Hobby Master HA5222 1:72 F-14D Super Tomcat VF-31 CAG, "Operation Iraqi Freedom"

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a twin-engine, variable sweep wings capable of supersonic flight.
The aircraft is crewed by a Pilot and a Radar Intercept Officer who share the tasks of navigation,
target acquisition, ECM and weapons usage. The Tomcat was operated by the United States
Navy and the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force only. The name “Tomcat” is said to come from the
Grumman aircraft feline names.

VF-31 was formed on July 1, 1935 and known as the “Shooting Stars” but later would become
the owners of Felix The Cat emblem and in 1948 received the name “Tomcatters”. In early 1981
VF-31 received the Grumman F-14A Tomcat and in 1992 upgraded to the F-14D Super Tomcat.
In 2002 VF-31 was onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and heading home from Operation
Enduring Freedom when they were ordered back to take part in Operation Iraqi Freedom where
the Tomcatters flew 585 sorties and dropped 239 LGB/JDAM/Mk 82 bombs.