Hobby Master 1/72 HA1996 McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom 158378, VF-21 "Freelancers", US NAVY, 1974

The F-4J was the last version produced for the USN and USMC. The J version was basically an upgraded B version with new radar and avionics as well as a better engine that required a longer afterburner nozzle. One of the most noticeable changes to the J version is what isn't there; the infrared seeker under the nose was deleted. Also missing was an internal gun but Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles were used for intercepting. Between 1966 and 1972 there were 522 F-4Js built. The F-4J had the distinction of scoring the only USMC air-to-air combat victory in Vietnam and it also was the last US operational aircraft in South East Asia. In mid 1970 the F-4 Phantom II was being replaced by the new and improved F-14 Tomcat.

McDonnell Douglas F-4J 158378 MSN 4198 was the second last F-4J of a total of 522 to be produced. The aircraft went into service with the USN VF-21 Freelancers in 1972 as NE-200. VF-21 was assigned to Carrier Wing 2 (CVW-2) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CVA-61) and was deployed to the Western Pacific from May 7, 1974 until October 18, 1974. 158378 was the personal aircraft of the Commander of CVW-2. In 1982 158378 transferred to VMFAT-101 and then VMFA-212 before retiring to AMARC January 1985.