- In 1979 at NAS Oceana before USS Nimitz deployed on 09.10.79 for an extended cruise, Sam Beavers, then an AO2 (Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class, E-5) flew a Familiarization Hop with VF-41 Black Aces the sister squadron to VF-84 Jolly Rodgers during the filming of The Final Countdown. In November of 1979, the pilot of his flight in Fast Eagle 104, CDR Nicholas "Nick" Delello was killed in a crash into the sea during a training exercise against Air Force F-111 aircraft. Also lost in this crash was VF-41's Commanding Officer CDR David "Viking" Formo who was flying as NFO in the rear seat. F-14A Tomcat - bureau no 160383 VF-41 AJ102 crashed 11.03.1979 into the Mediterranean while operating from USS Nimitz.
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