"Tophatter" |
| |
| The VF-14 “Tophatters” were commissioned in September 1919, flying the vintage JN or “Jenny”. VF-14, having survived fourteen re-designations, is the oldest squadron in the US Navy. After a historic thirty years of service, the squadron was re-designated VF-14 on December 15, 1949, and entered the fighter jet age flying the F3D Skyknight. In 1963, the squadron transitioned from the F3H Demon to the F-4 Phantom II, and was assigned to the USS Roosevelt. The squadron made a combat deployment to Vietnam in 1966, flying 967 combat missions. In 1968, the squadron began flying off the newly commissioned USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). |
|
|
Original Painting 36" x 24" - Acrylic on Canvas |
| |
| In 1974, the Tophatters transitioned to the F-14A Tomcat (specifications), and after training at NAS Miramar, San Diego, California, the squadron flew their Tomcats to their new home at NAS Oceana, Virginia. VF-14 flew combat missions in support of the liberation of Grenada, as well as combat missions over the skies of Lebanon. |
| |
| In 1989, the Tophatters celebrated their 70th anniversary, marking the event with two specially painted F-14 Tomcats, one of which is shown in the painting Tophatters. In 1991, the Tophatters flew in support of Operation Desert Shield, then flew combat air patrol and fighter escort for Operation Desert Storm. The Tophatters celebrated their 80th anniversary in 1999 as the oldest squadron in the US Navy. The painting depicts an F-14A Tomcat from VF-14 "Tophatters" departing out of NAS Oceana, Virginia for an air to air combat training mission over the Atlantic Ocean. |
| |
| Commissioned by COMFITWINGPAC for Capt. Daniel M. Chopp, Change of Command, July 15, 1994. |
| |
| F14 Tomcats breaking the sound barrier are featured in the lithograph "Shock Waves". |
