The iconic F-14 Tomcat made its mark in naval aviation for its cultural significance and popularity. However, the defining weapon that sets the Tomcat apart from its peers is the long-range AIM-54 Phoenix missile. This weapon, intended to strike Soviet bombers from a long distance before they could fire deadly anti-ship cruise missiles, allowed the F-14 to perform its "Fleet Defense" role. Thus we will dive into the development behind this fascinating missile, the improvements it had, and how it would not be America writing the tomes on the AIM-54's combat usage, but instead Iran.

In the early morning of December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, taking the lives of many American servicemen and crippling much of the U.S. Pacific Fleet while at port. Outraged and united by the rallying cry “Remember Pearl Harbor,” the United States declared war on Japan. In the rapid industrial mobilization that followed, new warships were named in honor of the courageous officers who perished during the attack; among these was the USS Bennion, named for a valiant battleship commander who made the ultimate sacrifice at Pearl Harbor. This is the story of her service in the war.