Shot Notes

A McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter jet, on the deck of the U.S.S. Midway.

The F-4 Phantom is a two-seat twin-engine fighter jet developed for the U.S. Navy, and was later used by the U.S. Marines and U.S. Air Force, as well as 11 other nations. It entered service in 1960 and was used for a variety of missions until 1986. Shortly after entering service, the Phantom set 15 world records, including 5 speed records that lasted until 1975. It’s versatility and exceptional performance allowed it to function as a fighter, bomber, reconnaissance and Wild Weasel (playing “tag” with enemy air defense platforms – seek and destroy).

The U.S.S. Midway is a former naval aircraft carrier that was commissioned in 1945 and served until 1992. In 2004, she was brought to San Diego to serve as a floating museum. The museum is maintained and reconditioned by volunteers and is an amazing insight into naval life. My father and I maintain a yearly membership, and I try to visit twice a year. With donations and funds from admission, they are constantly renovating and opening new areas of the ship.

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