VF-213 - The Lost Footage - 1995 and 1996-97 Cruises in 4K- (Read the description below)
Ойын-сауық
(Best watched on TV and with a sound system)
Its been almost 30 years since VF-213 Fighting Blacklions squadron based out of Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California made two Western Pacific deployments to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch 1995 - 1996- 1997 and Operation Vigilante Sentinel 1995.
During both cruises VF-213 had thousands of sorties and flight hours flown over the Persian Gulf region.
This video is a fast paced, and shows the dedication that the aircrews, maintainers as a squadron had to keep us airworthy and the tip of the spear.
You will see, carrier landings, flight deck carrier operations, 5 separate sound barrier breaks, join the LSO Platform in the dark of the night. Go for a flight with an aircrew patrol. Followed by the aircrews over Iraq, carrying out a challenge the CAG set out before we left the Gulf, by flying all 14 Tomcats in the squadron in a single sortie over Iraq No Fly zone.
Wanting to preserve the footage I had, some never published before. Wanting to share with the world, the significance that the Tomcat brought to US Naval Aviation and defense of the Nation.
The F-14 Tomcat is still talked about to this day by the Pilots who flew them, stories being shared by those who maintained them, documentaries still being made "Topgun Tales" and "Speed and Angels", book still being written, and yes making an appearance in the movie "Topgun Maverick". Even though, having been retired in 2006. The plane is simply loved in the hearts by the aircrews that flew them and the maintainers that kept them going. As well as millions of aviation enthusists across the world. It was the people who made it fly and worked on the F-14, that made it famous.
I am honored for having a small role of the Tomcat's legacy and apart of unique time in Naval Aviation history. The 1990's.
I am proud that I was a part of one of the greatest squadrons and most famous squadrons featured in a few major motion pictures aside from the original "Top Gun". Why were called "World Famous Fighting Blacklions"
Having been a maintainer, "Tomcat Tweaker", nothing was better than when our jets went flying and returned safely with the aircrew.
I hope you enjoy this video, before the footage no longer usable or existed.
A short history about VF-213
Tailcode:'NH'
The Blacklions were established as VF-213 on the 22nd of June 1955 at NAS Moffet Field, and thus are one of a rare breed among Navy squadrons in that they retain the designation they were established with.
VF-213 were among the first NAS Miramar squadrons to receive the F-14A, beginning conversion to it in September 1976,
1982 saw VF-213 gain the first of their TARPS capable F-14's and quickly become proficient with the new equipment and role.
In the next few years, VF-213 began providing extra strike capability through their 'Bombcat capabilities. That would be substantially increased with the introduction of NVG's and LANTIRN pods to allow VF-213 to designate targets for their own LGB's and to fly and navigate accurately at night.
During the 1996-97 deployment. VF-213 fired twenty-six AIM-54 Phoenix and six AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, including one event where six planes launched twelve Phoenix missiles. These mass firings were conducted to reduce the numbers of older Phoenix missiles in inventory, as they were being removed from service.
By the late 90’s most F-14A's had run out of their airframe life limit, leaving VF-213 to become to finish the squadron to fly the F-14D Super Tomcat until 2006. With VF-31 and VF-213 being the last two active F-14 Tomcat squadrons.
US Navy Official Website - www.navy.mil/
US Navy Recruiting Website - www.navy.com/
USNI Website - news.usni.org/
Naval Aviation and History/Heritage Command - www.history.navy.mil/browse-b...
Naval Aviation Museum - navalaviationmuseum.org/
F-14 Tomcat Association - www.f-14association.com/
#VF213 #usnavy #navalaviation
I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE MUSIC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED TO THE ARTISTS
Пікірлер: 79
I could watch this all day
@brianrandol
23 сағат бұрын
Your so very welcome. Thank you for the kind words of appreciation.
Always loved the F14 Tomcat. I had multiple models when being a kid. I always wanted to see her in person and see her flying. Thanks for sharing this video. I really enjoyed it. My hart goes out to those lucky ones thet flew her. Greets and salute from the Netherlands. 🫡
@brianrandol
19 күн бұрын
Your very welcome. She was a beautiful and fierce lady to see flying. Thank you for the kind words and greetings back from Oklahoma.
i wish there wasnt music but thank you for blessing us with this footage
@brianrandol
23 сағат бұрын
Your welcome.
Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing. I was a RIO on both cruises and it brought me way back. Big thumbs up on the music selection too. It was a perfect fit!
@brianrandol
2 ай бұрын
Thank you Mr. Crawford. It was an honor to serve with you.
@reneem.113
2 ай бұрын
Loofah!! One of the best RIO’s ever & I will also say that it was always reassuring knowing you had my hubby’s back on those work-ups & cruises. 😉❤️
@stephenmorris4395
2 ай бұрын
Awesome video! It brings back a ton of great memories! So long ago but it seems like just yesterday! Loved every minute of flying with you Loofah!!
@mattcrawford835
2 ай бұрын
@@reneem.113 ❤Aww thanks Renee!
@mattcrawford835
2 ай бұрын
@@stephenmorris4395 Likewise Grinder!
Brian, thanks for posting this! Amazing footage and it brings back so many wonderful memories! Perfect timing as I too was on both of those cruises! Thank you for all of your support in keeping us safe everyday! Cheers, G
@brianrandol
2 ай бұрын
Your very welcome and thank you for the kind words. Yes those two cruises, were a very big part of our life's.
Bagpipes are the most melancholy of any instrument, nothing can instil true sadness like it. And the fact the F14 will never grace the skies for America again, is the truest of tragedies
@brianrandol
23 сағат бұрын
Thank you so much for recognizing what I did there. Yes, it should have been upgraded and continued to be in service. It was beautiful, fierce aircraft that aircrews, maintainers and aviation enthusiasts still talk about to this day. The Tomcat lives on in our hearts.
Awesome video! I went on a 3 day (Tiger Cruise?) on CVN 71 Teddy Roosevelt in the mid 90s, I 10 or 12. My uncle was supply Officer (logistics) for the ship my and my dad got to join him. I'll never the F-14s, A-6s, and F-18s being catapulted and recovered with civilians on the deck. The F-14 did a gun run, airshow, and the at the end he did a super sonic pass about a couple hundred meters off the port side. Absolutely wild. Then an A-6 took of and 8 500lbs bobs about a mile or two out! I can still remember the whole carrier vibrating. Great Times. also the Marines on board had 3 table of unloaded machine guns and launchers just laid out on the table for anyone to pickup and handle. It was one of the experiences burned into my memory as a youth.
@brianrandol
8 күн бұрын
That's awesome memories. So glad you got to experience being on board the Roosevelt. We always loved having Tigers on board.
@FA18_Driver
7 күн бұрын
Cool story bro, but there's no way they were dropping ordnance only a mile from the ship. And navy regs forbid supersonic flight near the CSG. Maybe a high speed pass, and maybe ten mics out, but no way are they dropping dumb ordnance danger close to billion dollar assets. With a civy on board.
Great video. I was an F-4J AQ working in IMA and deployed in USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) in Feb 1972 in response to the NVA Easter Invasion of South Vietnam. Thank you for the video.
@brianrandol
8 күн бұрын
Thank you for your service and kind words.
@jamesmterrell
8 күн бұрын
@@brianrandol I want to thank you for your service as well.
@bobwilson758
5 күн бұрын
Yes sir - My favorite old jet from Patrick Air Force Base , Florida ! Just back from the war in Viet Nam 1972 “ Roses “ Vertical take off to wow us workers on the ramp !
fantastic vid Brian,i only saw a F-14 once which was at the 1992 Raf Mildenhall airshow,it was from VF-74 & ill never forget the raw power & superb display,i could watch F-14 vids for hours
@brianrandol
27 күн бұрын
Thank you very much.
Loved this video ! Thank you -
@brianrandol
5 күн бұрын
Thank you for the kind words.
Thx so much for sharing.
I was on that 1996-1997 Kitty Hawk deployment. Whatever happened to the airframe that had the inflight incident with the 20mm cannon? For those who do not know, at the end of the 1996-1997 Kitty Hawk cruise the ship did a tiger cruise. The air wing had a firepower demo they did for things like that, and during a practice, one of VF-213's planes was doing a cannon strafing run into the water, and one of the cannon barrels warped, or something, and blew off the entire blast deflector around the muzzle of the gun. It put frag through the forward bulkhead, through the AWG-9 radar dish, and out the radome. That plane wound up being craned off when we got to San Diego. I was in aviation support division, and remember the AWG-9 antenna sitting in DCU with a big ole hole in it.
@brianrandol
13 күн бұрын
Actually the VF-213 FB group has the photo. If I could post it here I would. But the aircraft was still airworthy. In fact that incident is in this very video. You see two Tomcats do a strafing run. If you listen closely you can hear it. It was like a muffled drum. What happened though was the round got stuck in the feed line. Causing the in flight incident.
@brianrandol
13 күн бұрын
The incident is at 3:23 in the video.
Great video, and I need to point out to you that you made it look like the Kittyhawk was a nuke boat by designating her as CVN-63, but she was a conventional powered ship, with the designation of CV-63, and she was the lead ship of the Kittyhawk Class.
@brianrandol
10 күн бұрын
Yes, I caught that after it was posted. That little mistake, there was something else that was missing. If forgot to add the Tomcat patches at the end.
This is amazing! This has to be some of the best footage of these beautiful aircraft.
@brianrandol
8 ай бұрын
Thank you for the kind words.
Excellent video, unforgettable memories. Very similar to my deployment on CV-66 USS America, 95-96 in the Med with VMAQ-3. As someone else said, so long ago but so fresh in my memory! Cheers mate!
@brianrandol
27 күн бұрын
Thank you so much. Yes, great memories.
Awesome video! Loved every minute I had in Tomcat squadrons. Thanks for sharing. - Steve
@brianrandol
2 ай бұрын
Thank you.
Excellent! VF-142 IWT says Hi!
@brianrandol
20 күн бұрын
Thank you. VF-142.
@brianrandol
20 күн бұрын
Thank you.
Thanks for sharing Brian. Hearing those birds and seeing those faces made me feel like I was right back on that deck. I remember that banner launch as well. What a pain in the ass that was to load and prep. I hope you heal up from your ACDF.
@brianrandol
8 ай бұрын
Thank you Allen. Honored to serve with you.
I was onboard the Kitty Hawk for the 96-97 deployment.
@brianrandol
20 күн бұрын
You were... what department or squadron?
Shot out of a “ Canyon “ ----> 😮. Good Heavens ! Hey - Mister …. 😅 holy shet man !
Those are America's finest. Those are the shoulders of giants that raised up on eagles wings America's next gen finest. These are the ones that also stood on the shoulders of giants that came before them. Our finest do not depart before they lift up the next gen. I love that. Whoever posted this, thank you. One of those pilots is one of the finest men I've ever known. Brilliant. America is genuinely exceptional. And super sexy. Guys with gear.
@brianrandol
2 ай бұрын
Thank you.
@holykissme
2 ай бұрын
@@brianrandol I'm gobsmacked at what an elaborate support system is required. It's like watching a ballet or listening to an orchestra. A beautiful thing.
@magnitudefallout3944
17 күн бұрын
"wtf is a kilometer" on a whole brand new level
@bobwilson758
5 күн бұрын
Joanie - They love you too ! Big time
You found it! I've been looking for it for 7 years, where did you find it?
@brianrandol
8 ай бұрын
Thank you for your kind words. I had this footage every since 1995. I put it together during my recovery from a surgery. All of the footage was shot by me, except for the flight footage.
Thank you for your service, if you don't mind me asking, did you witness anything wild happen during your time on the aircraft carrier or anywhere else?
@brianrandol
8 ай бұрын
Yes we did.
@Havox-
8 ай бұрын
Do you mind sharing any of them?@@brianrandol
Mach 2 + Damn ! I guess this is a thing of the past ? That hi speed requirement - ? Shit .
@brianrandol
5 күн бұрын
Still a beautiful menacing plane though. For 1960s technology and design. It stood the test of time.
@bobwilson758
5 күн бұрын
You know the ruzzian’s were shittin’ when they saw this ! Holy Crap ----> * ** Pop~~§|_\^?¥…
This was apex US Navy. Reagan’s 600 active duty ships. No longer even have the long range fleet defender capability with the Super Hornets. All to save some money. We need that capability now more than ever with China and Russia’s aggression
@brianrandol
2 күн бұрын
Agreed
why launch dragging a parachute?
@brianrandol
14 күн бұрын
Training strafing (gun) aerial target.
@Skank_and_Gutterboy
4 күн бұрын
@@brianrandol OK, good. I was about to post, "What is up with that?!" when I saw this. 👍
@Skank_and_Gutterboy
4 күн бұрын
@@brianrandol I was on carriers but I was an engine room guy, so the aerial target thing is new to me.
@brianrandol
4 күн бұрын
@Skank_and_Gutterboy we did it from time to time. I only saw it deployed once. They also did it over the desert. BTW love the YT Handle... "The Wraith" love that movie.
It is amateurish, the video is distorted and was not recorded in 4k, the music sounds like teenage skateboard music
@brianrandol
8 ай бұрын
Well, sorry you feel that way. Yes, the video is rendered in 4K...even though most video are viewed in 720p. If you had actually paid attention to the date, it says 1995. Nothing was indicated this was a professional video. Based on the date means, this was shot when VCRs were still around on tape. So... opinions, albeit are your own. I bet you say that about all videos from the 1990s. But thank you for your comment...lol.
@brianrandol
8 ай бұрын
I do like your 3 videos though. Remember its not always about the content. This was about preservation. Just like all my 237 videos and 680K views with 400 subscribers. So once, I appreciate your comment and again thank you.
@paulbelisle2719
8 ай бұрын
Kick flipping Tomcats. The way God intended.
@Flyingcircustailwheel
8 күн бұрын
The music is perfect.
@Skank_and_Gutterboy
4 күн бұрын
That's because it's 1995, Spock.
God blessed Adam with dominion over the Earth. Adam failed. He rebelled. However, the descendants of Adam thousands of years later succeeded in commanding dominion over both land and sky. Right there, before your very eyes, with the angelic host and heaven as your witness, America's finest fulfilled that ancient directive of Yahweh and achieved Dominion.
@brianrandol
2 ай бұрын
Thank you.
@brianrandol
2 ай бұрын
Thank you.
@holykissme
2 ай бұрын
@@brianrandol Thank you, for your service. Thank you, from all of us.