Last of flying F-4 Phantoms - 4K

[@davehenry7262]

My late father flew the F-4 Phantom for the USAF in Vietnam. Many times he flew into enemy territory over North Vietnam. His F-4 returned him back to his base safely each time. I am living proof as I was born in the late 1970's. Thank you for posting this.

[@benmichelson6387]

You know which wing he was assigned to in vietnam and/or Thailand? I was there from nineteen seventy two to seventy three

[@trespire]

They have 1/4" thick steel armour plate under and around the cockpits. Worked on F-4E, they are litrally built like a tank.

[@bryanvandergriff194]

I thank your father for the sacrifice he made serving our country and I’m happy he returned home safely but also saddened for all the men that did not make it home and for the children who lost their fathers. I have the greatest respect for all who served our country in war and in peace if it wasn’t for all the brave men and women who served to keep our country safe we may not have the freedom we have today or would not be here. Thank you all very much

[@davehenry7262]

I don't. I know he was based in Thailand. He was there in late 60's. My mother has the paperwork that would tell me.@@benmichelson6387

[@volodiashickhman8903]

@@bryanvandergriff194 Америка большая и сильная страна, а Вьетнам маленькая, бедная страна, так и ещё расположена с другой стороны земного шара. Вьетнам не нападал на Америку, потому как возможностей таких не имел. А вот вы американцы , прилетели и приплыли в чужую страну и стали всеми доступными средствами убивать жителей маленького Вьетнама. Вы это делали для защиты своей свободы ? Хотя вьетнамцы на вашу свободу никак не посягали. Ну и каких вы достигли успехов в этой бандитской войне? Наверное у вас стало больше свободы? Но нет, вьетнамцы, с небольшой помощью русских , выгнали вас американцев как паршивых гангстеров. Наверное в этом заключается ваша храбрость. Там вы героически убили миллионы людей , а сколько вьетнамцев стали инвалидами, и это ради вашей якобы безопасности, на которую никто не покушался. И каков результат? Тогда вы проиграли.

[@b2tall239]

My all-time favorite American designed jet fighter. I'm 60 and they've been flying longer than I've been on this Earth! 👏

[@nashvillecop1]

Helped build these in St. Louis at McDonnell Aircraft in the 60’s.

[@DonAbrams-hq7ln]

I PC the first F4J,J79 at Patuxent NAS IN THE 70S. GOT TO RIDE IN THE RIO SEAT MANY TIMES. RIP ADJAN ROBIN FARMER,AEAN DAVE DONOVAN, MY LEXINGTON PARK ROOMMATES WHO BOTH WERE KILLED WHEN I WENT TO NAS CUBI POINT, IN A PLANE CRASH INTO SOUTH MOUNTAIN.

[@flyfast77]

So you know they're easily found in the sky by their smoke trail theu leave !!!?

[@haroldspaulding1673]

@@nashvillecop1. Thank you for that!

[@haroldspaulding1673]

@@flyfast77 Yes, I am sure that was the last thing many of the enemy saw.

[@eddiebutler9949]

I was on catapult crew on Saratoga in the 70’s, loved F-4’s coming up for launch at night both afterburners kicked in and catapult sending them off deck, just beautiful seeing them go off deck.

[@DafyddPhillips]

I bet!, sounds like great times. Thanks for watching

[@DonAbrams-hq7ln]

NOTHING like re-packing that fouled drogue chute after recovery!!! STILL BETTER THAN INSPECTING TURBINE BLADES WITH A FLASHLIGHT!!!!

[@JasonPaceGA]

VF-103 Sluggers Baby!

[@RobereTurbo]

Thank you for your service

[@Sweetteawillie]

Skull rattling power, watching them launch from the catwalk... only feet away from starboard JBD on the bow catapults of the Forrestal

[@waynebenedict5785]

I was an F-4 Plane Capt. in the Marines and always will love these amazing birds!

[@classictutor]

Thank you for your service, sir!

[@ViperKeeper2070]

Why did they always taxi with the canopy open?

[@waynebenedict5785]

@@ViperKeeper2070 I don't know for sure, but my guess was for comfort. They closed the canopies when we were doing final walk around checks, but they would open them then like a convertible car and hang their arms out in the breeze, just being cool I guess.

[@hexjumper1060]

I grew up watching the F4’s going in and out of MCAS El Toro. They’d shake all the glasses in the cabinets. 😂

[@waynebenedict5785]

@@hexjumper1060 THEY DID PACK THE THUNDER, FOR SURE

[@paule4696]

I was an Avionics Technician at George AFB in the late '80s servicing the F-4E. I was awarded an incentive flight in one. It was absolutely the best ride of my life. The sound of the J-79s is unmistakable. While watching this video I could actually smell the JP-4 fumes.

[@octaviobriones4830]

I might know you. I was at George AFB, from '89-92. I was in Black section and Blue. I served in Desert Storm.

[@gerrycorbino66]

I also served at George AFB, in 479th Field Maintenance Squadron (70-71) and worked on the fire control system (radar) on theF4E.

[@Cajun66]

I was an IP in the 20th TFTS from 86-89, thanks to all the maintenance crews that kept us flying!

[@paule4696]

@@Cajun66 awesome! I was in the 20th as well. Silver Lobos. Same years as you. I may have debriefed you.

[@marlinweekley51]

I am 72 my older brother was 9 years older. When he got out of the air force in 65 he was hired onto the F4 project in St Louis. He took me to see em one day. Ill never forget the rows of brand new F4 lined up on the ramp. Years ago - who knows how many ive lost track of time - PBS had a show where all the musicians where ex military mostly vietnam pilots. Its was an awesome show. They had guys telling their stories then perform their songs. One pilot had named his F4 Sugar Babe and told of bombing runs on the Ho Chi Minh trail at night. He was hit by ground fire, the the shook violently and he headed for the gulf in hope of rescue. The plane kept flying hiwever and he made it to Da Nang where he found most of the tail missing! Amazing story and aircraft.

[@chrisv.siarmalis4784]

Hellenic Air Force !!! 338 ARIS Squadron Proud to serve !!! Thanks for sharing !

[@DafyddPhillips]

Thanks for watching 🇬🇷👍

[@roykowalski4125]

I was on Evia in May 2022 and actually saw one in flight over Nea Artaki. Never thought i would ever see one in actual flight. Same time the British Red Arrows practised right over the water in front of us at 8 in the morning.

[@robertgraffham6440]

Surely the footage here shows an F4K of the RAF.

[@trespire]

Spook lives !

[@IceTTom]

​​@@trespireRacist 🌚 🦧

[@billjohnson6300]

My cousin flew 110 missions in the F4C in Vietnam in 1967 without ever touching foot in Vietnam itself. He flew out of Thailand. He was shot down twice but was able to land back in Thailand, once barely over the border. The missles would fly right next to him as he was dodging them. He won a veterans tour of Vietnam many years later and was able to finally see what he was flying over all those many years ago. I prayed hard for his safety every night that he was there flying his missions.

[@GGDeAthey]

That's wild, glad to hear he made it. Thanks for sharing.

[@Rem389]

что он там делал ??? кого защищал 😡???

[@mtaylor3771]

Your prayers were answered!

[@billjohnson6300]

@@Rem389 Read the history books to find out.

[@deanferren]

I was in the Marines in Vietnam in 1968 and spent part of my tour on top of Hill 327 overlooking Danang and Danang air base !! The F-4’s were my favorite jets and they flew around the clock. They were excellent combat close air support aircraft also. Thanks. Semper Fi, 1966-1970 🇺🇸🫡🙏🏻

[@gerald-hl7kt]

Thank you for your service you allowed me to serve 1976 - 2010 Army Navy retired

[@GuyRips]

My dad was a marine at dangang 68-69, growing up ,my mom and me lived near bases,,love these planes,,bad ass,,best sound,,last base was Patrick a.f,,they had harriers for a bit,,thanks for service

[@timmulloy9829]

Hill 327! Yes. 3/1, 1970. Old French fort. Later Elephant Valley when 26th Marines left. F-4 still favorite aircraft. Nothing like seeking then run in on ground support. Semper Fi - 68-72.

[@charleshouck4309]

I was on top of Hill 327 from October 1966 to June 1968. Extended my tour in fall of 1967, and got back to Hill 327 in January 1968, just in time for Tet offensive. I was MOS 3231 Radio Opr in C Battery 1st LAAMBn (Hawk Missles). From 327 we witnessed rocket attacks on the air base, almost always at night.

[@ancientneophyte8322]

Close air support - I heard rumors of their coming back with leaves in the landing gear doors. From 327, could hear that whine often when the wind was right. Semper Fi, 1969 - 1971.

[@michaeljohnson7552]

I was a weapons mechanic at an alert facility in Galena AK. Nothing is more impressive than an actual alert scramble. This bird has the one thing new jets don't, it just looks mean.

[@SunofYork]

So does my wife..its my second ginger. Yes, I let the same dog bite me twice

[@s.porter8646]

That thing is so bad ass, watched em fly out of NAS S. WEYMOUTH

[@SunofYork]

@@s.porter8646 Cant go by looks .... or you will end up divorced

[@s.porter8646]

@@SunofYork well navy cause me two divorces...your turn

[@SunofYork]

@@s.porter8646 I am on number 3 and number 2 ginger... Its true what they say about them, they are screaming wild crazies.... My first one threw me out when we were 36 with a 10 year old and a 13 year old.. She got herself an 18 year short-ass lover who lived with his parents and rode a push-bike with no lights.. I was on the verge of becoming European Group Finance Director for 28 companies. She settled for $1k in full and final. He is disabled now with arthritis and can't work... She said he lives on cheap beer, and stinks, and she hates him. Schadenfreude? Moi ? Laugh my socks off...

[@flatworm00]

I flew F-4's in the 80's. Magnificent bird.

[@davidklaffer4477]

My dad was a RAAF pilot flying for the USAF at Shaw airforce base and clocked up over 1000hrs in them. As a kid all I remember was the amazing sound they produced.

[@anvas848]

Ground crew mechanic here, 339 Aias squadron, 1989 - 1991 ! Phantom still giving me goosebumps !

[@trespire]

I was structural airfame and mechinest fitter. Still miss working on the Kurnass.

[@jimdavis6833]

I was in the 339th TFS from 77 to 80 at Moody AFB. I've never heard of Aias. I worked on the Phantom II from 67 till I retired in 1980.

[@anvas848]

@@jimdavis6833 339 Aias Squadron - 117 combat wing -Greece. As seen on the video mate ! Keep rockin !

[@robwelch7442]

I was fortunate enough to fly the F-4E as a young Lt in the USAF from 1975 to 1977, near the beginning of my 40+ year flying career. Loved every minute of it, and the Phantom's still my favorite aircraft. No fighter ever looked more the part- mean and all business (although their are lots of worthy contenders). Certainly, more modern fighters are vastly more capable, but wow what an iconic aircraft it was.

[@alvisa1]

I was an AE on the E-2C, I had been told the F-4 had a very steep glide path, sometimes described as a brick. So what say you?

[@user-dr1cm3we1g]

I worked on the F-4's camera systems at Korat Royal Thai AFB and Udorn Royal Thai AFB 1968-1971. We had a film developing system in a step-van made into a darkroom at the end of the runway. We would download cameras on the recovery pad, process the film in portable processors and deliver it to Operations before the pilots were out of their flight suits.

[@timmotel5804]

I had a friend that was stationed there. Best Regards

[@randyelliott9152]

Worked on F-111's at Takli in 1970,I was with the 474th O.M.S. out of Nellis A.F.B.We also had a squadron of F-4's deployed there from the 57th

[@timmotel5804]

@@randyelliott9152 Best Regards.

[@garyjones6914]

Been to both of those bases. Combat Comm Grp. Had a Certified Flight Instructor that flew F-4s and a Sq. Commander who was an EWO in a Wild Wessel.

[@stephencope7178]

Please preserve some of these iconic aircraft in flying condition. . .they are my all time favourite aircraft.

[@uprebel5150]

They do in Iran.

[@irongoatrocky2343]

Many Planes that are in Air Museums were delivered in flying condition, how ever part of the agreement of donation is that the aircraft will not deemed air worthy once in static display.

[@N34RT]

The Collings Foundation has an airworthy F-4G

[@jerryrobinson9700]

I grew up around the F-4. My dad was an electronics tech rep for McDonnell in the 60’s and early 70’s. He was McDonnell’s rep when the F-4K was delivered to the Royal Navy at RNAS Yeovilton. We lived there for three years while dad was assigned to the RN. He was part of the team that broke the record for trans-Atlantic flight in the Daily Mail Air Race from the Empire State Bldg in NYC to the Post Office tower in London. Super exciting for me as an 11 year old! Loved the F-4!

[@DafyddPhillips]

Great times no doubt Jerry. Thanks for watching. ✈️👍

[@ronalddevonport4947]

My auntie was a P.A. to the base commander at yeovilton and lived in the village of illchester just up the road from RNAS, I used to have my holidays there as a boy and remember being in my aunties back garden which was on the flight path watching the phantoms and Blackburn buccaneers coming overhead, some of the best memories of my life and I am now 60.

[@frankhagan2965]

My favorite and it really did look mean. I still remember the exhaust as 2 would take off and land over my hutch at CamRahn Bay Vietnam. Sometimes would ride to the base and stop at the end of runway to watch them.

[@BillStapleton-oy6jf]

Was stationed at Ramstein Germany in 75-77 as crew chief on F-4Es, and I miss being around them and feeling the ground shake when those J-79s rev, up.

[@ronhaworth5808]

It's interesting these Greek F-4's don't have much for smoke out of their J-79's. I wonder if they are a upgraded engine because F-4's are usually pretty smokey.

[@tomd.43]

Deployed from Holloman with F4's to Ramstein on Crested Cap in 1977. One of our acft burned up when external tanks blew off inside TAB V.

[@oscarcrouch1341]

Ramstein '83-'86. Once a Dragon always a Dragon, but once a Knight is never enough.

[@classicattictoys2899]

My father was stationed in Frankfurt from 1974 to 1977. I recall fondly as a child that our family went to an air show at Ramstein at one point during that period. Phenomenal displays: I believe it was capped off by the Italian team, with a very low and fast aerial demonstration.

[@4ortrus]

I’m a Viet Nam Vet , great aircraft. My best friend in those days was F-4 crew chief . You never heard them coming !

[@johnlove2637]

Loved the support over Nui Dat in ‘68

[@ironkid65]

I grew up in St.Louis and our neighbor was an engineer at McDonell Aircraft. I said something about the black smoke trail they left behind and he replied, "Yeah, you can always tell it's an F-4, they look like a burning mattress."

[@gtestastretta1]

Big, strong, powerful, and a multi-purpose aircraft. It's one of the best all-round fighter bombers. I know modern aircraft look amazing. But for me, the Phantom will always be number 1.

[@jackwilson4722]

Naaaw..todays aircraft such as f35 or f18 look like flying boxes ..this aircraft looks sexy...also faster than anything we have flying today...

[@e.l.norton]

​@@jackwilson4722Yep! These new fighters do not impress.

[@robertgilbert5686]

I was stationed at Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya in 1968-1969. This ended when the ignominious Col. Muammar Gaddafi staged his coup d'etat . Wheelus was the home of the 7272nd Fighter Training Squadron. F-100s and F-4s would come down from Europe for weapons training in the desert. I was living in the BOQ. Early every morning those aircraft would rattle the windows and shake the beds as they took off for a few house of training. I thought both of the aircraft were awe inspiring. The F-100 was sleek and beautiful. The F-4 was a beast. The base/wing commander was then-colonel Chappie James, a legendary fighter pilot and best bud of Vietnam ace Robin Olds. They became know as "Black man and Robin." Chappie faced down Gaddafi, both wearing pistols on their hips, at the main entrance to Wheelus. Asked later what would have happened if Gaddafi had reached for his pistol. Chappie replied: "It never would have cleared its holster." Chappie later rose to 4-star rank.

[@frankhagan2965]

My wife use to ride in back seat to work with her dad and James in early 60s. Her dad was Chappies Squadron First Sgt. I think it was Bentwaters.

[@Scaramousche1955]

Worked with these amazing planes for four years in Germany. Great planes, fast and agile and they look bad ass.

[@stevenwilliamson474]

Wildenrath ?

[@Scaramousche1955]

@@stevenwilliamson474 Zweibrucken

[@steveavant9727]

They certainly look bad ass, like they just want to kill something.

[@billycarr7446]

Avionics troop on F-4E and G, mid 80s in Spangdahlem, W. Germany.

[@rogerwyatt8612]

Ecs Spangdahlem 80 - 84

[@dgsantafedave1]

Used to watch these take off at full afterburner on the USS Coral Sea! Lots of fire and lots of noise!

[@JamesSheppard-wk3qb]

PHEW! Gave me goose bumps watching this!! Remember them fondly as I was stationed at Elmendorf in the early 70s. Woke me up in the barracks when they hit the afterburner, ha!! Best alarm clock in the world!! Man, miss those days!! !

[@MrNeverlift]

My dad flew the first F4H1 for McDonnell. Lost his life in 1959 during project "Top Flight". He had previously obtained an altitude over 96,000 ft. and saw the curvature of the earth.

[@jamie49868]

We used to go to the viewing area just outside of Lambert Field to watch the new McDonell Dougles F-4's take flight for the first time, on their way we thought, to Nam back in the 60's. The Phantom is what I always think of/envision when I hear "jet fighter".

[@sabyegrp]

I spent my Navy time on Carriers in the late 60s ans 70s. Although modern jets are probably more capable than the F-4, these planes were beasts. Launches with ABs were nothing less than hell on fire. Loved the sound they made when coming in for a carrier landing. Nothing like it.

[@moe9098]

I spent my time in the Marines in Iwakuni, Japan and when we did a squadron rotation back to Beaufort, SC we had a multi plane departure with ABs roaring. Shook the whole entire area! It was awesome!

[@glennhargrove3299]

I was an Avionics Technician at DaNang in 1969-70. We had two squadron of F4E's and one squadron of F4d's. The E's were really new birds at that time and had the 20MM cannon in the nose. The F4 was a very versatile airplane and could be confirgured several ways. It was a tough airplane.

[@JohnDPagan]

I was a crew chief on fighters in the USAF from Aug. 1974-Aug. 1980. After basic and tech school I was sent to Holloman AFB in Jan. of 1975 and started learning how to be a crew chief on the F-4D Phantom jets at Holloman AFB Alamogordo NM. I was assigned to the 8th TFS. The Black Sheep. Before I left in Sept. of 1976 I had been promoted to Senior Airman in May of 1976 and was honored as the crew chief of the month of May. I went up on May 21 in F-4D 725 and we did 1.2 mach. at 34k feet. About 920 MPH. I was then sent to Osan AB S Korea where I crewed F-4E models from Sept. 2 1976-Aug. 30, 1977. I was awarded the USAF Commendation Medal for the year I served at Osan. The photo you see is me the day I went up. I lived out a little boys dream at that moment as I wanted to be a fighter pilot when I was 7 years old. unfortunately bad eyesight at the age of 12 prevented me from being a fighter pilot. I have some pretty cool memories of my time in the USAF that also include the A-7D Corsair that I crewed from 1977-1980 with the Flying Tigers and the F-15 Eagle.

[@dr.jamesolack8504]

Watched these guys land on the south end of the runway at Scott AFB 50-55 years ago. They smoked like a chimney and howled like a wolf! Loved watching them. Beautiful design.

[@spwb2k]

My late great Dad was a USAF C-121 navigator. One day while stationed in the DC area circa 1966 or so before doing three tours overseas in 67-70, an F-4 pilot buddy offered him a check ride. According to family legend as told over the years by Mom, "almost as soon as he landed, your father called me on the phone and unleashed 5 straight minutes non-stop of happily excited cuss words I'd never heard him use before or since."

[@DafyddPhillips]

Better than any fairground ride no doubt ✈️👌

[@johnspartan5612]

Great looking beauty, always loved the phantom

[@proudtndad]

Was a RF-4C Av Nav Phantom Phixer back in the mid-70's. I can still smell this video!!!

[@i-likemy-space7729]

1978-1981 RF-4C Avionics Instruments Systems, 363rd CRS, Shaw AFB, SC Really enjoyed the FCF take offs.

[@philrockwell726]

11 yrs as an Electronic Warfare Officer. A lot with the 52nd TFW in Germany were the most fun years of my life. I tell young airmen that I would have given a million dollars for those experiences, but honestly I wouldn’t take a million dollars to do it again. Great war bird!

[@DafyddPhillips]

Great times no doubt! ✈️✈️ Thanks for watching.

[@eielson1978]

You'd Always hear Someone follow a comment like yours with "The Last Base you were at was Always the Best" because after you leave you forget all about the Looser's & $hit you had to deal with almost every Day. (46250 - Weapons Mechanic 1975 to 1981 )

[@lawman5511]

i was a crew chief with the 36th over at Bitburg 1966-68. We almost had a party on the ramp when one of them came back OR. Engines usually started getting bad oil samples after a couple hundred hours and the electronics were always broke.

[@rickjones6567]

My dad was an F-4 mechanic with the 52nd at Spangdahlem 79-83. Still my favorite aircraft! 👍

[@lawman5511]

@@rickjones6567 Spang, Hann, and Bitburg NCO clubs took turns hosting Octoberfest. I only made one of them. I was in Wheelus, for the second and then I rotated back to the World.

[@aztomt406]

I remember being at the FBO in Fresno California when they were launching those F-4 phantoms. So unbelievably loud, the building and windows were shaking. The sound of pure awesomeness, power. I will never forget.

[@fred1barb]

I was an Army scout pilot in Nam with two striking memories of the F-4. At a field up near the Cambodian border we stopped flight ops so that an F-4 could make a pass to photograph the airfield. The pilot made a lazy pass down the length of the runway, and we went back to doing what we did. But after his pass the pilot asked the tower for a low approach and this time, he came over at about 100' on afterburner. When you aren't expecting it that is really a scary surprise. There was some discussion about unnecessary risk, but i heard that no one phoned it in, and funny thing no one got the tail number. The second time was a clear night at Vung Tau. It was all Army except for the occasional Navy or AF. I was walking on the crosswind one night when an F-4 taxied onto the active, so I stopped to watch. He lit both burners and made a max performance takeoff. I just stood there watching it climb until the flames went out and I lost his lights in that million-star sky. I remember thinking that I would have given a lot for to have made that climb just one time. Those were the only F-4s I saw in that vacation year, but I will never forget them. Tactical flying was dangerous over there, very dangerous for those flying north but even the tac air guys drew fire and an F-4 pr F-100 gets slow enough and low enough to be hit by the same rifle and 12.7mm fire as the Army pilots. I know, I watched an F-100 do a precision drop of on a target I marked for him. The target did its best to spoil his aim. He commented on the tracers, but he put his bombs right on the target.

[@shipless33]

Saw them flying 50 feet off desert floor in '73 Yom Kippur war with Egypt and Syria. Fear invoking, beautiful thundering agile beasts.

[@timmiller7589]

Used to see these fly over our home in southeastern KY 🇺🇸 when I was a kid! We always ran outside or to a window to see them. LEGEND. AWESOME. PHANTOMS PHOREVER! Thank you Dafydd for sharing the videos of these and other aircraft!

[@DafyddPhillips]

Great times Tim. Thanks as always

[@harleyrowe9701]

A grad student I went to school with in the Af during Vietnam told me he piloted these magnificent birds on many missions. He said after his Vietnam tour, to get him to stay in, they offered to have him fly C130s instead. He told them no thank you! It was like going from driving a Maserati to driving a bus!!

[@gerald-hl7kt]

Wow brings back memories. The F4 was one of the aircraft I learned on in Naval Aviation maintenance College it has always been one of my favorites since I grew up on Air Force bases and got to sit in the cockpit and watch the Thunderbirds fly them during air shows it has been a Workhorse for the US Air Force and US Navy and has been a solid Dependable aircraft hats off to McDonnell Douglas a big high five

[@dustinmartin8954]

Probably out of Seymour Johnson AFB in Goldsboro, NC, they were based there in the 70s and 80s, badass jet remember seeing Navy F-4s flying over the Outer Banks of North Carolina as a kid vacationing there in the 70s and 80s, they were out of NAS Oceana, Norfolk Va.

[@campbewg56]

I was a crew chief on the RF-4C stationed at Shaw AFB, SC 1974-1979. My aircraft was 72 149. My pal, Catfish Flower crewed 72 152 beside my aircraft. Ours was the newest on the flight line. All the others there were 60 models. I didn't know if there were any F-4 still flying. I would love to see these in person. Thank you for this video. It brings back a lot of memories.

[@DafyddPhillips]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@i-likemy-space7729]

Avionics Instruments Systems, 363 CRS, Shaw AFB, SC 1978-81

[@byronsmith5314]

The Phantom just plain looks like a bad-ass war machine, and it belonged to us.

[@HienPham-bp4pd]

I was an Air Traffic Controller working at Danang RAPCON (Radar Approach Control), 1975th Communication Squadron in 1971. Because the RAPCON facility was located between the parallel runways 17 and 35. I enjoyed standing to look at F-4 taking and landing. Thank you for posting this VDO.

[@DafyddPhillips]

Yah an for watching Appreciate ✈️👍

[@larrybaker5316]

I was Danang too 1970-71, loved these birds

[@HienPham-bp4pd]

@@larrybaker5316 Pretty sure that you can't forget the rocket attacks that usually happened at nights

[@larrybaker5316]

@@HienPham-bp4pdare you from Nam? yes, we would get rockets about twice a month, anywhere from 2-10, 1 night we had 53 between 1am to 5am, that'll keep you awake.

[@HienPham-bp4pd]

@@larrybaker5316 Yes, I was a VNAF Air Traffic Controller working with USAF controllers at Danang RAPCON in 1971.

[@sonjasharon11]

We lived at Shaw AFB in the 70’s and in the evenings we would go to the end of the runway with our lawn chairs and watch the RF4C’s take off in tandem, afterburners lit what an awesome sight….

[@davemaldo07]

I was stationed there in the early 80s. Watching them at dawn from the flight line like you described sparked a good memory.

[@peterwilliams7145]

I was a K9 handler at Ubon RTAFB in 1973 and that was my view most every night and morning. Afterburner was impressive.

[@robertklein1316]

Was at Ramstein where the Russians were at the end of the runway counting them when the took off.

[@stealthg35infiniti94]

I was at Shaw also 77 to 83. I was Auto Pilot Tech and PMEL. Fond memories.

[@Rick_Retired]

I'm 77 and still think of the F-4 Phantom as my all time favorite jet, despite a high school friend of mine perishing in one over Vietnam. This jet has more class in its droopy nose, fat body and swept down horizontal stabs than most other jets have ever earned with modern styling and technology, aside from perhaps the F-22 Raptor!

[@user-tp5uj9bc6q]

Stationed in Germany 1970 to 72, Army at a Nike Hercules air defense base. Got buzzed by a German Air Force F4 twice, didn't know he was coming until he got right over us and went vertical. What a sight and sound. GREAT aircraft.

[@timmotel5804]

Very Cool job. I've not seen any comments from someone that did your job. I'm former USAF TAC Vietnam Vet. We were doing F-111s. Best Regards.

[@user-tp5uj9bc6q]

@@timmotel5804 Ya it was a very different kind of deployment. We had a dozen nuk. warheads. We protected them , while the base was really a German Air defense base. If we ever had to launch them , our job was to arm them and the Germans would launch them. Very strange. The Russians we always around trying to take pictures and see what we had. Thanks for the kind comments.

[@mikeelder6298]

My dad was stationed at Zweibrucken in 71-73

[@loudechant7034]

I always loved how the wingtip dihedrals tilted up were in opposition to the elevators downward pitch. Such a beautiful design.

[@jimkarales1619]

They call that a negative dihedral

[@mdc734]

Yes.

[@markthomas6436]

They looked like birds of prey!

[@watson946]

​​@@jimkarales1619...or anhedral, at least when I was doing tech training, same thing I guess.

[@JoeCrew-yv2kk]

That is the beauty of this aircraft's unique signature look. It is immediately recognized by many in the way its "grandfather" the gull wing F-4U Corsair has always been honored. Proud to have flown the Marine RF-4B at VMCJ-3.

[@douglas_brighty_tan127]

This is purely beautiful and awesome footage of this legend that still flies strong on the F-4E Phantom II 😎😊

[@DafyddPhillips]

Many thanks douglas

[@douglas_brighty_tan127]

@@DafyddPhillips you are very welcome Phillips sir , cheers!! :D

[@texasron9131]

They flew in and out of our remote Base, during my 13-months in Korea, back in 1970 (following the capture of the USS Pueblo by North Korea).

[@CorvettePredator]

By far my most favorite aircraft of all times....and probably the loudest ones I've been around. I used to watch them fly in and out of Cannon AFB while growing up there. They and the F-111's

[@johnfamiglietti4301]

I was stationed at Danang in 1969, I watched F-4's all day long.

[@brucebourgoin6834]

I was a member of the 50th TFW, 496th maintenance squadron for four years. Loved those planes.

[@russellobarski7434]

I was there too during that time frame, assigned to 10th Tactical Fighter Wing.

[@QuicknStraight]

The Phantom and BAC Lightning are, IMO, the two best looking jet fighters ever built. Glad to see these are still in service!

[@tdrewman]

Being an Air Force Brat , I remember being on bases that had F-4s squads. The last base my father was stationed at, Homestead AFB, we had an F-4 that had 4 or was it 3 Mig Kills on it and 2 with with 2 kills on it. That plane was retired and ordered to the Air Force Academy after another F-4 with 3 was lost in a training accident. In 86, the F-4 started to be replace with F-16s. Still remember how loud they were and the smoke trails they left behind. Best 3rd Gen fighter ever made in my book. It could do everything.

[@timf2279]

Those P&W J79 have such an awesome whine.

[@malcolmmarson]

I was a weapons loader on this aircraft. She could carry everything in the air force inventory. Got bad knees due to spending half my time during a load on my knees. Love that, Bird.

[@timmartin6410]

The F-4 Phantom, one hell of an airplane. I was stationed at NAS Miramar from 1973-1975 VF-121 which had all F-4's

[@user-rw5th4cg8l]

Back in the late 70’s I worked on RF-4C’s at Zweibrucken AB, Germany. Lots of great memories!

[@halitousis]

I was on an oiler in the sixties. The greatest show on earth was night flight ops when the carrier was alongside taking on fuel and launching Phantoms.

[@PonderosaOutdoors-20-gauge]

I still think the F4 Phanton is the most badass-looking fighter of all time. All-business and mean-looking beast of an aircraft.

[@timcastens1150]

Love that bird, I used to work on the J79 engines in the Navy, keep em Flying 🎉

[@Scooter0105]

I loved being a ground crew member on the PHANTOM IN THE 4533RD TFSQ and later THE 4485 TEST SQ at EGLIN AFB, FL 1969/1973.

[@robertcottman675]

F-4C,D and E Autopilot Tech in 3242n Avionics Maintenance Squadron at EGLIN AFB--- 1969-1972! Of course, we had other A/C: F-105's, F-100's, F-104's and ONE B-52, but the Phantom was and IS my favorite.

[@goldgeologist5320]

The F-4 smoking, thundering hog. One bad ass plane!

[@alanwhiteside410]

Love them F-4’s. I worked on the last of the F-4’s two years before the manufacturing line shut down. I worked on the upper center fuselage section in 1978 at McDonnell Douglas in St.Louis. Years later I worked on the Flight Line and worked on the F-15 for the rest of my career we went on several road trips and when we was in Korea after they bought F-15’s I seen F-4’s there and they looked excellent they take very good care of their aircraft.

[@bradfordscales3306]

Worked as a USAF Crew Chief on F-4D models at RAF Bentwaters, Suffolk, UK ! Amazing duty station, amazing aircraft and I had the time of my life !

[@Doones51]

I read a book by a Vietnam war pilot who said on takeoff, he would pull the stick all the way back in his lap, and and hold it there until the nose rose up to 10 degrees and keep it there until the plane lifted off. Not surprisingly, it looks like they are also doing that here. Notice the elevators all the way up here and then lowered a bit to keep it at 10 degress nose-up. Nice 4K! Thanks for sharing.

[@DafyddPhillips]

Thanks for watching.

[@ekimp252]

Grew up on and near Seymour Johnson AFB, home of the 4th TFW. F-4s would rock your world!

[@KevinSmith-up1qo]

The phantom, Buccaneer, Jaguar and Harrier were my favorite strike aircraft in the early 70’s. Was a bit annoyed when the Tornado came along but it grew on me too!

[@Ganyersel]

Add in the Lightning (and Jet Provost / Strikemaster) too, for the full 70's and 80's experience. At work with a bit of background machinery noise, you couldn't hear a Phantom approaching, but when it was 30' above the roof you soon knew about it. Not that ducking and swearing ever did much good.

[@KevinSmith-up1qo]

@@Ganyersel lightning and Corsair

[@RandyL.Roberts-qn3lw]

I was F4. radar tech. 69-73 (5yrs) USAF. Ubon Thailand and England. Loved to hear the AB roar on the flight line! I'm 75.Thanks for the post. Phantoms phor ever!!

[@DafyddPhillips]

Thanks for watching.

[@cvdheyden]

When my late dad served in the German army he learned to shoot these war birds down. I always remember the Ramstein flight days. This plane is a "bus" with two ridiculous engines which could send any bus supersonic. Love this one and the starfighter which both I saw a lot in Germany. Greetings from Frankfurt. Last flight of the German F-4 Phantom was on 29th of Juni 2013 JG 71 „Richthofen“.

[@richceglinski7543]

Made in St. Louis , me too F4 production at Mc Donnell Douglas helped raise and provide a good living for 50,000 StLouis families in the 60s and 70s.

[@pathfindercod4638]

A true lengend. This and the f14 are my fav planes of all time.

[@arturovallejo7970]

I was a crew chief on a F4-D when I was serving in the USAF 1971-1975. Hollman AFB, NM. Great fighter jet liked working on them.

[@rfleming7883]

Such a glorius airplane. I lived the dream of seeing a couple dozen new F4's parked on the tarmac at RAF Alconbury, England in the early 1960's. Little did i know that many of those sparlkling new jets would fly in Vietnam. Pilots like Robin Olds took the took control of many of those very same aircraft and established air dominance over Vietnam during that war in the late 60's and early 70's. The employees of Mcdonnell Douglas, the builders of the F4 Phantom must be so proud of the success of this air dominance fighter/interceptor!

[@buffalobobbayoushow6040]

Now it really is a “ phantom “ ! What a great name for a beast of a jet!

[@miked5539]

Much respect from an old AC130 driver.

[@benmichelson6387]

Thank you. For your service, Flew Mig Cap Many times for the Specters.

[@retprob]

36th TFW Bitburg early 70's. This is why I have tinnitus... Love those babies though!

[@joehead1294]

You're a member of a very big club. I got it myself. Three important pieces of equipment- ear muffs, gloves (she was a dirty bird), and a #2 pencil. 😎

[@irishcurse65]

My first base, Homestead AFB, had F4D's when I arrived. They were already in the process of upgrading to F16's. These jets have a very distinctive sound that is memorable.

[@benlarmour5363]

I loved phantoms . We lived in a flyover area in southern Scotland. The noise was window rattling. The Buccaneers were even louder.

[@benlarmour5363]

I made many models of this. It had such beautiful lines. Still think it is and always will be my favourite military jet.

[@userbosco]

I remember seeing them used as target drones in the late 80's through early 2000's and getting choked up. Two of my best friends fathers were decorated pilots in Vietnam flying these rockets. No longer with us. The birds or their pilots. 😔

[@poolmonkey]

My dad piloted them for the U.S. Navy. He flew bombing missions over Vietnam in the F-4. He then went on to fly F-14s until 1980. At some point shortly before he retired from the Navy while stationed at China Lake NWC in Ridgecrest, CA, he was tasked with sitting in the F-4 while it was being flown remotely by someone on the ground, during the F-4 missile target drone conversion development. His job was to take the stick if anything went wrong with the remote control systems. Once during a flight the stick suddenly and without warning went full aft and pulled approximately 9 Gs without him being prepared for it. He had neck problems after that. He retired in 1985 and went to work as a civilian engineer at Michelson Lab at China Lake. He was project manager for the Sparrow and Sidewinder missile programs there.

[@ianaintsaying1625]

When Dad was stationed in Misawa Japan in the late 60's I used to sit in our back yard and watch F-4s and F-111s land all day. I seem to remember many referring to the F-4 as The Iron Pig back then.

[@tony.schumacher]

Love the size, A/C system during Taxi, and sound of the F-4...one of a kind

[@uprebel5150]

In 1976 a group of three flew over my house to celebrate the Bi-Centennial. We rarely ever saw any military aircraft fly over. The one flying in the center had an American flag attached to its tail fin. It was an awesome sight to see.

[@craigullman6129]

My dad took me to see these Roar at Homestead A.F.B. when I was growing up. I could never take my eyes off of them. They were so powerful And Swift !

[@mwcar416]

Was a Crewchief on C and E models for 10 years, labor intense aircraft but brings back good memories.

[@joeblow5037]

Used to work on Marine F-4J's (VMFA-333), and even did 7 months on the Nimitz's first cruise with them. Best time of my life 🙂

[@paulbranstine4925]

VMFA 531 Coral Sea 79-80 F4N

[@joeblow5037]

@@paulbranstine4925 Semper Fi!

[@johnnywood6408]

Was in Trip Trey 71 - 73 for Med and West Pac cruise aboard USS America.

[@joeblow5037]

@@johnnywood6408 sweet! 76-79 here We sure had some fun times in Beaufort 🙂 The guys before me would do burnouts in the hanger on their Triumphs. After we got off the carrier, I came back to oklahoma, bought a T160, and carried on the tradition 😁 Semper Fi!

[@moe9098]

This is a Beaufort reunion! I was in VMFA-115 and we had rotated back to the world as a squadron. We were your next door neighbors. Any other Beaufort guys remember when they filmed The Great Santini? Also a shout out to paulbranstine and the Grey Ghosts! that's who I was with prior to heading to Iwakuni in 76.

[@readbtl3838]

There is still a privately owned and currently flying f-4 in chesterfield Missouri

[@bobblack2223]

One of my all time favorite planes along with the P38 Lightning.

[@dustinmartin8954]

Those J79s are musuc to the ears, badass bird, the original Mig Killer. 💪🇺🇲

[@mikekennedy4572]

I will never forget the first MCAS El Toro air show our dad took us to in 1966 and the experience of seeing F4s taking off, flying and landing along with all the other aircraft types. Fast forward many years later when my brother in law was an F4 Wild Weasel pilot in the Air Force, and he invited us to visit him at Victorville AFB and sit in the cockpit of his F4 on the flight line. I miss hearing the distinctive sound of those F4s up above.

[@jimdavis6833]

The base at Victorville is George AFB. I guess your memory is slipping.

[@stevephillips977]

The Nebraska Air Guard flew RF-4C's for years. I loved listening to them take off! You could hear them from miles away! They are my favorite Jet fighter of all time!

[@christianlett]

We saw one of these amazing planes yesterday at the South Wales Aviation Museum - I, my wife, and my 8-year-old plane mad son got to sit in it, and marvelled at the sheer size of the beast! The one on display is painted black, and no longer has its engines installed, however one of them is on display next to it - a monster powerplant! Great to see a couple flying here!

[@DafyddPhillips]

great museum there in St Athan. hope your son gets to live his dreams one day. Thanks for watching

[@lestercoons3962]

I was in the 3rd TFW PACAF for four years. I worked on F4E's, RF4D's and F4G's among many other aircraft. I was always quite fond of the F4's!

[@teedub00]

Twin J79's. The ground shook, dogs barked, babies cried.

[@Hal09i]

I was an Air Traffic Controller assigned to Spangdahlem Airbase 1982-1985. We flew the F4G (Wild Weasel). You couldn't miss that "sound of freedom" when they took off!

[@guaporeturns9472]

About 10-12 yrs ago was visiting family in Arkudi Greece and these would fly around practicing maneuvers high above the nearby beach. Love the Phantom

[@robertbrewer2190]

These came into the Fleet at NAS Miramar when I was there 1963-65. It was awe-inspiring to watch them produce two smoke rings as they trasitioned to trans sonic flight while vertical! The envy of the base was a British exchange officer who brought back one with all the leading edges singed! I think A-4's top speed was determined by how close the pilot wanted to come to disintegration in flight! The radar guys said they tracked at 1300 MPH!

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

On a jolly to Leuchars, I saw a pairs take-off. Beautiful plane.

[@pcka12]

Watched one go straight up from the end of the runway at Leuchars!

[@martinforrester8249]

Oooh, i don't know why, i can't put my finger on it... but i just LOVED the Phantoms. I lived in Dorset for some years, i can remember them doing stall tests, guess from the Yeovilton Naval base. SO AWESOME. Great images Dafydd.

[@DafyddPhillips]

Great times Martin no doubt. Thanks for watching

[@HobbitHomes263]

I still love the muscular look of an F-4 52 years later. I was an avionics tech on these birds until I trained into F15s

[@i-likemy-space7729]

I was Avionics Instruments Systems. RF-4C Shaw AFB, SC. I think the score for the F-15 in combat is something like 104 to 0.

[@inspector4133]

Had the rare opportunity to ride backseat in one about 40+ years ago, a life changing experience, that has not faded with time. Absolute proof that given enough thrust, even a brick can fly.