Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale HA19031 F4H-1 (F-4B) Phantom II 148381, VF-74 "Bedevilers", CVA-59 USS Forrestal, US Navy, 1962.
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a two-seat, supersonic long-range all-weather fighter-bomber. The aircraft was designed as a USN Fleet defense aircraft and entered service in 1961. The F-4 soon became one of the few aircraft to be utilized by the USN, USAF and USMC. The Phantom could carry a varied payload and armament so it was well suited to do just about any job. Because of its large nose and ruggedness the F-4 earned the nickname "Rhino", along with others that were less flattering. The F-4 went on to serve in no less than 11 other countries. Production ended in 1979 with 5,201 aircraft manufactured in 14 different versions.
VF-74 "Bedevilers" were the first USN squadron to deploy with the F-4 Phantom II. In July 1961 VF-74 traded their Douglas F4D Skyrays for the F4H-1, later to become the F-4B thereby becoming the "First In Phantom". During the next twenty years VF-74 would fly three variants of the Phantoms 13 times on Mediterranean cruises and twice to SEA. 148390 was the 75th F-4B constructed for the USN and the USMC. The F-4B was eventually upgraded to F-4N standards.
