<p>A U.S. Navy McDonnell F-4B-14-MC <i>Phantom II</i> (BuNo 150651) of Fighter Squadron VF-161 "Chargers" in flight over Naval Air Station Miramar, California (USA), in September 1964.<br>
On 21 September 1964, VF-161 offcially retired the McDonnell F-3 <i>Demon</i>s. The last two U.S. Navy <i>Demon</i>s were "piped over the side" in a colourful ceremony at NAS Miramar, which at the same time, welcomed aboard the first F-4B <i>Phantom II</i> to be delivered to the squadron. CDR W.J. Welty, Commanding Officer of VF-161, and LCDR L.D. Baldridge, squadron Executive Officer, taxied the last two F-3s past the assembled men of the squadron, who rendered honours to the <i>Demon</i>s as they prepared for their last flight.<br></p>
VF-161 had been assigned to Carrier Air Wing 16 (CVW-16) aboard the aircraft carrier USS <i>Oriskany</i> (CVA-34) flying the F-3B <i>Demon</i>. However, the small <i>Essex</i>-class carriers did not operate the <i>Phantom</i>. Therefore, VF-161 was reassigned to CVW-15.
CDR F.E. Masek, U.S. Navy
1964-09-21
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