The Lockheed F-104C came about as the result of Tactical Air Command (TAC) decision that the F-104A wasn't a capable supersonic tactical strike fighter. The F-104C was equipped with an in- flight refueling probe to extend its range and was capable of delivering a tactical nuclear weapon. Put into service during the Vietnam War the USAF realized the F-104C wasnt the aircraft for Vietnam and was replaced with the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. The surviving F-104Cs were transferred to the 198th TFS of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard.
At Edwards AFB on December 14, 1959 and on the fifth attempt Lockheed F-104C 56-0885 piloted by USAF Captain Joe B. Jordan reached an altitude of 103,389 feet (31,513 m) officially setting a new world altitude record for turbojet-powered aircraft. The aircraft belonged to the 479th TFW at George AFB that was deployed to Moron AB, Spain in November 1959. On May 9, 1961 56-0885 was lost when it went out of control and the pilot safely baled out. The cause was a wrong size elevator hinge pin had been installed.