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Phantom

Name : Phantom Manufacturer : McDonnell Douglas Production Began : 1960 Retired : 1992 Number Built : 5195

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engined, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor fighter/fighter-bomber produced for the U.S. Navy by Mcdonnell Douglas. It became a major part of the United States Navy, Marine Corps and American Air Force. The Phantom F-4 saw service with all American forces during the Vietnam war serving as a fighter and ground attack aircraft. The Phantom first saw service in 1960 but continued in service until the 1980’s (being replaced by the F-15 and F-16 ) The last Phantoms saw service during the Gulf war in 1991 being used for reconnaissance. Other nations also used the Phantom to great success. The Israeli Air Force used them during various Arab-Israeli wars and the Phantom also saw service in the Iranian Air Force during the Iran Iraq War. Phantom production ran from 1958 to 1981, with a total of 5,195 built. The Royal Air Force and the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy flew versions based on the F-4. The British Phantoms were powered by Rolls Royce Spey engines and also received British avionics, under the names pf Phantom FG.1 and Phantom FGR.2. The last British Phantoms served with 74 Squadron until they were dispanded in 1992.

Pilots and Aircrew for : Phantom
A list of all aircrew from our database who are associated with this aircraft. A profile page is available by clicking their name.
Name	Info
Allison, John Click the name above to see a profile of Allison, John	Allison, John Joined the Royal Air Force in 1961 and trained as a pilot. His first two tours were on Lightnings, but in 1970 he was posted to fly Phantoms as an Exchange Officer with the United States Air Force. Thus began his relationship with the main aircraft of his career, a relationship that only finished when the Phantom was retired from Royal Air Force service in 1992. Indeed, he made the last Phantom flight in the RAF when he delivered XV497 to RAF Coningsby. That aircraft is now preserved at RAF Waddington. Also in 1992, he led the Queens Birthday Flypast; the chosen formation was a close diamond of sixteen Phantoms, to mark the type's imminent retirement. The aircraft he flew on that occasion, XV474, can be seen at the Imperial War Museum's airfield at Duxford. Sir John ended his career as the Commaner-in-Chief of Strike Command, retiring in 1999.
Amitay, Itzchak Click the name above to see a profile of Amitay, Itzchak	Amitay, Itzchak Credited with 5 victories in the F-4 Phantom, including 3 in one day, he was only the third Navigator to become an Ace in the Phantom with the IAF.
Bartov, Moshe Click the name above to see a profile of Bartov, Moshe	Bartov, Moshe He was officially credited with at least one aerial victory whilst flying the Phantom.
Blesse, Frederick Click the name above to see a profile of Blesse, Frederick    Died : 1 / 11 / 2012	Blesse, Frederick Major General Frederick C. "Boots" Blesse, born in 1921 in Colón, Panama Canal Zone, graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1945. His first combat missions in Korea were flown in the F-51 where he completed 67 missions in the Mustang. This was followed by 35 missions flying the F-80 and 121 missions in the F-86. In all he flew 233 combat missions in the Korean conflict achieving 10 aerial victories making him the current leading Ace from that war. He later flew 157 missions in the F-4 in Vietnam. He retired from the USAF in 1975, with more than 6,500 flying hours in fighter-type aircraft and more than 650 hours combat time to his credit.
Carl, Marion Click the name above to see a profile of Carl, Marion    Died : 28 / 6 / 1998	Carl, Marion Born in Hubbard, Oregon on the 1st ofNovember 1915, Carl learned to fly when he was at college and went solo after only 2 and half hours of instrruction. Marion Carl went to Oregon State College to study engineering and graduated in 1938 as a Lieutenenat in the Army Reserve, but resigned his commission to become a naval aviation cadet and in December 1939 he received his "wings of gold" and a Marine Corp commission. Marion Carl was posted to (VMF- 1) Marine Fighting Squadron One in Virginia at Quantico. In 1940 he became a instructor to train new pilots for Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221 ) at NAS North Island in San Diego, California. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on the 7th December 1941, Carl's squadron VMF-221 were preparing to embark aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-3) bound for Oahu, Hawaii. Carl along with the rest of the squadron were rushed to Hawaii and became part of the Wake Island Relief Task Force. He was still onboard the carrier Saratoga when the relief force was cancelled, and VMF-221 went to Midway Atoll on Christmas Day. Carl's first combat occured on June 4th 1942 during the Battle of Midway, when 15 of the 25 aircraft of VMF-221 were shot down but, Carl was credited with destroying one enemy aircraft, a Mitsubishi Zero. Carl was reassigned to VMF-223 Marine Fighting Squadron 223 which was commanded by a former squadron mate from VMF-221, Capt. John Smith. On August 20th, VMF-223 was deployed to Guadalcanal and was the first fighter sqaudron ashore with the Cactus Air Force. Between the end of August and the end of October Marion Carl became the Marines' first ace, when Carl had reached 16.5 victories though he was shot down once and was forced to bail out. It is believed Marion Carl was the pilot who shot down the famous Japanese Navy Tainan Kokutai ace Junicho Sasai over Henderson Field. By the end of the war Carl would increase his air victories to 18.5 victories. In 1947 he broke the speed record and in 1953 held the world altitude record. During a second test pilot tour, Carl set an unofficial altitude record of 83,000 feet in the Douglas D-558/II. He was the first pilot to be launched from a carrier by catapult. He had 490 hours in the Phantom I, flying combat recon flights over Red China. Commanding air wings in Vietnam in 1965, he took the First Marine Brigade to Danang, South Vietnam. Despite his seniority, he repeatedly flew combat missions in Helicopter gunships and jet fighters. General Carl received his second star as a Major General in 1967. In 1968 he commanded the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Herry Point until 1970. Subsequently he served as Inpector General of the Marine Corps until retiring in 1973. At that time he had logged some 13,000 flying hours, more than twice as much as most. He flew the F-4 regularly - one of the few Generals to do so. In 1998, on June 28th at age 82, Major General Marion Carl was shot to death with a shotgun during a robbery, defending his wife Edna from a home invader. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetary.
Chain, John T Click the name above to see a profile of Chain, John T	Chain, John T Gen. Chain served for nearly five years as the next-to-last Commanding Officer of the Strategic Air Command. Gen. Chain is a command pilot with 5,000 flying hours, including 400 combat hours. He has flown more than forty-five different military aircraft. He is also a master parachutist with sixty-six jumps to his credit. The General was born December 11, 1934 in Wilmington, Delaware. He attended the Fork Union Military Academy and earned a bachelor of arts degree in history in 1956. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program, and earned his pilots wings in 1957. General Chain flew F-100s with the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing at Toule-Rosieres Air Base in France, and with the 417th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. He later served as flight examiner with the 524th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Cannon Air Base in New Mexico. In June of 1964 he was assigned to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky where he served as a forward air controller with the 101st Airborne Division. At Ft. Campbell, the General became a master parachutist and flew 0-1s and F84s. In 1966, he flew combat missions out of Tan Son Nhut in Vietnam as an adviser, prior to being assigned to Washington where he served as an exchange officer with the Dept. of State. In 1971 he graduated from the National War College and concurrently earned a master's degree in international affairs from George Washington University. General Chain returned to combat flying in 1972 when he flew F-4s out of Thailand. He was appointed Deputy Commander of the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing in California upon his return. Later he was transferred to Langley Air Base in Virginia, with the F-15 equipped 1st Tactical Fighter Wing. He served in various capacities and eventually assumed command of the Wing. In 1978 he was promoted to Brigadier General and was the military assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force. General Chain's numerous awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with ten oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, the Combat Readiness Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with four stars, the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with six oak leaf clusters, the Republic ietnam Distinguished Medal, just to name a few.
Colville, Christopher Click the name above to see a profile of Colville, Christopher	Colville, Christopher Joined the RAF in 1964 as a Flight Cadet at RAF College, Cranwell. Initially serving as a Lightning pilot on 5 Sqn, he later undertook a tour on the Lightning OCU. In 1973 he converted to the F4, serving as a QW1 on 43 Sqn. Upon promotion to Sqn Ldr, he took up a post on the Phantom OCU at RAF Coningsby. Staff tours as the fighter specialist at the CTTO, Staff College and NATO followed before he resumed flying F4s as OC Ops Wing at RAF Stanley in the Falkland Islands. In 1983 he assumed command of RAF Coningsby where he oversaw the conversion of the station from an F4 to a Tornado F3 base. During this same period he also flew the Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Formerly Deputy Commander in Chief Allied Forces North Europe, he is currently Commander in Chief RAF Personnel and Training Command and a member of the Air Force Board as Air Member for Personnel.
Cunningham, Randall Click the name above to see a profile of Cunningham, Randall	Cunningham, Randall After joining the US Navy in 1966, Randy 'Duke' Cunningham went to Vietnam with VF96, flying the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom. He became the conflict's first fighter Ace, and was to become one of the most highly decorated Aces of the war. With his RIO, Willie Driscoll, Duke achieved five victories in Vietnam, including 'three-in-a-day' on 10th May 1972. He later assumed command of the elite Navy Adversary Squadron of the Miramar Top Gun program. Retiring from the Navy, Duke was elected to Congress, where he now serves in the House of Representatives.
David, Yair Click the name above to see a profile of David, Yair	David, Yair He was shot down whilst flying the Phantom but was recovered after a daring Combat Search and Rescue mission.
Driscoll, Willie Click the name above to see a profile of Driscoll, Willie	Driscoll, Willie Willie Driscoll joined the Navy in 1969, and flew with VF96 in Vietnam. Flying his first combat mission in November 1971, Willie went on to become an Ace flying with 'Duke' Cunningham, and completed 170 combat missions in the F4 Phantom. He also completed a total of 652 deck landings at that time. Flying with Cunningham on 10th May 1972, they shot down 3 MiGs, but themselves were shot down by a SAM the same day. Willie Driscoll went on to serve at the Top Gun program.
Eyal, Achikal Click the name above to see a profile of Eyal, Achikal	Eyal, Achikal Credited with at least 1 victory in the F-4 Phantom, the frst aerial victory for the IAF in the Phantom, he later spent 3 years as a PoW in Egypt.
Fenton, George Click the name above to see a profile of Fenton, George	Fenton, George Joined the RAF as a cadet at RAF College Cranwell in March 1966. He served with 29 and 11 Sqn as a Lightning pilot. He then converted to the Converted to F4 Phantom in 1975 and flew with 892 Naval Air squadron aboard HMS Ark Royal before returning to the RAF with 29 Sqn. In 1980 George went to RAF Chivenor as an instructor on the Hawk and remained there as a QWI until retirement from the service in 1985. Spent the next few years instructing in the middle east. First in Qatar then in Saudi Arabia. Returned to the UK in 1999 to join the instructional staff at the BAE operated Hawk simulator at RAF Valley.
Gal, Yehoar Click the name above to see a profile of Gal, Yehoar	Gal, Yehoar Officially credited with 2 victories in the Phantom, he flew as back seater with pilots Eitan Peled and Dani Halotz.
Gedge, T J H Click the name above to see a profile of Gedge, T J H	Gedge, T J H Commander T J H Gedge AFC Royal Navy started flying in Glasgow University Air Squadron and joined the Royal Navy in January 1963 as a short career fighter pilot, later transferring to a full career commission. He flew Sea Vixen all weather fighter aircraft from HMS Victorious and F-4 Phantom aircraft from HMS Ark Royal before commanding 800 Naval Air Squadron, the first front-line Sea Harrier squadron in HMS Invincible and later in HMS Hermes. He formed and commanded 809 Squadron Sea Harriers for Operation Corporate for relief of the Falkland Islands in 1982, initially flying from MV Atlantic Conveyor. Qualified as a Flying Instructor (QFI) and later as an air warfare instructor (AWI) he served at Yeovilton, Lossiemouth and Leuchars in second-line flying appointments. He was the last Senior Pilot (SP) of the Royal Naval Air Warfare School 764 Squadron and later SP of the RN Phantom Training Flight at RAF Leuchars followed by SP of the front line Phantoms, 892 Squadron. Other appointments included HMS Jupiter, Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth as Aviation Officer and 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. Staff trained at Greenwich he also completed the RAF Air Warfare Course at RAF Cranwell and the RN Force Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Course at HMS Dryad. Since the Falklands War, Tim Gedge served in the MOD in the Directorate of Naval Air Warfare and later in the Directorate of Operational Requirements (Sea Systems) on the British Naval Staff in Washington and as Staff Aviation Officer to the Flag Officer Flotilla Three (the seagoing NATO Commander ASW Striking Force). His active service career completed in the MOD Central Staffs and he retired in 1996.
Howe, John Click the name above to see a profile of Howe, John	Howe, John John Howe flew Spitfires, Mustangs and Vampires With the South African Air Force and F-5lD Mustang fighter bombers in the Korean War before joining the RAF 'to fly Hunters'. He commanded the first RAF Lightning squadron when No.74 Sqn converted from Hunters to Lightnings in 1960, and led the famous No.74 Sqn 'Tigers' nine-ship Lightning aerobatic team. He has flown all the legendary USAF 'century series' fighters, and later commanded the F-4 Phantom OCU and RAF Gutersloh.
Lafferty, Daniel L Click the name above to see a profile of Lafferty, Daniel L	Lafferty, Daniel L Dan Lafferty flew in F-4 Phantoms out of Ubon in Thailand during the Vietnam war, and was part of the first bombing mission against a North Vietnamese airfield. Dan Lafferty flew as back-seater to Robin Olds on the low level strike against the steel mill at Thai Nguyen. Finishing his tour in Vietnam in August 1967, with a MiG to his credit he remained in the Air Force and retired in 1985.
Macey, Eric Click the name above to see a profile of Macey, Eric	Macey, Eric Eric Macey joined the RAF in 1954 and, after graduating as a pilot, flew Hunter fighters with 263 and 1 Sqns. He next joined the rapidly-expanding V-Force, initially flying Valiants of 214 Sqn on in-flight refuelling trials, and completed the first non-stop flight to Singapore. Then followed a Vulcan captaincy with 101 Sqn on which, over the next several years, he served as Sqn Pilot, Training Officer and Sqn Cdr (and which formed part of his Wing when he was OC Waddington). Between times, he was Chief Instructor of the Vulcan OCU at Scampton and, for a short time, also Stn Cdr there. Posted to Germany in 1979, he flew the Wessex, Puma, Jaguar, Phantom and Harrier and later served as AOC (of the University Air Squadrons) and Commandant of the RAF College Cranwell where he re-qualified on the Jet Provost. His final tour as Director-General Training added another 15 aircraft types bringing his total flying hours to about 3400 (1900 on the Vulcan) and total types flown to 60.
MacFadyen, Ian Click the name above to see a profile of MacFadyen, Ian	MacFadyen, Ian Ian MacFadyen joined the RAF College Cranwell in 1960. His first flying tour was on the Lightning in England and Germany. He returned to Cranwell in 1970 as a flying instructor where he was, for two years, a member of The Poachers formation aerobatic team. He next flew with Treble One squadron as it reformed with the Phantom in 1974, and became the RAF solo aerobatic pilot on the Phantom whilst with 43 Squadron. He later commanded 29 Squadron and became the first pilot to fly a Phantom into the Falkland Islands, where he also commanded 23 Squadron. In the mid 1980s he was the Station Commander at RAF Leuchars where, at its peak, the station had 66 Phantoms. His final years in the RAF were spent largely in Saudi Arabia, before becoming the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man. He still flies Air Cadets with no 3 AEF at Colerne, and is the National President of the Royal British Legion.
Madden, John Click the name above to see a profile of Madden, John	Madden, John Flying his first combat mission on 5th October 1965, leading fighter pilot John Madden flew three combat tours in Vietnam, notching up an impressive record of 3 kills and 1 damaged, flying F-4 Phantoms. On 28th August 1972 he was part of the same mission when Steve Ritchie made Ace status. That same year Madden led over 50 combat flights and he never lost a wingman. Flights under his leadership accounted for 5 enemy aircraft downed, and 1 damaged. He left Vietnam in 1975, and retired from the USAF in 1984. On Sept. 9, DeBellevue was flying with Capt. John Madden Jr. when they were making a turn to withdraw following an encounter with a lone MiG. That's when two MiG-19s swarmed in for an attack. 'We acquired the MiGs on radar and positioned as we picked up on them visually,' DeBellevue recalled later. 'We used a slicing low-speed yo-yo to position behind the MiG-19s and started turning hard with them. We fired one AIM-9 missile, which detonated 25 feet from one of the MiG-19s. We then switched the attack to the other MiG-19 and one turn later we fired an AIM-9 at him. I observed the missile impact the tail of the MiG. The MiG continued normally for the next few seconds, then began a slow roll and spiraled downward, impacting the ground with a large fireball. Our altitude was approximately 1,500 feet at the moment of the MiG's impact.' Madden and DeBellevue returned to their base thinking they had destroyed only the second MiG-19. An investigation, aided by the testimony of another aircrew, revealed that they were the only aircrew to shoot another MiG-19 which crashed and burned on the runway at Phuc Yen that day. DeBellevue was asked how he felt about becoming an ace. 'I feel pretty good about it. It's the high point of my career,' he said at the time. 'There's no other job that you have to put out as much for. It's frustrating, and yet when you do shoot down a MiG, it's so rewarding.'
Nicholls, John Click the name above to see a profile of Nicholls, John    Died : 17 / 5 / 2007	Nicholls, John A Korean war veteran with 2 MiG kills in F-86 Sabres, in April 1952 Nicholls was sent to the US to convert to the F-86 Sabre before joining a USAF squadron in Korea. He was assigned to the 335th Fighter Interceptor Squadron operating from Kimpo airfield near Seoul and over the next six months he completed 100 operations On June 28th 1952 John Nicholls flew his first sortie, he flew every day and soon built up his experience. Two months later he was credited with damaging two MiGs on one sortie. He set one on fire before it disappeared into cloud and the other was seen damaged and with a lot of smoke as it made its escape across the Yalu River, an area Allied pilots were forbidden to fly over. On his 99th and penultimate operation, John Nicholls was a wingman to the Wing leader when they intercepted four MiGs just south of the Yalu. Nicholls chased one of the MiGs for some time and fired his cannons, scoring hits on the enemy fighter, which broke up and crashed. It was the first MiG to be shot down by an RAF pilot. On December 9th John Nicholls flew his last sortie in Korea and shortly afterwards was awarded a DFC to add to an American DFC and Air Medal. John Nicholls has flown every great fighter from the Spitfire to the Phantom, including the USAF century series. On his return to the RAF, Nicholls continued his career as a fighter pilot flying Meteors and Hunters before becoming a tactics instructor at the prestigious Day Fighter Leader's School. In 1959 he was attached to English Electric as RAF project test pilot on Lightnings. He commanded AFDS at RAF Binbrook where in 1963 Lightning vs Spitfire combat trials were flown and later, he commanded RAF Leuchars. He retired as Vice Chief of the Air Staff to become Director in charge, BAe Lightnings in Saudi Arabia. John Nicholls was appointed CBE (1967) and KCB (1978). Sadly, he died 17th May 2007, aged 80.
Olds, Robin Click the name above to see a profile of Olds, Robin    Died : 14 / 6 / 2007	Olds, Robin After leaving West Point in June 1943, Robin Olds was posted to the 479th Fighter Group in England, joining 434 Squadron. Based at Wattisham in East Anglia, and flying P-38s, he was involved in heavy bomber escort duties and fighter sweeps until the Normandy invasion, soon after which his Squadron converted to P51 Mustangs. by early 1945 Robin Olds was in command of 434 Squadron taking part in the Battle of the Bulge, flying escort missions, and providing air support to the airborne attack across the Rhine. At the end of World War II Robin Olds had 24.5 victories, of which 13 were in the air. Later in Vietnam Robin Olds gained four more victories, flying F4 Phantoms. Sadly Robin Olds passed away on 14th June 2007.
Parr, Ralph Sherman Click the name above to see a profile of Parr, Ralph Sherman    Died : 7 / 12 / 2012	Parr, Ralph Sherman Flew P-38 Lightnings in World War Two, and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. In Korea, flew F-80 Shooting Stars and F-86 Sabre, becoming the only individual to be awarded the DSC and its replacement, the Air Force Cross. After Korea, he also flew F-4 Phantoms. He passed away on 7th December 2012.
Pemberton, John Click the name above to see a profile of Pemberton, John	Pemberton, John Also known as Zbysek Necas, Czechoslovakian 'Nicky' joined 68 Squadron as a Navigator and flew Mosquitos as night time defence over the British mainland, accounting for 3 German aircraft. Post War he flew Lightnings and Phantoms in the Cold War against the Russians.
Rietsch, Manfred Click the name above to see a profile of Rietsch, Manfred	Rietsch, Manfred Manfred Rietsch joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966, later joining VMFA-513 in Vietnam. Flying the F-4 Phantom he had his first combat in 1968, and by the end of his tour had flown 653 combat missions - more than any other F-4 pilot in Vietnam. He became the first Marine instructor at Top Gun in 1973, and more recently flew 66 combat missions in the F/A-18 during Desert Storm. In all he has 7000 hours in tactical jets.
Ritchie, Richard Click the name above to see a profile of Ritchie, Richard	Ritchie, Richard Born in June 1942 during World War Two, Steve Ritchie graduated and was commissioned from the USAF Academy in June 1964. He flew his first combat tour in Vietnam in 1968 on Fast FAC operations, before transferring to the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing for his second tour. It was with the 555th TFS - the famed 'Triple Nickel' Squadron, that he achieved Ace status. His first kill came on 10th May 1972 when he downed a MiG-21 forty miles south west of Hanoi, with his second a few weeks later just thirty miles south of the Chinese border. At the beginning of July he downed two MiG-21s west of Hanoi. It must have been his lucky area for on 28th August he scored his fifth and final victory in the same spot, thus becoming the only pilot Ace of the Vietnam War in the USAF, and the last US pilot to achieve Ace status.
Ross, Don Click the name above to see a profile of Ross, Don	Ross, Don Don Ross flew Spitfire Vbs with the second American Eagle Squadron, 121 Squadron. By the time the squadron transferred to the 357th Fighter Group in September 1942 he had already completed 72 combat sorties. Shot down in February 1944 he became a POW until May 1945. He flew combat in Korea, and then F-4 Phantoms in Vietnam.
Spector, Iftach Click the name above to see a profile of Spector, Iftach	Spector, Iftach a Double Ace with a minimum of 12 victories, at least 8 in the Mirage and 4 in the Phantom.
Taylor, Grant T Click the name above to see a profile of Taylor, Grant T	Taylor, Grant T Joined the Air Force in 1960 as an Apprentice at RAF Locking and then as a Cadet at RAF College Cranwell. Initially served as a QFI at RAF Syerston before converting to Hunters as a Fighter Reconnaissance pilot on 8 Sqn in Bahrain. In 1971 he converted to Lightning’s serving as a QFI/IRE on 23 Sqn at RAF Leuchars. In 1975 he converted to the Phantom and served a tour on 29 Sqn RAF Coningsby as QFI/IRE before taking up post on the Phantom OCU until 1986. During this period he also flew the Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for four years. In 1986 he flew BAC 167 aircraft at the King Feisal Air Academy in Saudi Arabia returning to UK in 1988 to train flying instructors on Jet Provost and Tucano aircraft at the Central Flying School at RAF Scampton. In 1990 he was posted to the Central Flying School Exam Wing as a Basic and Advanced Command Examiner and Command IRE on Hawks, Jet Provost and Tucano aircraft. He served his last tour on 55 Sqn at RAF Cranwell flying the Dominie (HS125). In 1997 he retired from the RAF to become an Aviation Officer and continued to fly the Dominie until 2003. He then joined the instructional staff at the Hawk Synthetic Training Facility at RAF Valley. He has a total of 9500 hours.
Tovel, Eli Click the name above to see a profile of Tovel, Eli	Tovel, Eli Whilst flying as back seater on Phantoms he was on one occasion shot down by enemy fire and forced to eject, but was later recovered.
Townsend, Chuck Click the name above to see a profile of Townsend, Chuck	Townsend, Chuck Chuck Townsend was born on July 10, 1942 in San Diego, California. Chuck's Dad was a naval officer, and he got to see the likes of Ft Collins, Colorado, Lincoln, Nebraska, before graduating from High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Chuck attended Colorado State University and participated in the Air Force ROTC program. In 1962 Chuck earned a private pilot's license, and following graduation he attended Air Force Flight School at Williams AFB. He earned his wings at Williams (Class 6613) and was sent to MacDill AF13 for advanced fighter training school. As an F-4 Phantom II pilot Chuck spent 8 months in Vietnam - flying a total of 135 combat missions. He served with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing under the command of Robin Olds, and was based in Ubon, Thailand. Chuck was awarded 13 Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses while in Vietnam. In late 1967 he returned to the States where he learned to fly the F-106. He was assigned to the Air Defense Command, and was stationed at Selfridge Field, Michigan as part of the 94th Squadron, which traces its roots back to Eddie Rickenbacker. Following the Pueblo incident, Chuck's unit was moved to Korea for six months. Later he would return to Michigan at Wordsmith AFB. Tiring of the harsh winters in northern Michigan, Chuck moved south to Tyndall AFB where he became an instructor in the F-106 for a period of three years. From 1973-1988 he served with the Air National Guard at Otis AFB, Massachusetts. As a Flight Commander, Chuck was involved in scheduling, training, instructing, and pilot evaluation. Known as "Mr. 106," Chuck flew the F-106 for twenty years, accumulating the amazing total of 4410.6 hours in the aircraft. After retiring from the Air Force he joined Midway Airlines, and later United. At the latter airline Chuck has commanded 727s, 737-300s, and currently 767s and 757s. Chuck resides on Cape Cod with his wife of 18 years, the former Kathleen Falk. Chuck has two children from a prior marriage.
Underwood, Pete Click the name above to see a profile of Underwood, Pete	Underwood, Pete Pete Underwood joined the RAF Officer Training College Cranwell in 1980. His first operational tour was from 1984 to 1986 on the Phantom FGR2, 19 Squadron, RAF Wildenrath in Germany. He was detached to No.23 Sqn for a 6-month duty in the Falkland Islands during this tour. His second operational tour was from 1986 to 1989 on the Phantom FG1, 111 Sqn, RAF Leuchars. After this tour he was posted to RAF Brawdy as a Tactics and Weapons Instructor on the Hawk TMk1. When RAF Brawdy closed he moved on to RAF Chivenor as OC Weapons Instruction Flight on the Hawk TMk1. He now flies as Captain on the Airbus A320/321 with Monarch Airlines Ltd.
Williams, E Royce Click the name above to see a profile of Williams, E Royce	Williams, E Royce Royce Williams was born in Wilmot, South Dakota in 1925. In 1936 his family moved to Clinton, Minnesota where a familyowned grocery business was established. Royee worked in the business, but preferred outside work including activities at his Uncle's farm and lakeside resort. He was active in the 411 club and the Boy Scouts, and became the first young man from Clinton to attain Eagle Scout status. In high school Royce played three sports, including quarterback on his school's football team. He graduated first in his class. Royce had boyhood dreams of becoming a military pilot. His older brother had Joined the Navy in 1942, becoming a Marine Corps aviator. In March of 1943 Royce Joined up, and he became a naval aviator. Royce became carrier qualified in the F6F Hellcat on the old USS Ranger (CV-4.) He flew the F6F, and later the F4U Corsair and the F8F Bearcat. Royce attended the University of Minnesota where he earned his Bachelors Degree. He later would attend the Navy Postgraduate School in Monterey. Royee eventually transitioned to jets, where his first operational deployment was on board the USSOriskany, flyingthe17917-5 Panther. While deployed in Korea with the VF-781 (later redesignated V17-121) "Pacemakers," Royee engaged seven Soviet-piloted Mig-15s on November 18, 1952. The Oriskany was only 100 miles from V1adivostok. Shortly after take-off Williain's flight of four Panthers encountered the seven Migs. Royce was instructed to reverse course and hold a barrier between the Migs and the Task Force, but the Migs attacked. It is believed that Royce downed three of the bogies, although official reports credited him with only one. With his Panther badly shot-up R oyce limped back to the Oriskany and got his aircraft home with the help of the LSO and ship's Captain. The engagement was politically sensitive as the US Government feared escalating Soviet involvement in the War in Korea. Mig kills were rare for the Navy in Korea (only 55 aerial victories), and the Panther was generally outclassed by the Mig-15 in most dogfights. Royce remained in the Navy until his retirement in 1980. He served as an exchange pilot with the USAF flying the F-86 and F-100. He also served as CO, XO and of VF-33 on board the USS Enterprise flying the F8-E Crusader, and later on board the USS America flying the F-4 Phantom 11. He also served as an Air Wing Commander during the Vietnam War. He also served as CO of the USS Eldorado, with CINCPAC Staff as COS ConiFAITWestPac, and as ACOS OPS ComTracPac. Royee's decorations include the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with Combat "V", the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star Medal. He married his hometown sweetheart, Cam, in 1947. They have three sons. Royce currently resides in Southern California.
Wratten, William Click the name above to see a profile of Wratten, William	Wratten, William Air Marshal Wratten joined the RAF as a Cranwell Cadet, graduating in December 1960. He completed the CFS course the following year and went on to instruct as a first-tour QFI on Vampire T11s at Oakington and Swinderby. The Air Marshal converted onto Lightning at Middleton-St-George in 1963 before serving on 19 Squadron from 1964 to 1968, first at Leconfield and later Gutersloh. In 1968 Air Marshal Wratten converted to Phantoms at Davis-Monthan AFB, USA, and then instructed on 288 (Phantom) OCU from 1968 to 1970. He was posted in 1971 as Flight Commander on 17 Squadron at RAF Bruggen, operating the Phantom in the Strike / Attack role. Returning to the UK in 1973, he joined the staff on HQ 38 Group before attending the RAF Staff College in 1974. He then joined the OR staff at the Minstry of Defence for a brief spell before being promoted to Wing Commander and, in 1975 taking command of 23 Squadron with the Phantom in AD role. On completing his tour as Officer Commanding 23 Squadron, Air Marshal Wratten was posted to the Air Secretarys staff at Barnwood before being promoted to Group Captain in 1980 and taking command of RAF Coningsby. In June 1982 he moved to the Falkland Islands to form and command RAF Stanley. After attending RCDS in 1983, the Air Marshal became one of the two Directors OR (Air) being concerned with future RAF aircraft (except Nimrod AEW) and offensive weapons systems. In September 1986 he was appointed SASO HQ 1 Group, a post he held until becoming AOC 11 Group on 17th March 1989. Between 14th November 1990 and 22nd March 1991, Air Marshal Wratten was detached to HQ British Forces Middle East in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he held the appointments of Air Commander and Deputy British Forces Commander Middle East during the Gulf conflict. In recognition of this service he received a Knighthood in the Operation GRANBY Honours List. On 19th September 1991, Sir William was promoted to Air Marshal prior to taking up his appointment as Director General Saudi Armed Forces Project.

Squadrons for : Phantom
A list of all squadrons known to have flown the Phantom. A profile page is available by clicking the squadron name.
Squadron	Info
432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing Country : US Served in Vietnam Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing	432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing Full profile not yet available.
434th Fighter Squadron Country : US Served in Vietnam Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 434th Fighter Squadron	434th Fighter Squadron Conducted air defense prior to flying duties overseas. Between 26th May 1944 and 25th Apr 1945 flew combat missons over the European Theater of Operations. Received Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for performance in aerial conflicts against the enemy on 18th August, 5th and 26th September 1944. Trained as fighter-day, and later, tactical fighter squadron, 1952-1962. In 1966, was reinstated as a squadron and began training F-4 crews for assignment in Southeast Asia. In Aug 1972, deployed to Thailand, where it served under operational control of 49 Tactical Fighter Wing. Engaged in combat over North and South Vietnam in October 1972. Redeployed back the USA. By 1975, provided combat aircrew training for US and Allied pilots. From 1977-1991, trained pilots. The squadron flew P-38 Lightning 1943 - 1944, P-51 Mustang from 1944 to 1945, P-47 Thunderbolt in 1945, F-51 Mustang from 1952 - 1953, F-86 Sabre from 1953 - 1955, F-100 Super Sabre from 1954 - 1959, F-104 Starfighter from 1959 - 1962, F-4 Phantom from 1966 - 1976 and T-38 Talon from 1977 - 1991.
555th Tactical Fighter Squadron Country : US Served in Vietnam Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron	555th Tactical Fighter Squadron Full profile not yet available.
8th Tactical Fighter Wing Country : US Served in Vietnam Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 8th Tactical Fighter Wing	8th Tactical Fighter Wing Full profile not yet available.
No.111 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st August 1917 Adstantes - Standing by Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.111 Sqn RAF	No.111 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.17 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st February 1915 Excellere contende - Strive to excel Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.17 Sqn RAF	No.17 Sqn RAF No 17 Squadron was formed at Gosport on 1 February 1915 and after a period of training embarked for Egypt in November. On 24 December, it began to make reconnaissance flights over the Turkish lines in Sinai, also flying in support of troops engaged with Turkish army units in the Western Desert. Detachments were also to be found in Arabia until July 1916, when the Squadron was sent to Salonika as a mixed unit of twelve BE2cs for reconnaissance and a scout component of two DH2s and three Bristol Scouts. At first it was the only RFC unit in Macedonia but was later joined by others in April 1918, handed over its fighters to a newly-formed No 150 Squadron. For the rest of the war, it was engaged in tactical reconnaissance and artillery spotting on the Bulgarian border. In December 1918, the squadron re-equipped with twelve DH9s and six Camels, sending A Flight to Batum to support the White Russian forces and B and C Flights to Constantinople in January 1919. On 14 November 1919, No 17 was disbanded. Reforming at Hawkinge on 1 April 1924, with Snipes No 17 formed part of the fighter defence of the UK until the outbreak of World War Two. Successively equipped Woodcocks, Siskins, Bulldogs and Gauntlets, the squadron remained in the UK during the Abyssinian crisis but lost most of its Bulldogs as reinforcements for squadrons moving to the Middle East and had to fly Harts for a period. In June 1939 Hurricanes were received and flew defensive patrols until the German attack on France in May 1940. Fighter sweeps were then flown over the Netherlands, Belgium and French airfields to cover the retreat of allied troops. In June the squadron moved to Brittany as the remnants of BEF and RAF units in France were evacuated, retiring to the Channel Islands two days before returning to the UK. No 17 flew over southern England throughout the Battle of Britain, being moved to northern Scotland in April 1941. In November 1941, the squadron sailed for the Far East where war broke out in December. Diverted to Burma, it arrived in January 1942, as Japanese troops neared Rangoon. Defensive patrols were flown until the Rangoon airfields were overrun and No 17 moved north, eventually being cut off from India while operating from Lashio. The surviving aircraft were flown out and the ground personnel made their way across Burma to the Indian border. By the end of May, the squadron had re-assembled at Calcutta and in June received aircraft again for the defence of the area. Ground attack missions began in February 1943 and continued until August, when the squadron moved to Ceylon. Spitfires began to arrive in March 1944 and were taken back to the Burma front in November to fly escort and ground attack missions. In June 1945, it was withdrawn to prepare for the invasion of Malaya and was taken by carrier to the landing beaches near Penang in early September soon after the Japanese capitulation. On 11 February 1949, No 691 Squadron based at Chivenor for anti-aircraft co-operation duties was renumbered No 17 Squadron, being officially disbanded on 13 March 1951, passing its tasks to No 3 CAACU which was formed five days later. No 17 reformed at Wahn on 1 June 1956 as a Canberra photographic reconnaissance squadron in Germany, disbanding on 31 December 1969. On 1 September 1970, No 17 reformed at Bruggen with Phantoms, which were flown until December 1975. Conversion to Jaguars began in September. In January 1985 the squadron began to convert to Tornado GR1s, the Jaguar element disbanding on 1 March 1985 when No 17 became fully equipped with Tornados. In 2003 No 17 became the first RAF squadron to receive the Eurofighter Typhoon. Based a Warton it's responsibilities include the evaluation of the new aircraft and its integration into full squadron service. On 19 May 2005, the Squadron officially reformed with the presentation of the Squadron Standard at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, to become No 17 (Reserve) Squadron, the Typhoon Operational Evaluation Unit.
No.19 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st September 1915 Possunt quia posse videntur - They can because they think they can Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.19 Sqn RAF	No.19 Sqn RAF o. 19 Squadron was formed from a nucleus provided by No. 5 Reserve Squadron at Castle Bromwich on 1 September 1915. It was almost a year later that the Squadron went to France, flying contact patrols with BE12s before re-equipping with French-built Spads. These were used to strafe ground troops during the battles at Arras, Messines Ridge and Ypres. Early in 1918, Sopwith Dolphins arrived and these were used in bomber escort duties. A year after the end of the War, the Squadron was disbanded reforming on 1 April 1924 at Duxford. The Squadron remained at Duxford throughout the inter-war years with a succession of fighters: Siskins, Bulldogs and Gauntlets receiving Spitifre on the 4th August 1938 The Squadron was stationed in the UK after the outbreak of the Second World War,the Squadron fought well over the evacuation at Dunkirk where they lost 4 aircraft for the destruction of 13 E.A.'s. The Squadron destroyed 2 He 111's on the night of the 19th of June 1940, and was part of No. 12 Group RAF, RAF Fighter Command, during the Battle of Britain. 19 Squadron formed part of the Duxford Wing, 12 Group's 'Big Wing' formation. Later versions of Spitfires were flown until the arrival of Mustangs for close-support duties in early 1944. After D-Day, No. 19 briefly went across the English Channel before starting long-range escort duties from RAF Peterhead for Coastal Command off the coast of Norway. After world war two the squadron flew at first de Havilland Hornets and later a variety of jet fighter aircraft including the Hawker Hunter fighter then re-equipping with English Electric Lightning, (1962 - 1964) at that time 19 Sqdn was based at RAF Station Leconfield. The Squadron and the sister Squadron 92 were called upon as fast response interceptors during the "cold war", later being disbanded on 9 January 1992. Their final location before being disbanded was RAF Wildenrath in Germany near Geilenkirchen
No.23 Sqn RAAF Country : Australia Possunt quia posse videntur - They can because they think they can Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.23 Sqn RAAF	No.23 Sqn RAAF Full profile not yet available.
No.23 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st September 1915 Fate : The squadron disbanded on 2 October 2009, when it amalgamated with No 8 Squadron. Semper aggessus - Always having attacked Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.23 Sqn RAF	No.23 Sqn RAF o. 23 Squadron formed at Fort Grange, Gosport on 1 Sep 1915 under the command of one of the RAF's most experienced operational pilots - Captain Louis Strange. After a brief period attempting to counter German airship flights over London, the Squadron moved to France with its FE2Bs initially employed on escort duties. By early 1917, Spad single-seaters had arrived, and were being used on offensive patrols over the front and low-level strafing attacks against German troops By the end of the War, the Squadron had converted to Dolphins, and flew these until disbanded at the end of 1919. On 1 July 1925, No. 23 Squadron reformed at Henlow with Snipes, but these were replaced shortly after with Gloster Gamecocks. In 1931, the Squadron was tasked with carrying out trials on the new Hawker Hart two-seaters, taking the production version, known as Demons, on strength in 1933 n 1938 it became a night-fighter squadron using the Bristol Blenheim. Following the outbreak of the Second World War, these were replaced by the Douglas Havoc and later the de Havilland Mosquito. Between 1942 and 1944 the squadron was based on Malta. It then returned to England and served as an intruder squadron, targeting German night fighters, over western Europe. 23 Sqn was disbanded, following the war's end, in September 1945 The squadron was reformed on 1 September 1946 as a night fighter squadron operating the de Havilland Mosquito.[8] It received jet aircraft in the form of de Havilland Vampire NF.10s in 1953, replacing them with de Havilland Venom NF.2s in June 1954. The squadron acquired Venom NF.3 in 1957.but was soon replaced with Gloster Javelin all-weather fighter, beginning a long period operating in the air defence role. The squadron has a strong heritage in the air defence role, operating Gloster Javelins, Lightnings, Phantoms and Tornado F3s. The squadron first acquired Phantoms on 1 November 1975 at RAF Coningsby before moving to RAF Wattisham for just under 10 years. Then in October 1983 the squadron deployed to Stanley airfield, Falkland Islands after their recapture from Argentina, arriving there on 1 November. They remained here until 31 October 1988 when its duty was assumed by 1435 Flight. The squadron then reformed on 1 November 1988 at RAF Leeming with the Panavia Tornado which it operated until 26 February 1994, when the unit was disbanded. The squadron assumed the Airborne Early Warning role upon reformation in April 1996, sharing the RAF's Sentry AEW1 fleet with No. 8 Squadron. The squadron disbanded on 2 October 2009, when it amalgamated with No 8 Squadron.
No.29 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 7th November 1915 Impiger et acer - Energetic and keen Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.29 Sqn RAF	No.29 Sqn RAF No 29 Squadron was formed at Gosport on 7 November 1915 from a nucleus supplied by No 23 Squadron, and after training moved to France in March 1916 as the third squadron to be fully equipped with fighters. Its DH2s were engaged in escort duties to protect the slow and vulnerable reconnaissance aircraft over the Western Front ,By late 1916 the DH.2 was outclassed by new German fighters, but No. 29 kept its pushers until March 1917, when it was re-equipped with Nieuport 17s. These were replaced with later Nieuport types, such as the Nieuport 24bis, as these became available. Due to a shortage of the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a the squadron retained its Nieuports until April 1918, being replaced by SE5As, which were used for the rest of the war on fighter and ground -attack missions. After a short period in Germany, the squadron Squadron was reduced to a cadre and in August 1919 returned to Spittlegate in the UK, in August 1919 where it was disbanded on 31 December 1919. The squadron was reformed on 1 April 1923, initially equipped with Sopwith Snipes. These were replaced by Gloster Grebes in January 1925, In turn, these were replaced by the Armstrong Whitworth Siskin IIIA in March 1928 and Bristol Bulldogs in June 1932. In March 1935, the squadron received two-seater Hawker Demons, which it operated until 1938. This included service in Egypt from October 1935 to 1936, during the Abyssinian crisis. The squadron also operated a few old Fairey Gordons for night patrols in Egypt. No 29 began the Second World War with its Blenheims, which at the period operated as day fighters – especially on convoy protection patrols. From June 1940 it became a night fighter squadron, receiving some of the first Beaufighters in November, though it was February 1941 before the squadron was fully equipped with the new fighter. Various marks of the de Havilland Mosquito were flown by the squadron from May 1943 culminating in the Mosquito NF30. From the middle of 1944 most of the squadron’s missions took it over the continent. The Mosquitoes continued to serve until replaced by Meteors in August 1951 at Tangmere. In January 1957 the squadron Squadron moved north, first to Northumberland and then in July 1958 to Scotland, conversion to Javelins taking having taken place in November 1957. In February 1963, No 29 was moved to Cyprus and in December 1965 went detached to Zambia for nine months on detachmentduring the Rhodesian crisis. In May 1967 the squadron Squadron returned to the UK to become are-equip with Lightnings squadron, disbanding on 31 December 1974. No 29 reformed at Coningsby as a Phantom squadron on 1 January 1975. A detachment was provided for the defence of the Falklands as soon as the airfield at Stanley was capable of operating Phantoms at the endin August of 1982. This became No 23 Squadron in March 1983 The Squadron swapped its Phantoms for Tornado F3 fighters in 1987 remaining at Coningsby until disbanded in October 1998. Five years later, the squadron was reformed, this time as the Typhoon operational conversion unit (OCU) based at BAE Systems' Warton airfield. In April 1987, No 29 Squadron became the first operational squadron to be equipped with the Tornado F3, deploying to Saudi Arabia after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 and flying throughout Operation DESERT STORM in the air-defence role. The Squadron was again disbanded in October 1998.
No.3 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 13th May 1912 Tertius primus erit - The Third shall be first Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.3 Sqn RAF	No.3 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.43 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 15th April 1916 Gloria finis - Glory is the end Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.43 Sqn RAF	No.43 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.54 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 15th May 1916 Audax omnia perpeti - Boldness to endure anything Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.54 Sqn RAF	No.54 Sqn RAF No. 54 Squadron was formed on the 5th of May 1916 at Castle Bromwich. The squadron was equipped with BE2C's and Avro 504's and was part of the home defence force. Shortly after 54 squadron changed to day fighter duties and moved to France then equipped with Sopwith Pups. Their role was to escort bombers and attack observation balloons. Near the end of the great war 54 squadron was re -quipped with Sopwith Camels and tasked with ground attack as well as fighter sorties. In February 1919, the squadron returned to RAF Yatesbury and on 2nd October 1919 54 squadron was disbanded. On the 15th of January 1930, 54 squadron was reformed at RAF Hornchurch as a fighter squadron equipped initially with Siskin aircraft. The Siskins were subsequently replaced with Bulldog fighters and in September 1936 54 squadron was re-equipped with Gloster Gauntlets and in April 1937, they recieved Gloster Gladiators. In March 1939 the squadron recieved the new Supermarine Spitfire. After the outbreak of world war two, 54 Squadron was given the duties of patrolling the Kent coast, until having to support and give air cover to the evacuation of Dunkirk in May and June 1940. The squadron was heavily involved during the Battle of Britain until November 1940 and after the Battle of Britain had ceased the squadron moved in November 1940 to RAF Castletown where its duties were coastal patrols. In June 1942 the squadron moved to RAF Wellingore to prepare for the squadron moving to Australia. In January 1943 54 squadron joined No.1 Wing of the Royal Australian Air Force. The Spitfires of the squadron were given the role of air defence duties against Japanese air attacks in the Darwin area. After the war had ended 54 squadron was disbanded in Melbourne on the 31st of October 1945, although the squadron name continued when on the 15th of November 1945 No.183 Squadron was renumbered 54 Squadron and flew initially Hawker Tempests. Taking up jet aircraft, the squadron subsequently used Vampires, Meteors, Hunters, Phantom and Jaguars before disbanding on 11th March 2005. 54 Squadron reformed on 5th September 2005 as an ISTAR (Intelligence Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance ) unit equipped with Sentry, Nimrod and Sentinel aircraft.
No.892 Sqn FAA Country : UK Fleet Air Arm. First Squadron to fly the Sea Vixen aircraft. Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.892 Sqn FAA	No.892 Sqn FAA Full profile not yet available.
No.92 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st September 1917 Fate : Disbanded 1st October 1994 East India Aut pugna aut morere - Either fight or die Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.92 Sqn RAF	No.92 Sqn RAF 92 Squadron was formed in the First World War, as a squadron of the Royal Flying Corps, on 1st September 1917. It flew Pups, Spads and SE5s during the war, becoming an RAF squadron on the formation of the RAF on 1st April 1918, before being disbanded on 7th August 1919. On the outbreak of hostilities of World War Two, 92 Sqn reformed on 10th October 1939, flying Blenheims before converting to Spitfires. It transferred to North Africa, and for some time flew as part of 244 Wing RAF. After the war, the squadron was disbanded on 30th December 1946. On 31st January 1947, the former 91 Squadron was redesignated 92 Squadron, flying the Meteor before re-equipping with the Sabre and then the Hunter. While flying the Hunter in 1960, the squadron was designated as the RAF's aerobatic squadron, with the name Blue Diamonds, a name the squadron carried on after tranferring to the Lightning. The squadron then re-equipped with Phantoms, before being disbanded on 1st July 1991. It was reformed from a rserve squadron on 23rd September 1992, and became No.92 (Reserve) Squadron, flying the Hawk aircraft before being disbanded once more on 1st October 1994.
VF-96 Country : US East India Aut pugna aut morere - Either fight or die Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of VF-96	VF-96 Full profile not yet available.
VMFA-531 Country : US Fate : Disbanded 1992. East India Aut pugna aut morere - Either fight or die Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of VMFA-531	VMFA-531 On November 16, 1942 at Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point North Carolina VMF -531 Marine Night Fighter Squadron 531 was formed and on January 9, 1943 the squadron became part of the Fleet Marine Force becoming part of Marine Aircraft Group 53 on April 1st 1943 On April 15, 1943 the Japanese started a night attack on Guadalcanal and the group was quickly ordered to deploy to the South Pacific Theatre. VMF(N)-531 was the first combat squadron to leave MCAS Cherry Point and arrived at Banika in the Russell Islands on September 11. Joining marine aircraft group 21 and the 1st marine Aircraft Wing, the Grey Ghosts flew their first combat patrol on September 16th 1943 making them the first naval aviation night-fighter squadron to operate in the South Pacific. The squadron's first kill was made on November 13th, 1943 when Captain Duane Jenkins, stumbled upon a Betty Bomber and shot it down. On May 10, 1965 During the Vietnam War, 15 F-4Bs from the squadron arrived in South Vietnam, at Danang becoming the first land based Marine Corps jets during the War. VMFA-531 immediately began flying bombing missions under radar guidance and standard close support missions in support of Marines who were fighting on the ground. VMFA-531 was known as the "Grey Ghosts�. The Squadron was finally decommissioned on March 27, 1992.

Last edited : 13:57, April 13, 2017
Last editor : kc

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