Presidents Message - April 2016

Dear Tomcat Flyers, Fixers, and Fans,

This year is the 10^th anniversary of the Tomcat Sunset. The retirement of the world’s most capable Fighter, and later Strike/Fighter, was a sad occasion for most of us, and the only way to commemorate such an event is to meet with fellow aficionados of this great aircraft. The 2016 reunions are fast approaching! Yes, that “s” at the end of reunions isn’t a misprint – we are doing both an east coast and a west coast event this year. Details included below, but first let’s step back and debrief 2015.

The Pensacola reunion in April came off beautifully, thanks to the hard work of several board members, particularly Mark “Beaver” Swaney. Highlights included:

• Blue Angel practice show onboard NAS Pensacola, hosted by Training Air Wing SIX Commodore, Captain Ted “Tag” Heflin and his amazing staff
• Memorial Service at the Veteran's Memorial Park with the NAS Color Guard
• Happy Hour and Panel Discussions to include T&E highlights, presented by Tom Reilly and Maintenance tales by many
• National Naval Aviation Museum -- Guided tour of the Museum and Flight Academy
• Winging ceremony in the Atrium
• Banquet Dinner at the Mustin Beach Officer's Club

The speaker for the banquet was RADM Mike “Nasty” Manazir. Nasty is the Director, Air Warfare (OPNAV N98) where he is responsible for the development, programming, and budgeting of all U.S. Naval aviation warfighting requirements, resourcing and manpower. He was qualified in the F-14A/D and has flown more than 3750 hours and 1200 arrested landings during 15 deployments aboard aircraft carriers on both coasts. The talk was highly entertaining, extremely motivating, and left all with the satisfaction of knowing that Naval Aviation is strong, vibrant, and ready to defend American interests throughout the world. Thank you Nasty!

We updated our web site (www.F-14association.com) and online tools so that you can get more from your membership. Note that you can pay your dues, read interesting stories, search for other members, and keep up with planned reunions and various Tomcat related activities around the country.

New members of the Board of Directors this past year were Lauren Siegel, Kory Mehrer, Bill Barto, and most recently Bill Paisley, all of whom have brought new energy and years of Tomcat experience and advocacy to the board.

Help needed! We are still looking for a person to fill the position of Secretary. Please email me or contact any of the board members if you are interested.

Now for the plan for the 10^th Anniversary Reunions in Virginia Beach and Tailhook in Reno:

Virginia Beach -- The events and lodging will be at the DoubleTree by Hilton Virginia Beach, 1900 Pavilion Dr. Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Hotel (757) 422-8900. www.virginiabeach.doubletree.com

TAILHOOK at Reno Nevada -- The F-14 Tomcat Association will participate in the 2016 Tailhook Reunion 08-11 September 2016, Nugget Hotel and Casino in Sparks (Reno), Nev.

Please help us get the word out. Send this email to all of your friends and squadron-mates.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City New York, adjacent to Bethpage, home for the Grumman Corporation, hosted a Tomcat Tribute and Reunion on 21 April.  Around 175 Tomcat enthusiasts enjoyed sea stories about development, testing, and fleet operations.  It was great to meet so many people that designed, engineered, and manufactured the world’s best fighter.

Pictured, starting far left, Andrew Parton, Executive Director of the museum, and the panel:
Joe Wilkers, VADM Ted Carter, Winston Scott, Hank Janiesch, Mike Rabens, Dennis Romano, and Mike Ciminera

Hope to see you in Virginia Beach this September!

Sincerely/ Mike “Rabies” Rabens

President, F-14 Tomcat Association

Always, Baby

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Your Board of Directors are:

Mission: To Preserve the History of the Greatest Fighter Jet the United States Navy Has Ever Flown