020913-N-8726C-003
Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa, Japan (Sep. 13, 2002) — A pair of F-14 ÒTomcatsÓ assigned to the ÒBlack KnightsÓ of Fighter Squadron One Five Four (VF-154) make a final approach to Misawa Air Base during routine flight operations. The F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, variable sweep wing, two-place strike fighter. The Tomcat’s primary missions are air superiority, fleet air defense and precision strike against ground targets. The F-14, equipped with Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) is the Navy’s only manned tactical reconnaissance platform. The fighter jets, which are based out of NAF Atsugi are in the northern Japan region to support an airshow in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 2nd Class John Collins. (RELEASED)