NAS Oceana Base Visit July 2, 2004

In late June 2004 I was invited to NAS Oceana to photograph the black F-14D Tomcat "Vandy-1" prior to her being repainted and put on display at the front gate. My visit to NAS Oceana took place on Friday July 2, 2004 and to my surprise I was able to spend nearly two hours on the ramp and in the control tower.

The Hornet ramp was a little empty as only four squadrons were at home. The squadrons present during my visit included VFA-106 the Fleet Replenishment Squadron, VFA-87 , VFA-15 , and the Fighting Omars of VFC-12 (more on them down the page). The majority of Oceana's Hornet squadrons were away on regular deployments or participating in the Navy's Summer Pulse '04 exercises.

Yes - Super Hornets! To my surprise the delivery of Super Hornets to Oceana has already begun. The Gladiators of VFA-106 have accepted several examples with a single-seater and two-seater present at the time my visit. The F wore the colors of VFA-106 while the marking of VFA-122 have been painted over on the E model.

The Fighting Omars of VFC-12 provide adversary training for the fleet. Their unique paint schemes make them great to photograph and a rare treat at any air show.

Oceana is home to all of the F-14s in service with the US Navy. The number of aircraft in service continues to dwindle as their retirement date gets close and more Super Hornets are delivered to the fleet. The squadrons which still fly the Tomcat are VF-11 Red Rippers, VF-31 Tomcatters, VF-32 Swordsmen, VF-101 Grim Reapers (FRS), VF-103 Jolly Rogers, VF-143 Pukin' Dogs, VF-211 Fighting Checkmates and VF-213 Black Lions.

The only squadrons at home during my visit were VF-211, VF-213, and of course VF-101. Just like the Hornet squadrons listed above the 5 other Tomcat squadrons were on regularly scheduled deployments or participating in the Summer Pulse '04.

The Black Beauty! Vandy-1 was the last F-14 built and the only Tomcat to have never landed on an aircraft carrier. Though many would have like to see her preserved at her home of NAS Point Mugu she will be repainted and place on display by Oceana's front gate.

Little known residents of NAS Oceana include a number of T-34s assigned to VF-101 Grim Reapers and SFWSL (Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic). Additional T-34s at Oceana include a detachment from NAS Pensacola used to give Naval Academy students some flying time during the summer months.

Thanks to CDR Erie for allowing me the opportunity to photograph the aircraft of NAS Oceana.

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