Why was the F-14 retired 15 years ago while the contemporary F-15 is still operational?
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.