 The F @-@ 4 Phantom II remained in use by the U.S. in the reconnaissance and Wild Weasel ( Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses ) roles in the 1991 Gulf War , finally leaving service in 1996 . It was also the only aircraft used by both U.S. flight demonstration teams : the USAF Thunderbirds ( F @-@ 4E ) and the US Navy Blue Angels ( F @-@ 4J ) . The F @-@ 4 was also operated by the armed forces of 11 other nations . Israeli Phantoms saw extensive combat in several Arab – Israeli conflicts , while Iran used its large fleet of Phantoms in the Iran – Iraq War . Phantoms remain in front line service with seven countries , and in use as a target drone in the U.S. Air Force . Phantom production ran from 1958 to 1981 , with a total of 5 @,@ 195 built , making it the most numerous American supersonic military aircraft . 
