UMMM im sure it didnt, if im not mistaken the pod was was added after Desert storm in the D variant ( hence the cockpit and avionic upgrades )
During Operation Desert Storm of the Gulf War, most air-to-ground missions were left to A-7, A-6 Intruder and F/A-18 Hornet squadrons, while the F-14s focused on air defense operations.
Following Desert Storm, F-14As and F-14Bs underwent upgrades to avionics and cockpit displays to enable the use of precision munitions, enhance defensive systems, and apply structural improvements.
The new avionics were comparable with the F-14D; these upgraded aircraft were designated F-14A (Upgrade) and F-14B (Upgrade) respectively.
I may be wrong !
No matter tho im still really really looking forward to being a RIO :)