USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) passes under the Friendship Bridge during the ship’s transit through the Suez Canal Feb. 15, 2006. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is currently under way on a regularly scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations. DoD photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Apprentice Nathan Laird, U.S. Navy. (Released)

Pic from JCCC. Because you can never have enough Cats, and their time is getting short.

I know who my money’s on, Phoenix or no Phoenix:

Persian Gulf (Jan. 6, 2006) – An F-14D Tomcat assigned to the “Tomcatters” of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31) is directed into position for launch as an F/A-18C Hornet waits to launch also from the on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) are underway on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Apprentice Nathan Laird (RELEASED)

Pic from Navy News Stand.

Also, from DefenseLINK, the official word on the long-dreaded news: Carrier Group Finishes OIF Support, Journeys Home

The USS Theodore Roosevelt is coming home (replaced in the area by the Ronald Reagan on her first deployment) and with her come the last of the Tomcats.

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From Navy News Stand:

Persian Gulf (Jan. 19, 2006) – An F-14D Tomcat assigned to the “Tomcatters” of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31), is directed to a steam powered catapult prior to launch aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) are currently on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Michael D. Cole (RELEASED)

Click for better look. Huge-size available by following the link.

Pic from Chino Warbird Show, May 16, 2004. Lot of great Warbird shots. You really ought to go look.

Here’s another shot at Timmeh’s:

It’s cool, as are all Tomcat pictures, but this one is special since it includes the ROVER antenna. I noted ROVER (Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver) transmits the Tomcat’s targeting display data (pictures) down to a laptop on the ground. Follow the link for more info.

Timmeh writes:

The small, bright green antenna is mounted on the closer bomb rail (follow the starred stripe down and aft and you’ll hit it). It is a huge improvement in our abilities to help the guys on the ground, and makes our older, soon-to-be-retired jet one of the most capable air support platforms in the campaign.

It must be that blue-looking thing. At least it’s blue on my monitor, and my wife agreed with me. Also, if you look closely you can see the Roosevelt in the distance underneath.

This shot is from the more recent ones at Timmeh’s, who is photoblogging the Last Cruise of the Tomcats.

Haven’t had a Hellcat for a while. Here’s a shot of Enterprise ‘Cats returning after striking Truk Lagoon in February of 1944:

Pic from the Naval Historical Center’s USS Enterprise page.

If last week wasn’t Tomcats, this week must be.

An F-14D Tomcat prepares for an arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt as the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto conducts plane guard duties, in the Persian Gulf, Jan. 6, 2006. Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing 8 are underway on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Airman Apprentice Nathan Laird

Photo from Defend America, which has a photo essay on the deployed Roosevelt. The ‘Big Stick’s’ deployment is the last for the F-14. When she gets home all the Tomcats will be retired.

The engine with wings:

Pic from the Naval Historical Center’s USS Valley Forge collection.

Here’s a Cat with its pants down:

Taken a the 2000 Oceana Airshow and posted on a great site called Tomcat Sunset. The Tomcat Sunset Committee “is a nonprofit entity established to plan and execute the Official Farewell Ceremony for the F-14 Tomcat in September of 2006.” Check ‘em out at tomcat-sunset.org. It appears that they’re just setting up shop, but the galleries are already loaded with great stuff. (hat tip to regular reader James for the heads up on Tomcat Sunset)