Navy Fighter Wing Closes its Doors

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Another chapter was added to the F-14 Tomcat history book Oct. 1, when Fighter Wing Atlantic officially disestablished its headquarters at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.

Originally established in July 1971 as Fighter Wing 1, the command was responsible for overseeing the operations of the Navy's fighter aircraft at three air stations: Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, Calif., former NAS Miramar, Calif., and NAS Oceana. In 1996, the west coast Tomcat squadrons relocated to NAS Oceana, and the command was redesignated Fighter Wing Atlantic.


Fighter Wing Atlantic maintained operational and administrative control of six fleet F-14 squadrons and one replacement squadron. Those squadrons will now be under the command of Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic as the remaining F-14s continue to transition to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.
A highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of a headstone at the NAS Oceana Officers' Club. Headstones have traditionally been placed in front of the club signifying the last resting place of aircraft squadrons and commands.


[edit] my link wouldn't work,, read the entire story @ www.military.com.


[edit on 14-10-2004 by elevatedone]