In the dawn of the Tomcat age, Oceana has become the Mekka of the F-14 fan community witht the airshow being the highlight of the year. NAS Ocena is the biggest airbase of the US Navy on the East coast located not far away from Virginia beach. The day after the NAS Oceana airshow I was shown around the airbase to get an inside view of the normal life on the flightline there and also had the possibilty to visit NS Norfolk.
The airbase host all the F/A-18 Hornet and F-14 Tomcat squadrons of the carriers of the Atlantic Fleet while the carriers are in the harbour. Furthermore it is the home of Hornet and Tomcat training squadrons and the Navy Agressor unit, VFC-12 "Fighting Omars", equipped with colorful F/A-18s. During my stay VF-143 "Pukin Dogs", VF-32 "Swordsmen", VF-101 "Grimreapers" and VF-213 "Black Lions" have been on deck at Oceana.
Tomcats at Oceana
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F-14 Tomcat in the Maintenance Hangar
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VFC-12 "Fighting Omars" / F-18s
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F-18 Hornet
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When not on cruise, E-2C Hawkeyes, C-2 Greyhounds, the "COD" (Carrier Onboard Delivery), and the helicopters are stationed at NS Norfolk (NAS Norfolk has been absorbed by NS Norfolk in 1998). NS Norfolk's main target is to supply the Altlantic fleet and to conduct all the logistical work that comes with it. If you are interested in seeing "the real stuff", then there are usually 2-3 carriers in the harbour at Norfolk.
What? Tomcat Alley
The airbase host all the F/A-18 Hornet and F-14 Tomcat squadrons of the carriers of the Atlantic Fleet while the carriers are in the harbour. Furthermore it is the home of Hornet and Tomcat training squadrons and the Navy Agressor unit, VFC-12 "Fighting Omars", equipped with colorful F/A-18s.
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When not on cruise, E-2C Hawkeyes, C-2 Greyhounds, the "COD" (Carrier Onboard Delivery), and the helicopters are stationed at NS Norfolk (NAS Norfolk has been absorbed by NS Norfolk in 1998). NS Norfolk's main target is to supply the Altlantic fleet and to conduct all the logistical work that comes with it. If you are interested in seeing "the real stuff", then there are usually 2-3 carriers in the harbour at Norfolk.
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