Special Announcement: Help Protect the F-14 Tomcat for Future Generations
Our iconic F-14 Tomcat Jet has been a centerpiece of the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum’s outdoor display for years, inspiring visitors and honoring the legacy of naval aviation. But Florida’s intense sun is taking its toll.
With the support of volunteers, community donations, and in-kind services, we are building a new steel protective cover to shield the F-14 from ongoing sun damage. This structure will ensure that the aircraft remains a vibrant, well-preserved part of our educational tours for decades to come.
Goal: $50,000
Ways to Give:
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Online: Donate via PayPal or Credit Card
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By Mail: DeLand Naval Air Station Museum
F-14 Cover Project
910 Biscayne Boulevard
DeLand, FL 32724 -
In Person: Visit us during museum hours
Every gift—large or small—brings us closer to safeguarding this important piece of aviation history. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law (DNASM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Federal Tax ID: 59-3227793).
📞 For more information call (386) 738-4149 or email [email protected].
At the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum, visitors can come face-to-face with one of the most legendary fighter jets in U.S. military history—the F-14 Tomcat. This twin-engine, variable-sweep wing interceptor became an icon of American air power, dominating the skies for over three decades.
In 2005, the U.S. Navy presented the DNASM with an F-14 Tomcat Jet Fighter. Hundreds of citizens watched as the F-14 arrived in DeLand on its final flight. After several passes through downtown DeLand and over the DeLand Municipal Airport, it landed, taxied to the waiting crowd and presented its final bow of the aircraft nose. The F-14 was de-milled and is now mounted as a static display on the East side of the DNAS Museum building.
The “Riddle Redeemers”, an authorized student restoration club at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, assists the museum with the ongoing maintenance and display condition of the F-14. These students volunteer their time as they complete their degrees in various aviation careers.
The History of the F-14 Tomcat
First introduced in 1974, the F-14 Tomcat was developed by Grumman Aerospace for the U.S. Navy. It was designed to defend aircraft carriers against enemy threats, excelling in air-to-air combat, long-range interception, and fleet defense missions.
🚀 Key Features of the F-14 Tomcat:
✔ Variable-Sweep Wings – Adjusts for speed and maneuverability, allowing superior performance in both high-speed pursuits and tight dogfights.
✔ Twin-Turbofan Engines – Providing the speed and power needed for carrier operations and supersonic flight.
✔ Advanced Radar and Weapons Systems – Equipped with the AWG-9 radar and capable of launching AIM-54 Phoenix missiles at targets over 100 miles away.
✔ Two-Person Crew – A pilot and a Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) worked together for mission success.
The F-14 became famous not only for its combat effectiveness but also for its Hollywood fame, starring in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, further cementing its status as one of the most recognized fighter jets in the world.
The F-14 at DeLand Naval Air Station Museum
The F-14 on display in DeLand, Florida, is a preserved example of this legendary aircraft, allowing visitors to see its massive size, cutting-edge design, and Cold War-era technology up close. With its variable-sweep wings extended, the jet stands as a tribute to the pilots, maintainers, and servicemen who operated and supported the Tomcat during its active duty from 1974 to 2006.
This aircraft is more than just a static display—it represents the pinnacle of naval aviation during the late 20th century and offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of aerial combat.
Visit and Experience the F-14 Tomcat
✈ Step into history and witness the power and precision of the F-14 Tomcat at the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum! Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a veteran, or simply love military history, this iconic aircraft is a must-see.
