"While I understand the tactical necessity of taking them out, I'm also filled with sadness at their demise. The F-14 defined my military career."
"The F-14 was a challenge to fly and maintain, but I liken it to a muscle car—raw power and a cool looking airplane."
"In 2006, the U.S. Navy replaced the venerable jet, leaving Iran as the sole operator of the aircraft type, prompting concerns about their continued operation."
"Tehran's relentless effort to keep the F-14s flying led to a long-running spare parts smuggling ring, despite U.S. embargo efforts."
Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Ward Carroll observes satellite images suggesting Israeli airstrikes on Iranian F-14 fighter jets. He believes these strikes could signify the destruction of the last operational F-14s globally. The F-14s were sold to Iran in the 1970s, later becoming part of an anti-U.S. regime. Despite U.S. efforts to prevent Iran from accessing parts, the aircraft remained operational due to smuggling. Carroll, who flew F-14s, expresses sadness over their potential loss, which would conclude a long history of the aircraft's service.
Read at www.npr.org
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