Show Notes
In response to the 9/11 terror attacks, American and coalition forces commenced combat operations in Afghanistan with conventional operations commencing 7 October 2001. It was an incredible period in history, and our guest was a key participant.
Former F-14 RIO Mike "Tung" Peterson describes what it was like being deployed when 9/11 happened…and flying in the first strike to begin the military response.
A member of VF-213 flying from USS Carl Vinson, Tung describes aerial refueling challenges that almost turned his first mission into a disaster (but was saved by a daring USAF tanker crew), enthusiasm among the ship’s crew to avenge the attacks, and dealing with the MANPAD threat. He relates a heart-stopping mission to support friendlies in a desperate situation and shows his “Afghanistan ordnance Christmas tree.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from F-14 Tomcast
This is the 26th and final episode of the F-14 Tomcast season 1.
It is said that all good things come to an end, and so it was with the Tomcat’s service.
Coalition combat returned to Iraq in 2003 with Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Among US Navy forces were the Bounty Hunters of VF-2, which brought F-14D Tomcats to the fight. This episode goes into detail on the big fighter’s performance in a challenging threat environment.
The AIM-54 Phoenix air-to-air missile was a major part of the F-14 program: it affected the Tomcat’s design and was the weapon that gave the Tomcat its unique and most impressive capabilities.
Sure, you’ve seen an air show, and the lucky have seen an F-14 Tomcat demonstration, but you will be amazed by what it took to train for the performance and what it was like to fly a show in the big fighter!