Skystriker, Elite Ops ToysRUs F-18 Jet, plenty of paint, 1/32 decals, decal paper, laserjet... quite a bit of patience and work...

On 21 Sept 2006, after 34 years the sun has finally set on the legendary F-14 Tomcat... or "Bombcat" as its been known in recent years. The Navy officially retires the F-14 at a ceremony in Norfolk, VA. To anyone who grew up in the 80's and saw Top Gun, this aircraft is an icon of military pride and power. The one time I saw an F-14 performing its mission was a bombing/strafing run in Iraq. What an awesome sight and a total mind trip! These guys are supposed to be air-to-air fighters! The Jolly Roger on the tail fin is probably the most recognizable color scheme this aircraft has ever flown. As a tribute, I present the F-14's passing of its history to the new F/A-18F Super Hornet, as depicted by the Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 103 color scheme. I used the classic Skystriker jet and a ToysRUs EliteOps F-18 toy (which is a really sweet deal of a toy! It came with a boarding ladder and two figures! Hasbro, are you listening?!) Unfortunately I only had two Air Force weenies to pay homage, Ace and Slipstream. Keel Haul (the only known Joe naval aviator) was not present for the photo.
Please let me know what you think.
...now, maybe a custom aircraft carrier for these guys...