Hobby Master Archive

In 1999 VF-14 “Tophatters” marked the 80th year of continuous active service making them the USN’s oldest continuous active duty squadron. Established at NAS San Diego in 1919 as Fighter Plane Squadron 1 the squadron has had fourteen name changes over the years as well as flying twenty different types of aircraft. F-14A 162698 was issued to VF-33 in 1986 before moving to VF-32. In 1999 C/N 544 Bu.No 162698 was sent to VF-14 and given the 80th Anniversary paint scheme. In December 2001 the aircraft was transferred to AMARC.