.

Tomcat of Fighting Squadron (VF) 31 "Tomcatters" launched from the USS Theordore Roosevelt (CVN-71) while deployed in the Persian Gulf.

Launch!

Felix the cat in the classic full viz "CAG-bird" marks of the glorious VF-31 "Tomcatters" over the CV-59 USS Forrestal flight deck.

157293 is often misidentified as MiG-killer: Cdr. Samuel C. Flynn Jr and Lt. William H. John scored a kill against a MiG-21 on June 21st, 1972 flying F-4J BuNo 157307. Shortly after, BuNo 157293 became Cdr. Flynn's assigned aircraft and the MiG-kill marking was transferred to 157293.

Late afternoon departure off runway 18 by "FELIX 101"

Base to final turn on 24R for this VF-31 CAG Tomcat