"Vista del Rio" |
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| The VF-51 “Screaming Eagles” were first established as VF-1 on February 1, 1943. The squadron was officially designated as VF-51 on August 16, 1948. During the 1970s, the squadron flew the F-4N Phantom II from the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) (Thunder on the Deck) during the final days of the Vietnam War. In June, 1978, VF-51 began to transition to the F-14A Tomcat (specifications), the twin-tailed, swing-wing fighter interceptor for the US Navy. VF-51 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 15 aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). |
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Original Painting 20" x 30" - Acrylic on Canvas |
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| In March, 1983, the squadron moved to the east coast, where it deployed aboard the newly commissioned aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) for a round the world cruise. In 1985, VF-51 was one of several San Diego based NAS Miramar F-14 squadrons to participate in the filming of the movie Top Gun. The squadron was scheduled to receive the F-14D Super Tomcat, however, the plans were cancelled in 1991, and the squadron was decommissioned in March 1995. |
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| F14 Tomcats breaking the sound barrier are featured in the lithograph "Shock Waves". |
