The F-14 Tomcast is a biweekly internet radio show dedicated to the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and the amazing men and women who flew, fixed, fought, and loved her. Hosted by a former F-14 pilot and RIO duo who combined have well over 30 years, 5,000 hours, and 1,000 carrier landings in the Tomcat, episodes feature experienced guests who explain the F-14's service life from early development to the beloved fighter's retirement. Season one of the F-14 Tomcast ran from September 2021 through August 2022. There are no current plans for subsequent seasons.
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episode 22: Combat Phoenix Shot
The AIM-54 Phoenix 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. During the Tomcat’s three-plus decades of service with the US Navy, however, American crews had only three combat Phoenix launches, and none of them were successful. Our guest was one of those shooters.
We interview “Jumby” Castleton, the lead RIO in a section of F-14Ds that attacked Iraqi aircraft in January 1999 during Operation Southern Watch. While the Phoenix didn’t score a kill, the tactics used by the Tomcat crews, and the Hornet crews with them, make a great story!
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