The Black Lions F-14 Tomcat pilots completed a tactical assessment that found that against a MiG-sized target, the VID range, thanks to the riflescope, was extended from an average of 3 miles to over 7 miles
VF-213, known as the Black Lions, was one of the first squadrons at Miramar to transition to the F-14A Tomcat, beginning the changeover in September 1976 as the aircraft replaced the long-serving F-4B Phantom II. The squadron adapted quickly to the Tomcat and embarked on its first deployment with Carrier Air Wing 11 in October 1977.
That initial cruise took place aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), where VF-213 flew alongside VF-114, the “Aardvarks.” This partnership continued for many years, lasting until VF-114 was disestablished in April 1993. According to HOME OF M.A.T.S., following the Kitty Hawk deployment, VF-213 and CVW-11 moved to USS America (CV-66), completing two Mediterranean deployments in 1979 and 1981.
During the 1979 cruise, John Monroe “Hawk” Smith served as VF-213’s commanding officer.
John Monroe Smith is regarded as an iconic figure in naval aviation — someone who fully embodied the ideal of the American fighter pilot. Driven by exceptional passion, unwavering commitment, immense energy, and extraordinary determination, he achieved distinction as one of the Navy’s finest fighter pilots and carrier aviators.
Donald Auten recounts in Black Lion One: TOPGUN Trailblazer Capt. John Monroe “Hawk” Smith in Command of VF-213, that Hawk was always willing to adopt useful tactics from outside his own community when sharpening the squadron’s combat effectiveness, including ideas from other military branches. One such example came from Air Force F-15 Eagle pilots, who mounted Redfield six-power riflescopes to the heads-up display (HUD) to extend their ability to visually identify opposing aircraft during intercepts. The effectiveness of this method became especially clear during ACEVAL/AIMVAL in 1976.
During the 1979 deployment aboard USS America, the Navy supply system mistakenly sent the Black Lions 144 pairs of black plastic reading glasses instead of the riflescopes they had requested. In response, Hawk turned to his father, asking him to buy and ship a 3×9 variable-power Weaver riflescope. Because no mounting bracket for an F-14 HUD scope existed in the supply system, Hawk created his own design. With assistance from Petty Officer Vergara in the squadron’s airframe shop, a custom bracket was fabricated and attached to the right side of the windscreen frame.
Afterward, Black Lions pilots carried out a tactical evaluation and found that, against a MiG-sized aircraft, the range for visual identification increased from about 3 miles to more than 7 miles. This improvement was important because it enabled fighters to fire missiles well before the merge, increasing both kill probability and pilot survivability during combat.
Hawk brought Dick Scharff a proposal that would make it possible for all fighter squadrons to acquire riflescopes. Scharff recognized the value of the idea but explained that he could not authorize the purchase without ComFit’s approval. The request was unusual because it involved an open purchase, was the first of its kind, and came with a high cost, so higher-level direction was required.
Anticipating that obstacle, Hawk had already devised a way around the slow-moving supply approval process. He planned to take Rear Admiral Gillcrist on an intercept flight to demonstrate the riflescope’s effectiveness and its tactical importance personally.
Joe “Crash” Zahalka, the Black Lions’ most senior and experienced radar intercept officer, flew with Rear Admiral Gillcrist, while Hawk and his own RIO, “Chief,” acted as the target aircraft during an intercept mission over the Pacific southeast of San Clemente Island.
The crews conducted slow-speed intercepts at 20,000 feet to give the admiral as much time as possible to fine-tune the riflescope. The runs started at a distance of 30 miles. Once Crash reported a radar lock at 20 miles, Hawk turned 90 degrees to place his aircraft broadside to the admiral’s flight path, then rolled the Tomcat to present its full planform profile. As the admiral shifted from the HUD to the riflescope at 20 miles, he was astonished to be able to clearly recognize the target as an F-14 immediately.
After returning to Miramar, the crews reviewed the flight in the ready room. The admiral enthusiastically praised the Black Lions’ tactical innovation, though he was still unsure what Hawk was asking him to do next.
“Monroe, I’m completely impressed, but what do you need me for?”
“Admiral, it’s simple, really. I’d like you to endorse the system and give all your fighter squadrons approval to purchase the scopes.”
“That’s it? That’s all you need?”
“That’s it, sir!”
“Well, consider it done!”
As a result, every fighter squadron at Miramar received authorization—and, somewhat unexpectedly, the funding as well—to buy riflescopes.
For readers seeking a genuine narrative of the life and career of a remarkable naval aviator and fighter pilot, Donald Auten’s Black Lion One is hard to surpass. Hawk’s achievements and adventures are not only legendary and highly engaging but also rich with lasting leadership lessons. If there is any disappointment in reading the book, it is simply that it comes to an end too soon.
Black Lion One: TOPGUN Trailblazer Capt. John Monroe “Hawk” Smith in Command of VF-213 is published by Schiffer Publishing and is available to order here.
Photo by Robert L. Lawson and LCDR Ken Neubauer / U.S. Navy
