U.S. Navy officially retires F-14

September 23, 2006

The U.S. Navy's F-14 made its last ceremonial flight at the Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia. The jet that was supposed to fly for its ceremonial flight never made it due to mechanical problems. However, a back-up F-14 was in time for the flight. The aging jets have seen costly maintenance and many problems involving its wings. In total there were six F-14s in the ceremony, several of these will go on display at the Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. The last six of the navy's F-14s will stop flying on September 30. It will be replaced by F/A-18E/F which will have better capabilities and lower maintenance cost.