First Claws Forward - F-14A Tomcat Canvas | INCLUDES: TF30 Afterburner Fairing Shield Fragment

First Claws Forward - F-14A Tomcat Canvas | INCLUDES: TF30 Afterburner Fairing Shield Fragment

$199.99

Print Sizes: A) Canvas WITH RELIC - 18" x 12" - ONLY 30

A) Canvas WITH RELIC - 18" x 12" - ONLY 30
*Canvas WITH RELIC - 18" X 12" WITH WOOD FRAME
B) Framed Canvas WITH RELIC - 30" x 20" - ONLY 20
C) Paper Print - 18" x 12" - NO RELIC
D) Paper Print - 24" x 16" - NO RELIC

Product variants

A) Canvas WITH RELIC - 18" x 12" - ONLY 30

$199.99

Description

"First Claws Forward" by Artist Craig Tinder

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder honors the crews of one of the first F-14 squadrons - VF-1 "Wolfpack" Fighter Squadron who flew the F-14A Tomcat in the 1970s-1980s.

The Story Behind the Print:

“First Claws Forward” captures a defining moment in naval aviation history: the launch of an F-14A Tomcat from the flight deck of USS Enterprise during the aircraft’s earliest deployments. Assigned to VF-1 “Wolfpack,” the Tomcat was the most advanced carrier-based fighter of its time, combining speed, variable-sweep wings, and long-range weapons systems to protect the fleet from airborne threats at unprecedented ranges.

VF-1 was one of the U.S. Navy’s first operational Tomcat squadrons, commissioned in 1972 and deployed aboard Enterprise beginning in 1974. These cruises marked the combat debut of the F-14A, most notably during Operation Frequent Wind in April 1975, when VF-1 and VF-2 flew cover during the evacuation of Saigon—the final phase of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Their presence helped ensure the safe extraction of thousands as the city fell to advancing North Vietnamese forces.

This print commemorates the Tomcat’s first true test at sea, highlighting the raw power and precision of a launch under tension. With its engines roaring and wings sweeping, the F-14A shown here represents not just a technological leap—but the beginning of a legacy that would span more than three decades of service in defense of the fleet.

Visit the Journal to read the full story!

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide!

About the Relic & Process

This artwork includes an authentic fragment from a TF30 Afterburner Fairing Shield used on the F-14A Tomcat. The TF30 engine powered the early variants of the Tomcat during its initial fleet deployments in the 1970s, including missions flown by VF-1 “Wolfpack.” Positioned just aft of the afterburner section, these fairing shields helped manage airflow and protect internal components during high-temperature operations. Each relic serves as a tangible connection to the first generation of Tomcat operations and the powerful, complex systems that defined its performance.

The artist showing the nickel-plated Afterburner Fairing Shield of the TF30 engine. Each canvas relic includes a relic fragment from this part.

Disclaimer

By purchasing from Aces In Action, you acknowledge that the product may vary slightly from the images on our website. We use authentic materials from military vehicles and relics, which may contain potentially hazardous substances. These items are not intended for ingestion, inhalation, or use by children. Aces In Action is an independent company, unaffiliated with or endorsed by any other organization. All names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification only, in accordance with the Lanham Act. Their use does not imply any official endorsement.