Government employment has nothing to do with it. Parts availability does. If the panel in question isn't in the supply system, it doesn't get replaced. Considering the F-14 is to be retired soon, the Navy isn't investing much money in that aircraft's logistics effort.

R / John

"dave999" wrote in message news:w9nXa.1229$2g.1164@fed1read05...
Why are the F-14 squadrons currently removing the plate covering the refueling probe?
I'm assuming they're ripping off in the slipstream or something, but wouldn't it make more sense, since they're employed by the Federal Gov't., to have some type of really expensive beefing-up kit to bolt them on stronger?

--
send replies to

GOT JETS?
http://www.rfsm.net/

Dave Stein - President
Red Flag Scale Modelers
Las Vegas, Nevada
YOU NEED A HOBBY!

GET SOME!
http://www.cheapesthobbies.com/