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Last of the Tomcats: |
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Clouds over Oceana
With a solid cloud layer at 10.000ft NAS Oceana looked somewhat grey and dark. This even felt stronger with the thought that soon the based Tomcats will no longer graze the skies. Shortly after landing we witnessed its replacement, a Super Hornet with VFA-103 markings, taxiing over the ramp towards VFA-106. Somehow this was a sad first impression with this super base.
We
were parked in front of base ops next to
an
US Marine Corps KC-130J,
another confrontation of changing times. Looking straight ahead towards
the so We grabbed this opportunity to take a good look at the based Tomcats, Hornets and Super Hornets. Although the weather was deteriorating we also took some pictures as well. Most of the units were at home. From the remaining Tomcat squadrons VF-11, VF-31, VF-101, VF-143 and VF-213 aircraft were seen. VF-32 is still on cruise with the CVN75 USS Harry S. Truman. The Hornet squadrons VFA-15, VFA-34, VFA-81, VFA-83, VFA-87, VFA-106, VFA-136 and a few aircraft from VFA-131 were on base. VFA-37 and VFA-105, both assigned to CVW-3 were still on a Atlantic cruise on the Harry Truman. VFC-12 with its aggressor Hornets was gone.
The other training squadron is VFA-106 where F-18 pilots are trained. They are equipped with F/A-18C/D/E/F versions. At the moment the unit is also operating with VFA-103 and VFA-11 painted aircraft. These aircraft are destined for these units in due time.
In
the few hours we spend here, we noticed Oceana is a very active base.
The base is open 24 hours per day and the fighters fly training sorties
from dawn until midnight. Also in weekends there are fighter movements.
Often they go to Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Fentres |
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Home © Fred & Maurice 2001-2008 |
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That’s the only thing that came up with us when we recently visited
Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia USA. Approaching the field from the
east is beautiful. Nearing land from the Atlantic Ocean, crossing the
long coastline of Virginia Beach. It also gives a great view at the 20
miles long bridge/tunnel complex which crosses Chesapeake Bay,
connecting Norfolk with Northampton. 
uthwest
we noticed a ramp packed with Tomcats. From that same direction more
dark clouds were invading the area. How much more symbolic can something
be?
NAS
Oceana is home to two training units. VF-101 is training new Tomcat
pilots. Since these are no longer required this squadron nicknamed ‘the
Grim Reapers’ will be disbanded by the end of September 2005. Of course
we went to the squadron to obtain a T-shirt. They created a very nice
farewell shirt with the text ‘last of the reapers’ on it. Great job
guys!
s,
which is south of Norfolk, for Field Carrier Landing Practise (FCLP)
operations. With such activity NAS Oceana will remain a very interesting
air base, despite the fact that the Tomcats will disappear.