McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II AG200, VF-84 Jolly Rogers, US Navy, USS Independence, 1964

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA19048: McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II AG200, VF-84 Jolly Rogers, US Navy, USS Independence, 1964. Production run of 700 models.

Length 9.75 inches Wingspan 6.25 inches

VF-84 “Jolly Rogers” was assigned to the USS Independence between 1963 and 1969. In 1964 the squadron received the F-4B in 1964 and flew them until 1975 when they transitioned to the F-14 in 1976. From September 8, 1964 until November 5, 1964 sailing the Atlantic Ocean. There next deployment was from May 10, 1965 until December 13, 1965 participating in the Vietnam War. On January 10, 1968 F-4B 151506 MSN 682 and 151499 were lost in a mid air collision; both crews survived.

Designed as a fleet defence fighter for the US Navy, the F-4 Phantom was first flown on May 27, 1958. This twin-engine, long-range all-weather fighter/bomber proved highly adaptable and served in the Marine Corps and the US Air Force as well as in the Navy. During the Vietnam War, it was the principal air superiority fighter for the Navy and the Air Force and was also used for reconnaissance and ground attack. The Phantom continued to serve well into the 1970s and 1980s and even flew missions during the first Gulf War. Finally phased out by the F-14, F-16 and F/A-18, the Phantom was retired in 1996.