F4 RF4 Desert Storm 1991 LOW FLYING Phantom NVANG F-4 RF-4 Reno ANG

Check it out....

[@jcheck6]

Interesting at the 7 second mark, RF-4C tail number 572 with the BA, I flew that plane 14 years earlier in the late 70's at Bergstrom AFB.

[@trespire]

To all the air crews of these most elegant RF4, thank you for risking everything. Never forget those scuds coming over like clockwork every in 91. Regards from Israel.

[@f4flys]

Yes! Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@rodr7451]

Cool video that brought back a lot of memories. I worked the flight line at Bergstrom in the 45th and 91st from 88 to 91 and recognized BA 572 (1st jet in the video). Loved those old birds, but they could sure be a pain to work on!

[@jiceBERG]

Now that's a what I call a high speed taxiway. Love the Ole Greys, the F-4 looks beautiful in that color.

[@lawrencegodek8583]

49th FG, 7th TFs, new F4C/D acft 1966 at Spangdahlem, Germany. Was a crew chief. On F-105 and converted to the F4. Two weeks ground training in England B4 ours showed up. Loved that bird. 50 years ago. Tks for sweet memories. Love to see her flying!

[@gpm9333]

Saw the Nevada air national guard RF-4C in Australia in 1995. Awesome

[@scottcarter512]

Thanks for the great video ! I started my military career as an F/A-18 Airframer. Missed the Phantom's (F-4S) by two years at MCAS Kaneohe Bay HI. All the CPL's and SGT's in my shop had been Phantom Phixers. My favorite aircraft of all time since I was a kid growing up and going to air shows at Pt Magu CA. My Dad's best friend growing up had been an F-4 RIO in Vietnam, and I loved to pick his brain about the Phantom and Migs. Guess I was born a few years late, or should'a joined the Air Force, lol. Phantoms Phorever !

[@trespire]

I started out as an Airframe Mechanic on IDF F-4 "Kurnass" in B-check. The Phantom is a classic plane to work on, not easy but an absolute joy to work on. Got to refabricate from scratch and fit loads of panels, replace a few windscreens, tighten JoeBolts, extract fasteners, replace stripped anchornuts, worked with PRC, Perlite, sealed fuel tanks (not so fun). When we transferred to the newer F-16 it was boring in comparison. We took pride in maintaining our Phantoms.

[@Zedul]

F14's had RIO's, F4's had WSO's, or "Wizzos" ;)

[@TheLeadSled]

What an absolute iconoc bird, served this nation long and proud.

[@nicholasklangos9704]

Still is somewhere!

[@nicholasklangos9704]

First jet taking off was an F4G the others were Reckies. Awesome, that was Bahrain I’d recognize that scruffy piece of tarmac anywhere! Those guys took over for us there we moved to Khabarovsk Towers flying out of Dahmam Saudi Arabia they were giving incentive flights before closing down, like we did. As a Lead or Designated Crew Chief, I got my ride in my own F4E 74-0663 when we got home 2 weeks before our unit was shuttered. What a freaking ride over the Mohave Desert went Mach 1.7 over Death Valley flying between two mountain ridges saw the waves breaking over the leading edges of my wings! Pulled +7.4 Gs -4.5 Gs doing a bunch of aerobatics while I had the Stick, freaking wild ride!! Didn’t puke though what a great aircraft she was!! Voted best looking best flying F4E by sortie rates , aircrew and wing commander at George AFB 2years in a row!

[@NSmoosedog]

Thanks for the video. Makes me go way back to 1970. You could feel it in your chest when they took off two at a time.

[@f4flys]

Yes..Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@jlcsr9163]

F-4g is such a gorgeous aircraft

[@rudeone4life]

Great video, I remember them so well, just like yesterday. I was very proud to be part of the only F-4 Wing during Desert Storm. 35th TFW (P), 35th EMS, AMMO!Paul PerronMSgt (R) USAF 81-07

[@Brett4u6]

The 12th TRS out of Bergstrom AFB was also in Desert Storm. The first jet seen in the video with the BA on the tail is one of them.

[@rudeone4life]

Yeah I remember them very well. Once again great video.

[@karinlefevre9988]

the 91st was with the 12th at Bergstron AFB was the 91st there as well?

[@rudeone4life]

To my knowledge no. All the pilots I remember were from the 12 TRS because that's the patch they were wearing. But who knows, maybe one or two were from the 91st.

[@karinlefevre9988]

Just a little trivia. We at Bergstrom called the 12th the flying dildos because the eagle flying on their patch looks just like its caring a dildo in its talons LOL!! Look up the patch on ebay LOL!!

[@ericneilson1198]

It was such a thrill when these ships came out of phase. Sometimes early dawn they'd run up engines then do a shakedown. Those lit engines against a dark cobalt sky just turning light on the Horizon. Years later I learned a US Navy Tomcat shot down one of my Recce's. Guess they were mad we bombed USS Forrestal with toilet paper years before. RIP 69-0381. 26th AMS, Zweibrucken '78 - '81.

[@scottcarter512]

How awesome is this !!! As of 2018, 60 years after its first flight, the F-4 remains in service with Iran, Japan, South Korea, Greece and Turkey. The aircraft has most recently seen service against the Islamic State group in the Middle East.

[@NSmoosedog]

Long ago Mt. Home AFB Idaho. An entire wing of RF-4Cs. Bad ass birds. Recon forever!

[@f4flys]

Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@Impedancenetwork]

I worked on those rece's while at Bergstrom AFB from 1985-1987 as an Aircraft Electrical Systems Specialist then wen to Yokota AB for 3 years. Got out in 1990. 6 months before the Gulf war. F-4's are so sexy.

[@f4flys]

Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@oldschoolace619]

I was at BAFB worked as an INS specialist avionics nav troop from '86-90 when I separated just prior to Desert Storm. Had friends on the SP team for the 12 that went over to get things set up just prior. I worked flight line side in 45th AMU until just prior to them inactivated in Sept '89 MSgt Zuniga or Sgt Z was head of our flight/amu directly over out team as well as TSgt Snearl and I trained under TSgt Moroni who was all of 5 ft if he was that. A little Italian guy who used to say F-4 es easy to fix like piss of cake! Great guy and funny to listen too. There was another guy by the name of Earl smart guy as we're many of these guys I worked with. Lost touch with most of them and they left the Austin, Texas area as many stayed. There was a Stephen Campbell another INS troop who I briefly stayed in touch with who was doing active reserve time after the Gulf War who was one of the guys I worked with in all 3 units I believe. I started in the 45th then as they inactivated them I moved to the 62nd and then to the 12th AMU/TRS before I start out-processing. They offered me munitions/armament on F-16s and I politely declined and decided to become a civilian. They froze everyone else's orders that had not started out-processing 10 days after I had started mine. So I missed going by 10 days and there times I wish I had stayed in or re-upped but with the F-4 being fazed out and the only option possibly being reserves which they were not pushing for that since we were on the brink of the war and Desert Shield has just been activated they were pushing for roles supporting that effort.

[@oldschoolace619]

Btw we probably crossed paths,last name is Goodman known as Goody. Not sure if you remember meeting me or any of the people I mentioned. There were so many others and if I saw pics as I am better with faces but have forgotten the names of so many of them. I enjoyed my time in the AF but mostly it was the people and the good times we had. We worked hard and we played hard!

[@donatchinson8438]

I was lucky to get a back seat hop in a F 4J while in the Corps. We flew 45 degree rocket and bomb attacks at Pinecastle near Jacksonville Fla. We came home at 500. Ft over Jax Beach. Wow..

[@f4flys]

Yes!! Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@gagacrazy10]

What a beautiful bird! F4 and F14 are my favourite jets!

[@HarvestTexas]

Moved to Austin in '79 after high school and I would park near Bergstrom AFB for hours just to watch the RF-4's. In 1983 I was a USAF SP guarding and patrolling our side of the flightline at Taegu, Korea - F-4E - 497th TFS Night Owls (Hooters). Phantom still my favorite bird!

[@f4flys]

Great story!! Phantoms Phorever!!

[@HarvestTexas]

Always!!

[@jcheck6]

Should have contacted me as I was there in '79. Could have given you the grand tour and let you climb in the cockpit.

[@hermanfabela5637]

I was stationed at Bergstrom AFB, Texas and was assigned to the 12th AMU and 91st AMU and at the 460th CAMS in Teagu, South Korea (K-2). DCC on 352 and 564.

[@f4flys]

Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@linklindsey5658]

Bergstrom AFB 67th TAC. Recon 86- JAN91. Where did the the birds fly to?

[@jcheck6]

@@linklindsey5658 To the boneyard at Davis Monthan AFB.

[@timhutchinson9260]

Crew Chief 431X1 ... BAFB 85-90... DCM/QA....I'm sure I inspected those jets many times...Phantom Phixer Phirst !!

[@oldschoolace619]

I was there from late '86 to late '90 as an INS troop. Assigned to 45th, 62nd until they inactivated them then finished out my time in the 12th AMU until October of 1990. I started my out-processing 10 days before they froze everyone's orders so I did not go but would have as I was on the SP Team I think they call it and had friends from the 12th that were already over there when I separated building up pallets of fuel tanks etc prepping for the rest of the unit/squadrons arrival. Have no doubts we knew each other or crossed paths depending on the years you were there. Certainly I worked on those jets if they were still there. I helped launch many of them as well. Fun times and great people! I still love the F-4. My assumption from this video is that the 45th footage is prior to Gulf War as they were inactivated in late 89 along with the 62nd as well. I don't believe other than the 12th TRS non of the other jets from the 67TRW BAFB were sent including the 91st? Unless someone knows something I don't. I know Zweibrucken and some of the other RF-4C squadrons like the ANG units including Alabama went but I don't think this footage or at least that part is from Gulf War era. No doubt the other footage is but those were other units. Still great footage and brings back alot of memories! Phantom Phoever! Always proud to call myself a Phantom Phixer phor sure!

[@desertrat8322]

Watching this video reminds me of my time in the Marines at MCAS El Toro with MWSG-37 from 1982 -84

[@cmayes3518]

Looks like 117th recon unit out of Birmingham Alabama. I grew up watching these take off .

[@johnyanena7495]

the f4s in the beginning of the video with WW on tail are Wild Weasels from George and think even have a few marked GA from george as well taking off, to blurry to tell for sure. Feel like that was only a few years ago. Glad you put this online

[@jeffreykelley8598]

BH IS Birmingham,AL. 106th Reconnaissance Sq. They transitioned to KC 135R after this deployment

[@dickrizzzo]

the Wally World jet is WW from George AFB. No need for tail marking the harm 88 under the wing is the proof its a G model. I was there with Spangdahlem (SP) this was at that shithole called Shaikh Isa Air Base in shithole Bahrain. I hated that place.

[@nicholasklangos9704]

Yes that place sucked, but the work was fun, some good people too, I was there with George, then moved to Kohbar Towers.

[@tomcarberry4445]

Attended an air show at Quonset Point RI the early 70s. Started talking to a Marine Corps Aviator standing next to his F4. Asked what was it landing on the Flight deck at sea and at night, he said to me, go to the darkest spot in your house, light a match, hold it at arms length and when it starts guttering out, that’s what it’s like. Always loved the Phantom and still do.

[@rrw65]

Hell of a plane! Sat in many, dad was csmsgt 363rd Shaw. i stayed on flight line in hanger, after school in kindergt-3 grade and good thing i never messed with ejection pull. times are definitely different now.

[@johnw5881]

I was at Shaw AFB in the late 1970s. Ain't nuthing like an F4 II take off or landing.

[@f4flys]

Those were the days! Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@oldschoolace619]

The seats are safetied once they are parked and the pilots exit. One of the first things they do. Unless someone forgot and did not do their job no one sits in that seat unless the safety pins have been put in the different places to prevent such an accident from happening so you were safe....unless you had pulled all the pins and then pulled one of the handles then God help you! Lol

[@TheFlunder123]

Phantastic!

[@f4flys]

Thanks!! Phantoms Phorever!!

[@nogod7184]

Phantom. Phabulous. Phantastic.

[@troyledbetter9972]

Another Phantastic video from F4 Flys. You made my day. FYI: Phancon 2015 will be at Holloman AFB N.M. They will be using Qf4s for 2-3 more years. Tyndall will be finished with Qf4s between March to June 2015. Hope you can make it. Thanks again, Troy.

[@FN_FAL_4_ever]

I've always wanted to attend a Phancon. How do I do it?

[@f4flys]

Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@annecrowell6417]

nothing as beautiful as the f4 . ever

[@arturodelagarza9028]

I'M A " RECCE DUDE ". LONG LIVE THE PHANTOMS 👻

[@h.h.6171]

Hey there, Art! It's Harry.

[@bobdyer422]

Should still be in the inventory, not only for Recce duties but also for Wild Weasel. Should NOT be sitting in the desert or being used at target drones!

[@MrBen527]

Excellent vid!

[@johnw5881]

Can't agree more.

[@f4flys]

Yes! Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@tobyallred4413]

@terry waller Greece, Turkey, Iran and Korea are still flying F-4's. Japan just retired their fleet in December 2018 but continued flying till March of 2019 with hours of potential operation still on the air frames. I think it became a maintenance cost to operational hour issue in most cases. Japan replaced their F-4's with F-35's. Wow, What a great plane the phantom is. (Not was)

[@tobyallred4413]

@terry waller Hopefully more will become available to foundations or individuals with the resources to keep some flying examples. I live in Fort Worth and saw them fly daily for a decade out of Carswell AFB and I miss seeing and hearing the Phantoms. Very unique howl on landing.

[@kraftoliver5223]

The 2 J79 - music in my ears !!

[@axjohn]

Very LOUD music 🤣🤣🤣

[@gregoryrichardson4768]

Greg Richardson, Crewchief68 Udorn Thailand, 68-69, 14th TRS, 432nd TRW, RF-4C Tail Number 66-620, trained at Mountain Home AFB, before tour of duty.

[@gregoryrichardson4768]

Phantom Phixers

[@dandbtucker]

Amazing, thank you.

[@f4flys]

Thanks! Phantoms Phorever!!

[@2013fordmustanggt]

One of my favorite USAF planes-- Luke AFB 93', 56th Fighter Wing, Tactical Air Command, F16C, F-15E!!!💥💥💥

[@chinnschlitz8242]

18th TFW of Recces here. PACAF. RF-4C. In the late 70's the pylons were equipped to carry ALL available munitions. FYI

[@f4flys]

Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@trespire]

@Chinn schlitz With the right upgrades, a VERY capable platform.

[@jcheck6]

The only munitions I ever saw in the late '70's were Willie Peat rockets used for SCAR, Strike Control and Reconnaissance.

[@allgood6760]

Awesome 👍

[@hermanfabela5637]

Question to any RF-4C Crew DAWG's out there: Who went to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia with the 12th AMU "Blackbirds" during Desert Storm?

[@f4flys]

Bahrain! Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@g0sarge]

When were you in Bahrain?

[@f4flys]

Yes, that's where we started before moving.....Phantoms Phorever!!

[@xTheWolfman]

we were at shak isa ab Bahrain, I think that's how it was spelled, I was with the 12th

[@stevegilbert4679]

I was there

[@thetreblerebel]

The St Louie Slugger

[@mrtequilashooter]

I remember F-4's at hill afb.

[@f4flys]

YES!! Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@flakeat]

Ah, good old Shaikh Isa. I was the guy in the M-60 tank at the end of the run way. Base commander told me to push off any F-4 that couldn’t take off the first night of the air war. Figured I was a dead man if that happened. All that jet fuel would have cooked me, plus a few HARM missies going off wouldn’t have helped either! Glad you all made it off the ground that night, and made it home safe!! Good times!!

[@stevehenrichs5091]

F4 PHANTOM SAM KILLERS!

[@alpteknbaser7773]

👍🦅

[@karinlefevre9988]

I got out of the USAF in early 91 from Bergstrom AFB. Never did find out what my old Wing (67th TAC Recon) did in Desert storm. Anybody out there know?

[@xTheWolfman]

we deployed about half the 12th RS and was there for about 5 months

[@trespire]

Karin Lefevre I didn't know exactly what the USAF Phantom squadrons did in Desert Storm, or how many were deployed etc... All I knew was I had a warm secure feeling in '91, knowing Phantoms were flown in anger. Sadam's forces didn't stand a chance. Regards from Israel

[@rodr7451]

I was one of the last out of Bergstrom in late '91. Now it is the "new" airport serving Austin.

[@rodr7451]

@@trespire Tactical recon was always the main mission for the recee's.

[@trespire]

@@rodr7451 That's what I understand, better today than when I served my 3 years. Seems the Phantom airframe, without the forward slats, excelled in this role. We still had a handful of RF's in the Israeli Airforce when I got out, a most magnificent machine up close and personal. In my opinion even more impressive than an F-15.

[@stevecurd3944]

fanatstic

[@yootoober2009]

I hate it when they "bait n switch" airplanes. here @ 0:05 it was an RF-4 Recce then @ 0:23 it was a F-4G Wild Weasel like no one would notice.... to a car nut a Mustang is never gonna be a Gremlin...

[@johnyanena7495]

and Wild Weasel were F4G

[@lcskibird8883]

First shot was a Birmingham AL bird.

[@spencerdrew8375]

Lcskibird Skibird they are all bham birds. Alabama crews came home and another unit used their planes

[@f4flys]

Yes! Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@f4flys]

Yes, Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@johnw5881]

BH on the tail means it's from the B'ham, AL ANG unit. Not Nevada ANG.

[@f4flys]

BH Jets, NV crew and flyers! Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@Rhinodrvr44]

If I recall, BH left 6 -8 birds over there for the duration of Desert Storm. One of the Phantoms (64-1056) was lost out over the gulf due to an engine fire after hostilities "ended"...if I remember correctly. 047 (seen here) was the work horse during DSH/DST and now proudly rests at Wright/Pat....proud memories and PHANTOMS PHOREVER!!!!

[@f4flys]

Yes, correct!! Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@philippinelife712]

@@Rhinodrvr44 There was one B'ham aircrew lost, before the war started I think. My dad worked with the back seater in his civilian job. I think they were lost doing low level work.

[@Rhinodrvr44]

Philippine Life yes, BK Henderson and Steve Schram we’re lost in NOV 90. Low level flight, clipped a sand dune...one attempted inverted ejection, the other rode the aircraft in. Tragic accident and had long term affect on the squadron.

[@jimhorak2352]

BA Tail code is Bergstrom AFB Austin TX.

[@f4flys]

Yes!! We flew Birmingham tails when we first arrived and then the Reno jets joined the group. Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@pilotmulerider975]

So I’m confused some now. The Bergstrom tail was something I never knew went over. I had always assumed/read that the Recce mission was covered by only the ANG. Are you also indicating that they were supplemented by AD crews too? If so, why? My Dad’s former Recce was a FY69 that was with the 67th, prior to transfer to Idaho, and I have also seen some photos of BAs FY71s at AMARG. Did 64-1047 with BH have something different as opposed to the AD birds? Sorry for the QandA but really curious about F-4/RF-4 history.

[@jcheck6]

@@pilotmulerider975 Not sure what you are asking.

[@pilotmulerider975]

jcheck6 Really was trying to verify if whether the shot of the Bergstrom jet was legit in the Middle East, or just B-roll from somewhere else. Had not known that any BA birds went over.

[@jcheck6]

@@pilotmulerider975 Did some checking, the 12th TRS from Bergstrom AFB deployed 6 jets to the war from Jan '91 to May'91. The one with BA on the tail I flew in the late '70's.

[@kenclark9888]

Didn’t know the Reno ANG had two different tail codes. BH and BA?

[@jeffroseborough8160]

The RF4Cs the NVANG flew were loaners from Alabama. Their own planes had the "High Roller" tags on the tail.

[@oldschoolace619]

BA was Bergstrom AFB in Austin now the airport. 45th TTRS was the training squadron along with the 62nd which supported the 91st TRS and the 12th TRS. The 12th was the only squadron to send troops and jets to the Gulf. Btw previous to them being designated BA they were BB in the early 80's I believe.

[@dickrizzzo]

wonder why at the 6:28 min mark the pilot lets off a flare?

[@halb37]

Showing off for the camera...no more, no less.

[@wiesenbefeuchter]

He had the flare doors open during take off

[@f4flys]

Yes!!! Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@xTheWolfman]

they didn't use them as photo flash flares, they were used as counter measure flares and all the doors were locked open

[@jaysonpida5379]

Flare-use was long gone by then. They were used as chaff/flare dispensers. Only the RF model had them.

[@DDeep1000]

We installed the ARC-190 HF radios in the tail as a TCTO at Kadena. Chaff itches just like fiberglass!

[@KenSmith-bv4si]

Phantom Phixer here. D models way back in 76 in Okinawa and again in 78 Kunsan Korea. I miss working on them broke dick planes.

[@kentschrader8939]

THE NEV AIR GUARD WAS SO GOOD THE REG AIR FORCE BOSS WOULD NOT LET THEMCARRY THEIR GUNS.

[@f4flys]

THAT'S TRUE!! Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@f4flys]

Yes, they did. Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@Rhinodrvr44]

No guns....and General Horner bared the RF's form carrying the sidewinders as well. Was concerned that "Recee pilots" would try to be "Fighter pilots" and not get critical footage back home. So glad we got the NWDS upgrade!!!

[@David-ty1xz]

Hey, this is when we had a diverse Airforce, and Navy.

[@f4flys]

YES!! Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@sutruong4003]

may bay tâm thâp rât so hoa tiến sa7 cua nga.con goi la hoa tiên tim nhiêt....

[@charliesimps2296]

Japan still uses them

[@trespire]

Not any more. Japan just retired their last squadron if I am not mistaken. There is some beautiful footage to commemorate the occasion.

[@martyridge4660]

91st AMU (RF-4C) 1984-1990. 81st FS (F-4G) 1990-1992. DS Dec. 90-May 91. crew cheif.

[@f4flys]

Thanks, Phantoms Phorever!!

[@tonycassidy6180]

Did that

[@tonycassidy6180]

Tim did is what I did

[@tonycassidy6180]

I flew this jet

[@Tomohran]

Gaijin please... Oh wait :)

[@richardgeorge8612]

f35 is no comparison at all

[@jetset7772]

Not really low flying!!!!