Delivered to the USN in August 1991. While serving with VF-31, participated in the final Tomcat cruise aboard the USS Roosevelt (CVN-71) and was one of the last F-14s to see combat in Iraq.

Full color markings

Full color markings

The Tomcatters commanders aircraft gets a final check of the crew chief before the pilots get approval for the taxi ride to one of TR's cats. Many Tomcats were scrapped at AMARG to prevent spare parts feeding to Iran. Luckily, this beauty was relieved from that fate. Since September 2006, 164342 has been preserved at the Wings over Miami Museum at Kendall (FL).

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

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.

There are Tomcats and there are beautiful Tomcats. A classic picture of a towed Tomcat over the deck of the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). The aircraft was on its way to the the rear of the flight deck where it was positioned for an upcoming morning launch. Many Tomcats were scrapped at AMARG to prevent spare parts feeding to Iran. Luckily, this beauty was relieved from that fate. Since September 2006, 164342 is preserved at the Wings over Miami Museum at Kendall (FL).