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This concise, illustrated history focuses on the McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II aircraft and units assigned to George AFB, California, from 1964-92. George's association with the aircraft began with the arrival of the first F-4s in April 1964, and would last over twenty-eight years. The initial mission was to train F-4 aircrews, and from 1964 through 1973, the majority of these graduates went directly to Southeast Asia in support of the Vietnam War. As the need for newly trained aircrews decreased, the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, and later the 37th TFW, added an operational commitment flying F-4Es and F-4C Wild Weasels, as well as F-4G Advanced Wild Weasel aircraft. The training of aircrews for Germany's Air Force was added to the 35th TFW's mission in December 1972. F-4 operations continued at George under the 35th and 37th wings until inactivation of the 35th Wing in December 1992, and the closing of George AFB at the end of the Cold War.
About the author
Don Logan joined the USAF in August 1969, and flew 133 combat missions as an F-4E WSO in Vietnam, and later as a right-seater in the F-111A at Nellis AFB. In October 1978, he started his employment at Boeing as a Military Flight Manual/Weapon Delivery manual writer, retiring in 2002. He continues to photograph and write on military aircraft subjects.
Summary
This concise, illustrated history focuses on the McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II aircraft and units assigned to George AFB, California, from 1964–92. George’s association with the aircraft began with the arrival of the first F-4s in April 1964, and would last over twenty-eight years. The initial mission was to train F-4 aircrews, and from 1964 through 1973, the majority of these graduates went directly to Southeast Asia in support of the Vietnam War. As the need for newly trained aircrews decreased, the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, and later the 37th TFW, added an operational commitment flying F-4Es and F-4C Wild Weasels, as well as F-4G Advanced Wild Weasel aircraft. The training of aircrews for Germany’s Air Force was added to the 35th TFW’s mission in December 1972. F-4 operations continued at George under the 35th and 37th wings until inactivation of the 35th Wing in December 1992, and the closing of George AFB at the end of the Cold War.
