Why was the F-14 retired 15 years ago while the contemporary F-15 is still operational? The F-14 and the F-15 were designed in almost the same years and each one was at the top of its own &quot;compartment&quot; (respectively, US Navy and US Air Force).
However, almost 15 years ago, the F-14 was retired in favor of the F/A-18, surely less powerful but probably more multi-role (while the F-14 was improved too for ground attack), while the F-15 was not superseded by the new F-22.
So, the F-14 was replaced by a project that already had 16 years on its shoulder in 2006 — the F/A-18 was a project of the 80's — but F-15 continues to be side-by-side with the F-22.
Why these complete different approaches to fleet renewal?
There aren't enough F-22s to go around. Too expensive.
The F-18C/D Hornet that replaced the F-14 has itself been mostly replaced by the F-18E/F Super Hornet. The look the same, but the E/F is actually larger and more advanced. Not really the same aircraft.
Maintenance. Facilities on a carrier are restricted, simply due to space. If they can reduce the number of airframes to support on a ship, and still accomplish the mission, good.
Lack of mission for the AIM-54, which was the primary reason for the F-14.