F-14 command closes

The Navy took a big step toward the official retirement of the F-14 Tomcat on Oct. 1 with the disestablishment of Fighter Wing Atlantic.

Originally established in July 1971 as Fighter Wing 1, the command has been responsible for overseeing the operations of the Navy’s fighter aircraft on the East and West coasts. When the F-14 Tomcat fighter community was relocated from the West coast to Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., the command was redesignated Fighter Wing Atlantic.

The Navy’s Tomcat squadrons will be under the command of Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic as they transition to the F/A-18E/F “Super Hornet.”

Another chapter will be added to the F-14 Tomcat history book on Friday, October 1st when Fighter Wing Atlantic officially disestablishes its headquarters at NAS Oceana.

In a Navy press release, the official ceremony to close the fighter wing will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Originally established in July of 1971 as Fighter Wing One, the command has been responsible for overseeing the operations of the Navy’s fighter aircraft on both the east and west coasts. When the F-14 Tomcat fighter community was relocated from the west coast to NAS Oceana the command was redesignated Fighter Wing Atlantic.

Fighter Wing Atlantic has maintained operational and administrative control of six fleet F-14 squadrons and one replacement squadron. Those squadrons will now be under the command of Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic as the remaining F-14s continue to transition to the F/A-18 E/F “Super Hornet.”

The guest speaker at Friday’s ceremony will be Vice Admiral James McArthur, Commander Naval Network Warfare Command and a former F-14 pilot. Rear Admiral Denby Starling, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet, will attend along with numerous other former Tomcat aircrews.

A highlight of the ceremony will be the unveiling of a headstone at the NAS Oceana Officers Club. Headstones have traditionally been placed in front of the club signifying the last resting place of aircraft squadrons and commands.

 Sad day for sure.