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Restored F-4 Phantom II at JB-MDL
The F-4 Phantom II restoration crew.
Episode 3332 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the F-4 Phantom II that was restored at JB-MDL. The featured story is titled: F-4 Phantom II – A legend restored to glory. It appeared on the JB-MDL website.
It was reported that the legendary F-4 Phantom II has once again become a proud symbol of American military history thanks to the dedication of passionate volunteers at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. After more than a year of painstaking restoration, the iconic Vietnam War fighter jet was moved to its permanent home at the Navy Lakehurst Air Park, where it now stands as a lasting tribute to the courageous Vietnam Veterans who flew, maintained, and depended on this remarkable combat aircraft.
First taking to the skies in 1958, the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II became one of the most recognizable and successful U.S. military aircraft ever built. Serving with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Air Force, the Phantom excelled as a multi-role fighter during the Vietnam War, flying dangerous air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. The aircraft earned an unmatched reputation for speed, power, durability, and combat effectiveness while the brave pilots and crews who operated it displayed extraordinary courage under fire.
The restoration project united military veterans, aviation historians, and skilled volunteers who carefully repaired corrosion, restored the canopy, and applied the historically accurate VF-111 “Sundowners” paint scheme honoring the squadron that flew combat missions over North Vietnam aboard USS Coral Sea (CV-43). A deeply personal touch was added by honoring U.S. Marine Col. John Black, a decorated Vietnam combat pilot whose name now appears beneath the aircraft canopy.
This beautifully restored F-4 Phantom II static display preserves the legacy of America’s Vietnam-era aviators while educating future generations about the sacrifices of those who served. It stands as a powerful reminder of the skill, dedication, and unwavering bravery of our Vietnam Veterans, whose service and the legendary aircraft they flew continue to inspire aviation enthusiasts, military historians, and patriots across America.
Listen to episode 3332 and discover more about the F-4 Phantom II that was restored at JB-MDL.
