U.S. Navy F-14s were employed for the first time in air-to-air combat on this day in 1981, according to the Aviationist.
The story of the F-14s first combat mission began with a military exercise scheduled by President Ronald Reagan. The exercise was meant to show Libya that America was serious about its right to protect international waters. Libya had ignored international law in the 1970s during President Jimmy Carter’s first and only term.
Rules of engagement stated that the F-14s had to wait to fire until they were fired upon.
On Aug. 19, 1981, two F-14s were fired upon by Libyan Su-22s. This meant they could engage.
The F-14s downed the two Su-22s in less than 45 seconds, marking their first combat mission.