---
title: "Declassified: Listen to a Crazy Dogfight Between U.S. Tomcats and Libyan MiGs"
description: "An audio recording that will leave you shaking."
date: "2015-10-30"
modified: "2015-10-30"
authors:
  - name: "Max Goldberg"
    job_title: "Associate Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/max-goldberg"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/tech/718/declassified-listen-to-a-crazy-dogfight-between-u-s-tomcats-and-libyan-migs"
categories:
  - "News"
  - "Watch This"
tags:
  - "Aviation"
---

# Declassified: Listen to a Crazy Dogfight Between U.S. Tomcats and Libyan MiGs

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/archive-images/103015_grummanf14tomcat_hero.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Hollywood has attempted to depict aerial dogfights, but as this recently declassified video and audio recording proves, no Hollywood production ever captures the emotion and determination of a fighter pilot. Come on, Mav, do some of that pilot shit.

In this video, we travel to the Gulf of Sidra, circa-1989, and hop aboard one of two U.S. Grumman [F-14](<https://www.f-14association.com/>) Tomcats from the [USS *John F. Kennedy*](<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_John_F._Kennedy_(CV-67)>) as they enter a deadly engagement with two Libyan [MiG-23](<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-23>) Floggers. Official naval accounts note that the two F-14s from [VF-32](<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VFA-32>), the “flying swordsmen,” were instructed to “escort” the two fast-approaching MiGs away from the carrier. With strict orders not to engage unless absolutely necessary, the two F-14s begin evasive maneuvers once the MiGs come within 70 miles of the jets. Every time the F-14s bank, the MiGs mirror the move. After the fifth evasive maneuver, the F-14s have no choice but to engage. Primarily using radar, the F-14s begin a tense, uncertain dance.

With lives on the line, the Tomcat crews scramble to lock on their targets, and despite the stray f-bomb from inside a cockpit, an astounding level of professionalism and protocol is maintained. The MiGs are shot down one by one using an [AIM-9 Sidewinder](<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIM-9_Sidewinder>) and an [AIM-7 Sparrow](<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIM-7_Sparrow>).

Mission completed, the lead F-14 gets over the radio and says, “Lets get outta here.” Now excuse us while we draw an ice-water bath.

https://youtube.com/embed/PIUowqD0uY8

## Author
Before working at *The Drive*, Max Goldberg raced the streets of Westchester in an ambulance as a licensed Emergency Medical Technician. He has boundless enthusiasm.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/maxems>)