McDonnell Douglas F-4D "Phantom II"

First flown in May 1958, the Phantom II was originally developed for U.S. Navy fleet defense and entered service in 1961. The USAF evaluated it for close air support, interdiction, and counter-air operations and, in 1962, approved a USAF version. The USAF's Phantom II, designated F-4C, made its first flight in November 1963. The F-4D was an improved F-4C and made its first flight on December 9, 1965. The F-4D offered improved bombing and air-to-air capability. The USAF credited F-4D crews with 44 MiG kills over Southeast Asia, more than any other type of aircraft. USAF F-4s also flew reconnaissance and Wild Weasel anti-aircraft missile suppression missions. Phantom II production ended in 1979 after over 5,000 had been built, more than 2,600 for the USAF, about 1,200 for the Navy and Marine Corps, and the rest for friendly foreign nations. The F-4D Phantom II serial number 65-0660 was delivered in July 1966 to the 452nd Fighter Weapons Wing and later served with the 57th Fighter Weapons Wing, the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, and the 56th Tactical Fighter Wing.

Montgomery, Alabama · United States