Every year the Navy has an at sea exercise to try out new systems - its called Trident Warrior. I was fortunate enough to be able to support TW for several years and during the 2008 exercise from San Diego to Hawaii, we - well the ship, the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6), sported a very unusual hood ornament - the last Navy Fighter to fly - the last F14 (all the new aircraft, the F18, the Hornet, are a multi-role Attack/Fighter - a slight difference). It was unusual in that this was the first, last and only time a Navy Amphibious Assault Ship (Helicopter Carrier) sported a fighter on the flight deck (well other than a Harrier - not a real fighter - but the Marines like it regardless).

The ship was ferrying the 14 to the Navy Aviation Museum over at Pearl Harbor for permanent display.

The 14 was moved pretty much daily, from the bow to the stern, to in back of Tillie (the crane), to - well that was the question of the day - where it was going to show up next. These images were taken in the late afternoon. We were getting near Hawaii, and the Bonnie Dick needed the "hood ornament" back in place....

[SpecialK]

#1 is fantastic.

[Bob Harris]

Those are some great shots, sounds like you were in the right place/right time. TFS.

[yucatanPentax]

All three are just great. I like the exaggerated nose in the 3rd, the near (but lighted) silhouette in the 2nd, and the first is overall great.

I don't think there is such a subtle difference between a purebred fighter and a combined "attack" (bomber, missile launching platform, air, land, sea attack) / fighter. The first is purpose-built for tough aerial combat. The latter has to depend more on defensive systems, being built with compromises all around. The multi-role aircraft is "good enough" for several roles. The purpose-built fighter is "as best as we can build it" for aerial combat.

Anyway, it is a difference that most people wouldn't appreciate, but good of you to mention that this is the last of a breed. The Hornet is supposed to be a great aircraft, it simply is not specialized for engaging enemy aircraft solely. We hope the military has made the right decision in this regard ("since the Soviet Union no longer exists....") but worry they are not being sufficiently pro-active regarding increasing Chinese capabilities.

Anyway, that's neither here nor there. Your photos are great images! Fantastic, in fact.

[paulh]

#1 is fantastic.

Agree - all great shots, fav is #1 also.

[Bruce]

Great shots, but I relly think the third one stands out for me.

[tootall]

Awesome

[Cee Cee]

great shots, #2 is awesome.

cheers

[HawaiianOnline]

Beautiful! Makes me want to play the "Top Gun Anthem" on my iPod...

[Dewman]

Great photos. Hard to imagine that the Tomcat is "obsolete," eh? Back in my navy days, the F-8 Crusader was the king of the hill.

[philbaum]

Great work! the first is my favorite, altho they all had merit.

[monochrome]

#4 is my fav - surely no trailer queen.

[Wired]

#3 & 4 I love. Fantastic shots. I wish I could have experience that too. Lovely

[Scootatheschool1990]

Awesome Images!

[dmort]

Makes me want to play the "Top Gun Anthem" on my iPod..

Yes - these amazing pictures immediately made think of beach volleyball in denim!