USMC RF-4B Phantom II

VMFP-3 Eyes of the Corps

    VMFP-3 and VMAQ-2 created when the former VMCJ-1, VMCJ-2 and VMCJ-3 were merged. Prior to that the three Composite squadrons had filled a reconnaissance role for the Corps operating RF-4Bs and EA-6As. When created VMAQ-2 took the EA-6s and VMFP-3 got the RF-4s. VMFP-3 was activated on 1 July 1975 and inactivated 30 September 1990. During the period of its existence VMFP-3 provided a recon role to the USN by operating six plane detachments aboard various aircraft carriers. A detachment (or Det) was permanently aboard the USS Midway from 1975 until 1984.  When VMFP-3 was inactivated the RF-4B passed from active service with surviving aircraft going into storage at Aerospace Maintenance & Regeneration Center (AMARC) at Davis-Monthan AFB outside of Tucson, Arizona.

I was fortunate enough to be able to photograph some of the RF-4B Phantom IIs from about 1979 until their retirement. During that time period VMFP-3 was the sole operator of the RF-4B.

      A subdued 151983 carries the later "Phantom man" on the tail in the November, 1982 shot at ELP. (Bobbie Porter)

     153091 sporting the "flash" at ELP in September, 1983. (Bobby Porter)

     153093 devoid of tail markings at Offutt AFB in June, 1981.  This was during the transition period between the "fox head" and the "Phantom man". (CB)

     3093 at ELP in October, 1987. By this time most Navy aircraft were carrying the drab tactical scheme. (CB)    

    3093 departing ELP October, 1987. (CB)

    153094 arriving ELP in October, 1987. The drogue chute (out of the picture) is still trailing behind the airplane. (CB)

    3102 awaiting refueling at ELP in February, 1982. (CB)

    3106 at ELP in June, 1980. (CB)

    For me it is interesting seeing an airplane in multiple schemes and the above photos show 153107 first with the "fox head" in July, 1980 and in February 1982 adorned with the "Phantom man". (CB)

    And 3107 taxiing in with the chute trailing behind. November, 1982. (Bobby Porter)

    3109 hiding under an uncommon cloudy day at El Paso in April, 1982. (CB)

    3110 on a warm day in December, 1984. The tactical scheme is looking rather scruffy by this point. (Bobby Porter)

    157342 is one of the last batch of RF-4Bs. This group had the wider tires and bulged wings. In some ways they were closer to being RF-4Cs and some even had the smooth nose of the RF-4C. A note for model builders: The decal film is very evident around the "Phantom man". (CB)

    7345 departing ELP October, 1981. (CB)

    7345 fresh out of NARF and carrying a new coat of tactical paint, (CB)

    7346 also fresh out of NARF and headed to MCAS El Toro to rejoin the squadron. April, 1982. (CB)

    7348 with the "Fox Head in September, 1980.  This is my favorite VMFP-3 markings. (CB)

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