F-14 Tomcast
43 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 255 ratingsThe F-14 Tomcast is a biweekly internet radio show dedicated to the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and the amazing men and women who flew, fixed, fought, and loved her.
Hosted by a former F-14 pilot and RIO duo who combined have well over 30 years, 5,000 hours, and 1,000 carrier landings in the Tomcat, episodes feature experienced guests who explain the F-14's service life from early development to the beloved fighter's retirement.
Season one of the F-14 Tomcast ran from September 2021 through August 2022. There are no current plans for subsequent seasons.
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Episodes
Final Episode & Look Back
August 30, 2022 13:14 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MBSticking with our original plan, this is the 26th and final episode of the F-14 Tomcast. We change it up for this episode, with “Jell-O” Aiello of the Fighter Pilot Podcast interviewing hosts “Crunch” Snyder and “Bio” Baranek. We discuss favorite part of the podcast series, missed opportunities, and more. In addition, we present the results of the audience poll. Check out this episode for more stories, audience poll results, and hints about the future! Support this podcast at — https://re...
F-14 Sunset
August 16, 2022 13:14 - 1 hour - 60.2 MBAll good things come to an end, and so it was with the Tomcat’s US Navy service. The end came in 2006, when the final Navy F-14 squadron -- VF-31 Tomcatters – shut down their F-14Ds for the last time. There’s a lot more to the story than the Tomcat Sunset ceremony at NAS Oceana and a final flight, such as the final deployment and behind-the-scenes activities that will surprise you. Our guest is uniquely qualified for this topic, as he was the last commanding officer of VF-31: James “Puck” H...
Op. Iraqi Freedom
August 02, 2022 13:14 - 1 hour - 87.9 MBCoalition combat returned to Iraq in 2003 with Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Among US Navy forces were the Bounty Hunters of VF-2, which brought F-14D Tomcats to the fight. This episode goes into detail on the big fighter’s performance in a challenging threat environment. Our guests are former Tomcat pilot “Grumpy” Kimberly and RIO “Boog” Denneny, who flew demanding missions in OIF and share riveting tales of their experiences. Their opening comments also provide excellent background of th...
Op. Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan)
July 19, 2022 13:14 - 1 hour - 65.9 MBIn response to the 9/11 attacks, American and coalition forces commenced combat operations in Afghanistan (and other locations), with conventional operations commencing 7 October 2001. It was an incredible period in recent history, and our guest was a key participant. We talk to former F-14 RIO Mike Peterson, callsign “Tung,” about what it was like being on deployment when 9/11 happened…and flying in the first strike to begin the military response. A member of VF-213 flying from the USS Car...
Combat Phoenix Shot
July 05, 2022 13:14 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBThe AIM-54 Phoenix missile was a major part of the F-14 program: it affected the Tomcat’s design and was the weapon that gave the Tomcat its unique and most impressive capabilities. During the Tomcat’s three-plus decades of service with the US Navy, however, American crews had only three combat Phoenix launches, and none of them were successful. Our guest was one of those shooters. We interview “Jumby” Castleton, the lead RIO in a section of F-14Ds that attacked Iraqi aircraft in January 19...
Air Show Demo
June 21, 2022 13:14 - 1 hour - 77.1 MBSure, you’ve seen an air show -- and the lucky ones have seen a Tomcat demonstration, or demo – but you will be amazed at what it took to train for the performance and what it was like to fly a show in the big fighter! Learn about the importance of crew coordination; guidelines for air shows, including distance from the crowd, altitude; the scary moments; and much more! We interview a pilot and RIO team, "Shorn" Saccomando and "Ponch" Rivera, who candidly reveal the extreme professionalism ...
"Speed & Angels" -- the Movie
June 07, 2022 13:14 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBAviation movie fans are likely familiar with the movie “Speed & Angels,” a documentary that was released in 2008 and still gets high praise for its scenes of fighter aviation as well as its realism. The film follows two upcoming F-14 pilots in training, reveals their life stories and dreams, and continues as they enter the fleet. Our guests are one of the pilots profiled in the film, Meagan Flannigan (who was then Meagan Varley), and the fighter pilot who originated the idea and worked tire...
"Top Gun" -- the Movie
May 24, 2022 13:14 - 1 hour - 99.6 MBOne of the stars of the 1986 movie “Top Gun” was the F-14 Tomcat, and we dig deep into what it took to create this memorable film. From the canopy-to-canopy scene, tower fly-by, and low-altitude flights over the desert, filming Top Gun required careful coordination and skillful performance from all involved, including the Navy aviators, camera operators, and others. Former F-14 pilots “Bozo” Abel and “Smegs” Semcken were instrumental participants, and they give us their first-person recolle...
Adversaries: Tomcats vs Kfirs
May 10, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 59.6 MBThe US Navy maintained a robust force of adversaries to provide air-to-air training for its fighter squadrons in the 1970s and 1980s, proving that it really had learned from its experience in Vietnam. Our guest was a Tomcat pilot who served as an adversary, flying the A-4 Skyhawk and the F-21 Kfir – an Israeli product based on the sleek Mirage 5, with a powerful J79 engine! Retired Commander Bob “BB” Brauer talks about close-in combat as a Tomcat pilot, and what it was like to fight against...
Aviation Electronics Technicians (ATs)
April 26, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 65.9 MBThe AWG-9 radar was one of the systems that made the Tomcat a remarkable fighter when it was introduced. It had exceptional range and multi-shot capability but required specialized maintenance to operate at full capability. We talk to two former Aviation Electronics Technicians – ATs in Navy rating language – who give us a different perspective on the F-14. Guests Barry Shumate and John Kovar talk about how they learned their craft: Navy schools, spending free time in the shop, sharing tric...
Tomcats over Kosovo
April 12, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 75.6 MBThe Tomcat’s debut as a precision strike-fighter came in 1999 with NATO Operation Allied Force in Kosovo. We talk to a former F-14 RIO who played a key role in the Tomcat’s successful performance and reveals unexpected episodes from combat missions. Our guest, retired Rear Admiral Dell “Snapper” Bull, deployed with VF-14 aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt from March-September 1999. He recalls their expectations and combat experiences, and shares stories that are told here for the first time....
Kosovo
April 12, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 75.6 MBThe Tomcat’s debut as a precision strike-fighter came in 1999 with NATO Operation Allied Force in Kosovo. We talk to a former F-14 RIO who played a key role in the Tomcat’s successful performance and reveals unexpected episodes from combat missions. Our guest, retired Rear Admiral Dell “Snapper” Bull, deployed with VF-14 aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt from March-September 1999. He recalls their expectations and combat experiences, and shares stories that are told here for the first time....
F-15 vs F-14: Exchange Tour
March 29, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 84.4 MBThe F-14 and F-15 were developed only a few years apart, and their intended missions had many overlaps, so a rivalry was only natural. We talk to a USAF F-15C pilot who was assigned to a Navy F-14A squadron for an exchange tour and provides wide-ranging and entertaining comments on squadron environment, training, and other topics – as well as the fighters themselves: handling characteristics, engines, and much more. Our guest is retired Air Force Colonel Doug “Norton” Carney, and he peppers...
The Air Force F-15 Pilot who Flew the F-14
March 29, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 84.4 MBThe F-14 and F-15 were developed only a few years apart, and their intended missions had many overlaps, so a rivalry was only natural. We talk to a USAF F-15C pilot who was assigned to a Navy F-14A squadron for an exchange tour and provides wide-ranging and entertaining comments on squadron environment, training, and other topics – as well as the fighters themselves: handling characteristics, engines, and much more. Our guest is retired Air Force Colonel Doug “Norton” Carney, and he peppers...
LANTIRN
March 15, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBUS Navy carrier aviation underwent significant changes in the 1990s, with retirement of several types and debate over the future. A team of visionaries realized that the F-14 Tomcat would be much more valuable if it could improve its multi-mission performance and do it quickly – and got to work adapting the Air Force LANTIRN* system to make the Tomcat a premiere precision strike-fighter. Our guest is former F-14 RIO Dave “HeyJoe” Parsons, known to most F-14 fans for his books and incredible...
Night Eyes for the Tomcat
March 15, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBUS Navy carrier aviation underwent significant changes in the 1990s, with retirement of several types and debate over the future. A team of visionaries realized that the F-14 Tomcat would be much more valuable if it could improve its multi-mission performance and do it quickly – and got to work adapting the Air Force LANTIRN* system to make the Tomcat a premiere precision strike-fighter. Our guest is former F-14 RIO Dave “HeyJoe” Parsons, known to most F-14 fans for his books and incredible...
Rig the Barricade!
March 01, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 61.7 MBUS Navy aircraft carrier ops are a series of complex and challenging events for the pilot, RIO or other crew, and shipboard personnel. There is a back-up for almost everything, and the ultimate backup is a barricade recovery. We talk to a pilot and RIO about their night barricade recovery while flying with VF-2 aboard the USS Ranger in 1989. Pager and Rico describe how they got into the situation, how they prepared when starting this unusual approach, and what it was like flying into a gian...
F-14 Barricade
March 01, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 61.7 MBUS Navy aircraft carrier ops are a series of complex and challenging events for the pilot, RIO or other crew, and shipboard personnel. There is a back-up for almost everything, and the ultimate backup is a barricade recovery. We talk to a pilot and RIO about their night barricade recovery while flying with VF-2 aboard the USS Ranger in 1989. Pager and Rico describe how they got into the situation, how they prepared when starting this unusual approach, and what it was like flying into a gian...
F-14 Tomcats in Desert Storm
February 15, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 74.2 MBOperation Desert Storm, which started in January 1991, was a landmark in modern warfare and the F-14 Tomcat made some important contributions. Former F-14 pilot “Fuzzy” Matheson and RIO “Woodie” Wood, who flew combat missions with VF-84 aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, talk about taking the big fighter into combat. Fuzzy and Woodie share fascinating stories about last-minute training, chaotic early missions, and learning some hard lessons of combat … and how Desert Storm influenced Topgun...
Desert Storm
February 15, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 74.2 MBOperation Desert Storm, which started in January 1991, was a landmark in modern warfare and the F-14 Tomcat made some important contributions. Former F-14 pilot “Fuzzy” Matheson and RIO “Woodie” Wood, who flew combat missions with VF-84 aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, talk about taking the big fighter into combat. Fuzzy and Woodie share fascinating stories about last-minute training, chaotic early missions, and learning some hard lessons of combat … and how Desert Storm influenced Topgun...
F-14D Combat Systems
February 01, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 96 MBThe F-14D Tomcat introduced a host of new combat systems: APG-71 radar, Infrared Search and Track (IRST), and more. We interview combat-experienced F-14D RIO “Fun” Mhley to get the scoop on how they increased combat effectiveness of the Tomcat's ultimate version; it was a lot more than just an improved radar! This episode also includes several announcements of interest! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/f-14_tomcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
TARPS
January 18, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 76.4 MBThe photo reconnaissance mission required a high level of aircrew proficiency, and could be as challenging and exciting as any TACAIR missions. The F-14 performed “recce” using TARPS – a massive pod on the Tomcat’s belly that carried multiple cameras – for much of its career. We interview RIOs from early and later in the TARPS program, “Rooter” Root and “Santa” Noel, respectively, who describe everything from mission preparation to high-profile flights and combat missions. In addition, tech...
Photo Reconnaissance Tomcats
January 18, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 76.4 MBThe photo reconnaissance mission required a high level of aircrew proficiency, and could be as challenging and exciting as any TACAIR missions. The F-14 performed “recce” using TARPS – a massive pod on the Tomcat’s belly that carried multiple cameras – for much of its career. We interview RIOs from early and later in the TARPS program, “Rooter” Root and “Santa” Noel, respectively, who describe everything from mission preparation to high-profile flights and combat missions. In addition, tech...
F-14D
January 04, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 74.4 MBThis episode gives you the full story of the F-14D, sometimes known as the Super Tomcat, as only “Jungle” Jones can tell it! The D-model Tomcat brought powerful engines and many other improved systems to the fight, and our guest is enthusiastically reports on their effectiveness. Jungle was an F-14D pilot and Topgun instructor, and takes us into his combat missions as well as training dogfights where he surprised many friendly fighters who didn’t realize what the ultimate Tomcat could do. A...
Flying the F-14D "Super Tomcat"
January 04, 2022 14:14 - 1 hour - 74.4 MBThis episode gives you the full story of the F-14D, sometimes known as the Super Tomcat, as only “Jungle” Jones can tell it! The D-model Tomcat brought powerful engines and many other improved systems to the fight, and our guest is enthusiastically reports on their effectiveness. Jungle was an F-14D pilot and Topgun instructor, and takes us into his combat missions as well as training dogfights where he surprised many friendly fighters who didn’t realize what the ultimate Tomcat could do. A...
End of Year Bonus - December 2021
December 26, 2021 13:28 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBCrunch and Bio tell the stories behind their callsigns and answer questions: Fuzzbusters, fuel ladders, switching between the Tomcat and Hornet, and more! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/f-14_tomcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Tomcat Ordnancemen
December 21, 2021 14:15 - 1 hour - 82.4 MBHot steel on target, on time. That’s the difference between a strike fighter feared by the enemy and a parade aircraft. The men who enable that mission effectiveness are Aviation Ordnancemen, who proudly call themselves “Ordies.” In this wild episode we interview two Ordies who embody the professionalism and fighting spirit of the rating: Randy Zeitler and Steve Folsom. With raucous energy they talk about the weapons that gave the Tomcat its claws, as well as the unforgiving flight deck env...
Aviation Ordnancemen - Ordies
December 21, 2021 14:15 - 1 hour - 82.4 MBHot steel on target, on time. That’s the difference between a strike fighter feared by the enemy and a parade aircraft. The men who enable that mission effectiveness are Aviation Ordnancemen, who proudly call themselves “Ordies.” In this wild episode we interview two Ordies who embody the professionalism and fighting spirit of the rating: Randy Zeitler and Steve Folsom. With raucous energy they talk about the weapons that gave the Tomcat its claws, as well as the unforgiving flight deck env...
"The Final Countdown"
December 07, 2021 14:14 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBThe first big-screen appearance of the F-14 was in the 1980 sci-fi adventure “The Final Countdown,” which has gained fans and respect as the years go by. We get the full story from a former Tomcat pilot who flew many of the memorable scenes in this Tomcat classic. Al “Shoes” Mullen was a lieutenant in VF-84 who had recently completed the Navy’s TOPGUN training class when he was sent to Key West to film some unknown movie. A great story-teller, Shoes describes how the movie-makers struggled ...
Filming "The Final Countdown"
December 07, 2021 14:14 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBThe first big-screen appearance of the F-14 was in the 1980 sci-fi adventure “The Final Countdown,” which has gained fans and respect as the years go by. We get the full story from a former Tomcat pilot who flew many of the memorable scenes in this Tomcat classic. Al “Shoes” Mullen was a lieutenant in VF-84 who had recently completed the Navy’s TOPGUN training class when he was sent to Key West to film some unknown movie. A great story-teller, Shoes describes how the movie-makers struggled ...
Developing the FAC-A Mission in the F-14
November 23, 2021 14:14 - 1 hour - 66.2 MBAfter twenty years of strictly air-to-air missions, the F-14 community embraced air-to-ground, including the challenging role of Forward Air Controller – Airborne (FAC-A). This episode addresses the Tomcat’s performance in FAC-A as well as the big picture of this demanding mission. A former F-14 pilot, retired Captain Paul “PK” Averna was an instructor at Strike Weapons and Tactics School, Atlantic (SWATSLANT) and was personally involved with launching FAC-A training in the F-14 community. ...
Forward Air Controller-Airborne (FAC-A)
November 23, 2021 14:14 - 1 hour - 66.2 MBAfter twenty years of strictly air-to-air missions, the F-14 community embraced air-to-ground, including the challenging role of Forward Air Controller – Airborne (FAC-A). This episode addresses the Tomcat’s performance in FAC-A as well as the big picture of this demanding mission. A former F-14 pilot, retired Captain Paul “PK” Averna was an instructor at Strike Weapons and Tactics School, Atlantic (SWATSLANT) and was personally involved with launching FAC-A training in the F-14 community. ...
Iranian F-14's
November 09, 2021 14:14 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBMost people familiar with the F-14 know Iran was the only non-U.S. country to operate the big fighter, but they likely know little of the Persian Cat experience. This candid interview with a former Iranian Tomcat pilot takes viewers where few have gone: inside the Iranian F-14 program. We hide the identity of our guest for his personal security, but we get the full story of his experience: his selection for Tomcats, what he thought of his instructors, the condition of the aircraft and facil...
Flying Iranian F-14's
November 09, 2021 14:14 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBMost people familiar with the F-14 know Iran was the only non-U.S. country to operate the big fighter, but they likely know little of the Persian Cat experience. This candid interview with a former Iranian Tomcat pilot takes viewers where few have gone: inside the Iranian F-14 program. We hide the identity of our guest for his personal security, but we get the full story of his experience: his selection for Tomcats, what he thought of his instructors, the condition of the aircraft and facil...
Flying the F-14
October 26, 2021 14:14 - 1 hour - 85.4 MBWhen introduced, the F-14 Tomcat set new standards for maneuverability and controllability, making it a great dogfighter. In this episode, a renowned F-14 pilot describes those capabilities and goes further, providing valuable insights on topics from flying skills to Navy training programs. Retired U.S. Navy Captain Sam “Slammer” Richardson takes us from his early days in pilot training to his time as the CO of the F-14 training squadron (aka RAG), where he flew A-model Tomcats and won dogf...
Flying the F-14 Tomcat
October 26, 2021 14:14 - 1 hour - 85.4 MBWhen introduced, the F-14 Tomcat set new standards for maneuverability and controllability, making it a great dogfighter. In this episode, a renowned F-14 pilot describes those capabilities and goes further, providing valuable insights on topics from flying skills to Navy training programs. Retired U.S. Navy Captain Sam “Slammer” Richardson takes us from his early days in pilot training to his time as the CO of the F-14 training squadron (aka RAG), where he flew A-model Tomcats and won dogf...
AWG-9 / AIM-54
October 12, 2021 14:14 - 1 hour - 66.9 MBThe AWG-9 radar and weapons control system was one of the defining features of the F-14A Tomcat. Its multi-target track and missile control capabilities were unique, particularly when paired with the remarkable AIM-54 Phoenix. However, a skilled radar intercept officer (RIO) was required to achieve their peak performance. On this episode, former F-14 RIO and TOPGUN instructor, retired U.S. Navy Captain Ken “Wahoo” Ginader, takes us through the Tomcat weapons system’s strengths, reveals secr...
The AWG-9 Radar and AIM-54 Phoenix Missile
October 12, 2021 14:14 - 1 hour - 66.9 MBThe AWG-9 radar and weapons control system was one of the defining features of the F-14A Tomcat. Its multi-target track and missile control capabilities were unique, particularly when paired with the remarkable AIM-54 Phoenix. However, a skilled radar intercept officer (RIO) was required to achieve their peak performance. On this episode, former F-14 RIO and TOPGUN instructor, retired U.S. Navy Captain Ken “Wahoo” Ginader, takes us through the Tomcat weapons system’s strengths, reveals secr...
The F-14 Tomcat Joins the Fleet
September 28, 2021 14:14 - 1 hour - 71.4 MBWhat was it like to fly the F-14A Tomcat in the early days when everything was new and different? Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Marty "Streak" Chanik and Captain “Ler” Brad Poeltler, members of the VF-1 “Wolfpack” for the F-14 second operational deployment (1976-77), share vivid memories and exciting flying stories from how they were initially admitted into the competitive F-14 program to what it was like flying the Navy’s sizzling hot new fighter. They talk about some of the Tomcat’s amaz...
F-14A
September 28, 2021 14:14 - 1 hour - 71.4 MBWhat was it like to fly the F-14A Tomcat in the early days when everything was new and different? Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Marty "Streak" Chanik and Captain “Ler” Brad Poeltler, members of the VF-1 “Wolfpack” for the F-14 second operational deployment (1976-77), share vivid memories and exciting flying stories from how they were initially admitted into the competitive F-14 program to what it was like flying the Navy’s sizzling hot new fighter. They talk about some of the Tomcat’s amaz...
Flight Testing the New F-14 Tomcat
September 14, 2021 14:14 - 1 hour - 105 MBThe Grumman F-14 Tomcat was the U.S. Navy’s frontline fighter for 30 years. A revolutionary design when new, the 'big fighter' remained potent throughout its illustrious career. But aircraft like this don’t come easy, and the Tomcat experienced significant development challenges during flight test. Legendary Grumman test pilot Kurt Schroeder pulls back the curtain on the F-14’s design and flight test program, providing little-known facts and stunning insights that will wow you throughout th...
F-14 Development
September 14, 2021 14:14 - 1 hour - 105 MBThe Grumman F-14 Tomcat was the U.S. Navy’s frontline fighter for 30 years. A revolutionary design when new, the 'big fighter' remained potent throughout its illustrious career. But aircraft like this don’t come easy, and the Tomcat experienced significant development challenges during flight test. Legendary Grumman test pilot Kurt Schroeder pulls back the curtain on the F-14’s design and flight test program, providing little-known facts and stunning insights that will wow you throughout th...
Welcome to the F-14 Tomcast!
September 13, 2021 21:14 - 7 minutes - 6.51 MBOn this inaugural episode, Fighter Pilot Podcast founder and host, Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello introduces former F-14 pilot Craig "Crunch" Snyder and RIO Dave "Bio" Baranek who will host this podcast. Crunch and Bio then explain a few details of the show. Listener questions can be emailed to [email protected] or phoned in to 877.MACH.101, ext. 3. The F-14 Tomcast is part of the Air Combat Experience brought to you by BVR Productions. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/f-14...