Anytime, Baby!
Hail and Farewell to the US Navy F-14 Tomcat

by Erik Hildebrandt

Reviewed by Mick Evans

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This publication is a hard cover, full colour glossy publication printed in a large format.

The publication focuses on the final days of the F-14 Tomcat before being finally withdrawn from service after 35 years of sterling service with its role being filled by the newer F18E/F Super Hornet.

This publication contains 191 pages of English text with a massive amount of colour photographs numbering approx 409 with many of these being in full page format. There are many sequenced photographs of catapult shots, approach and landing sequences and many of the sequenced approach photographs are taken from the rear seat position in flight. The book covers the final days of the last squadrons still flying the Tomcat and these are VF-211 Checkmates, VF-11 Red Rippers, VF-32 Swordsmen, VF-143 Pukin Dogs, VF-101 Grim Reapers, VF-213 Blacklions, and VF-31 Tomcatters.

A few pages are dedicated to the VF-32 Gypsy fly in with many family reunion and celebration photographs included. Many of the authors own personal experience with the Tomcat has been included while some very nice photographs of Tomcat operations not normally seen by the general public appear throughout the book. Photographs of the Tomcat’s replacement the F18E/F Super Hornet are included with their not-so-bright squadron colours but in my opinion the Super Bug just does not have the appeal of the Tomcat. The Tomcat looks mean and ready to pounce. It just has a look about it when the wings are full swept back with a full missile load.

There are photographs to make us Tomcat lovers cry - the wreckers gas axe. Sadly, that is how the end has come for many Tomcats. They were literally hacked to bits with a cutting torch. It seems a nasty end for an aircraft that was unique for its time and had a capability with its Phoenix missile system that was unmatched by any other aircraft.

In summary, this is quite a comprehensive and nicely illustrated publication and will be a welcome addition to the library collection of any Tomcat Lover or modeller wanting good reference detail for the last days of the Tomcat.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Specialty Press for the review sample

Review Copyright © 2007 by Mick Evans
This Page Created on 01 January, 2007
Last updated 31 December, 2006

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