Naval Phantoms

The first complete illustrated reference to the paint schemes, markings, and visual detail of all the US Navy and Marine Corps F-4 Phantom squadrons that served at sea. The F-4 Phantom was arguably the US Navy‘s greatest ever fighter, performing a multitude of roles at the heart of the fleet‘s carrier operations. Fourteen regular Carrier Air Wings operated the Phantom over more than two decades. Within each wing, each Phantom squadron had its own markings, and these typically changed with every deployment. This book is the first complete illustrated guide to the aircraft‘s appearance in US Navy service, air wing by air wing, squadron by squadron, and deployment by deployment, covering everything from markings etymology to paint repairs, and including all the Marine Corps squadrons that also served at sea. With more than 300 original profiles, detail views, and action scenes by renowned illustrator and longtime Phantom enthusiast Mads Bangsø, their camouflage, stencilling, and evolving squadron markings are detailed, including special aircraft such as CAG birds. The appearance of the Phantom‘s numerous hardware upgrades is also detailed and illustrated, from chinpods to antennas. Many years in the making, and including over 250 photos and data tables, this is the complete visual reference to the Phantom squadrons that served as the teeth of the US Navy from the 1960s to the 1980s.