Nam Phong Phantoms

Group of Marine F-4 Phantom fighter jets parked on ramp next to revetments in rugged jungle airbase of Nam Phong, Thailand -1973. McDonnell Douglas mach 2 F-4s were the mainstay of fighter jets in the late 60’s and beyond for the Airforce, Navy, and Marines, and were able to carry 9 tons of weapons. I imaging it was an extra challenge for maintenance crews to care for these aircraft in the red dirt coated environment of Nam Phong. A total of over 700 were lost in combat or accidents in the Vietnam war. They were manufactured until 1981 to be replaced by newer F14, F15, F-16, F-18 aircraft, although I think some F-4s still were used in the Gulf war.