PRESS RELEASE — The F-14 Tomcat “Fast Eagle 102” is the sole surviving aircraft from the air-to-air battle and shoot down of two Libyan Su-22 Fitter aircraft on August 19, 1981.
While on deployment with the USS Nimitz battle group off the Libyan coast, two VF-41 Black Aces F-14A Tomcats encountered two Libyan SU-22 “Fitters” while on a routine combat patrol over the Gulf of Sidra.
down both Libyan jets.
The VF-41 Tomcats, call signs “Fast Eagle 102” and “Fast Eagle 107,” engaged in a dogfight with the SU-22s shooting down both Libyan jets. The dogfight between the Tomcats and Fitters marked the first Navy air combat confrontation since the Vietnam War and the first ever for the F-14A Tomcat. It was also the first time a variable wing geometry aircraft shot down another variable wing geometry aircraft. “Fast Eagle 102” (BuNo 160403) was credited with the first kill.
The sole surviving aircraft from this engagement “Fast Eagle 102” is now located at the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) High Sky Wing in Midland, Texas.
On July 27, 2016, The Flight Deck Veterans Group (FDVG) will begin the much anticipated restoration project on the F-14 Tomcat “Fast Eagle 102” and return the aircraft to its former glory. The FDVG members, who are eager and excited to restore the F-14, will work passionately to preserve naval aviation history.
Join the CAF High Sky Wing and The Flight Deck Veterans Group at AIRSHO 2016, in Midland, Texas, for a public unveiling of “Fast Eagle 102” on Saturday, August 27 with more details to follow.
The FDVG is seeking volunteers and support. Please contact Michael Deacon for more information at mdeacon@fdvg.org or 308.660.8844.
The CAF High Sky Wing is accepting donations to help with the restoration project on “Fast Eagle 102”. Donations can be
made out to CAF High Sky Wing.
Please send donations to CAF High Sky Wing F-14 Project, P.O. Box 61064, Midland. TX 79711.
For more information contact: gena@highskywing.org or 432-528-0997.
www.airsho.org
www.highskywing.org
www.fdvg.org