Flying an F-14 ‘I Can’t Believe It Was Legal’

In 1994, Carey Lohrenz made history as one of the first women to fly the F-14 Tomcat, the sound-barrier-breaking, deadly fighter jet made famous by the film Top Gun. But in the years leading up to Lohrenz’s graduation from the Navy’s flight school, women were not legally allowed to assume combat roles, including flying combat aircraft. In 1993, prompted by the exemplary service of female soldiers in the Gulf War, then Secretary of Defense Les Aspin lifted the Combat Exclusion Policy for military aviators. Just five women were selected for these highly coveted positions. For Lohrenz, this meant she would get to train on her first choice, the F-14 Tomcat. But roughly one year later, in a devastating turn of events, Lohrenz was grounded. Despite the formal reinstatement of her flight status, Lohrenz ultimately decided to retire from the military and forge a new path, one illuminated by integrity, hard work and optimism. Now, as a motivational speaker and strategic business consultant, she inspires others to act in the face of fear.



- - - - - -

Connect with AARP Online:

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to helping people ages 50 and older to improve their quality of life as they age. With over 38 million members and growing, we lead positive social change through our extensive product offerings and services.

[AARP]

AARP is honored to fight for issues that are important to nearly 4 million AARP members who have served in America’s military and their families. Veterans have given their all for this country, and they deserve supportive services to help them live their best lives.

[michaelreyes]

IMHO, the Tomcat was a menace of a fighter. It looked and performed the part. I was a Chief in the AV/ARM Division of VF-124 when she and the other women pilots came through to begin their flight training. I was impressed then and even more impressed now seeing how successful she has become.

[jlvandat]

Anyone who can land a fighter jet on an aircraft carrier has my sincere respect, period. And she developed that ability while dealing with many factors her male counterparts avoided. Well done, Ms. Lohrenz.

[michaelpass]

As a Veteran, thank you for your service!

[TheCopperedKid]

Just my opinion...The F-14 Tomcat was the most menacing looking fighter plane I've ever seen. It looked like a wasp... just the look of it looked like it would sting u. Also like a lion...it wasn't as fast as the cheetah, or as agile as a panther, but it was the most ferocious of the bunch. Tomcat, in my book, is the greatest and most beautiful jet I've ever seen 😍😼

[davidjodyfranco]

This woman is amazing. She flew analog monsters in the most challenging environment ever.

[TheCulturedHillbilly]

Ma’am, i want to thank you for helping to keep my family free and safe. I rest under the blanket of freedom that you supplied. Great appreciation and honor!!!!

[MontegaB]

Flying Tomcats off of supercarriers I think will go down in history as the most truly awesome example of carrier operations. It's just so raw and on-the-limit. The Tomcat was such a beast of an aircraft, and really unmatched in a lot of ways in today's counterparts; certainly in terms of raw performance.

[nedstudios]

Words I wish youth today would learn to live by. "If you dont work through the hard stuff, you're never going to get to the awesome" - Carey Lohrenz

[Toonafish-bq]

Thank you for your service. I have lived most of my life with a love and fascination for the F14 . I have great respect for all who serve and especially for the fighter pilots. Never got my opportunity to serve. At 17 in 1979 I blew out a knee. So no chance to live my dream. It started early, Point Magu, then Norfolk, Outside Meridian at a backwoods facility in 1969 where the Tomcat was finishing development. Then to Mayport where my Father took the Tomcat to sea. I was a Navy brat with dreams. In 75 we went to San Diego. There I spent hundreds of hours out in the hills around Miramar ( not an area one was allowed to be) my faithfull German Shepherd at my side. All I wanted to do was fly one of those beautiful beasts. That ended the day they took me to Balboa after a dirt bike wreck. Still I have never lost my love for the Tomcat. So many memories.

[ub]

I still live adjacent to what was NAS MIRAMAR; during the F-14 era spent many a day mesmerized watching touch-n-go fly arounds and wing movements...

[T-riter]

Total respect to this lady!! Thankyou for your service to America.

[Stimpy]

She flew a Tomcat!!
That is the "Be all & End all!!"

[hugebartlett]

The Tomcat was my favourite aircraft of its time, and I am very glad this aviator made it work. Carrier pilots are a breed apart, the best of the best, and she will always be remembered as being up there with them. An "impossible" ambition, but she proved the doubters wrong. And proved herself to be right!

[jkevinf]

“Thank you for your service” doesn’t come close to the debt generations of women pilots owe you. Thank you for your courage. Though in fairness, I grew up in an airforce family, 3 mi away from McDonnell Douglas directly under the final for runway 24 at StL Lambert International, watching F4s and F-15s begin their lives. Kudos to the F-14 drivers, and you.

[michaelwhiting]

You have nerves of steel. I’m afraid of height and speed and you are my hero.

[archer]

As the single father that raised my daughter by myself, I KNOW “Girls Can Play” with the best of them. My baby girl has always been a Tom boy and pushed hard to put play anyone she was with, boys or girls. Now she is a fantastic mom with her own family and still pushing herself to be the best she can be, but she will always be my baby girl.

[reopat]

I love this. Always instilled in my daughter the “go for it” attitude. Strong Women make a Strong Nation.

[richardcox]

As a former Army Aviator I never doubted that women could fly combat aircraft. However my concern is the same that so many other men have had. It is the worry over the more harsh treatment a woman would endure if shot down and captured. The realization of this was made very real by how women are treated in the Islamic world. None the less, SALUTE!

[MudSluggerBP]

Let’s get a Top Gun movie based on this great innovator 👍🏻