â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilities, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Oncologist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurrence). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrocities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilities, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Oncologist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurrence). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrocities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilites, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Onocoligist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurance). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrosities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilities, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Oncologist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurrence). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrocities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilities, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Oncologist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurrence). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrocities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilities, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Oncologist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurrence). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrocities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilities, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Oncologist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurrence). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrocities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilites, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Onocoligist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurance). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrosities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilities, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Oncologist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurrence). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrocities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilities, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Oncologist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurrence). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrocities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilites, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Onocoligist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurance). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrosities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilities, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Oncologist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurrence). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrocities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilities, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Oncologist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurrence). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrocities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilites, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Onocoligist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurance). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrosities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilities, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Oncologist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurrence). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrocities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilities, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Oncologist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurrence). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrocities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
â??Trying to live out my final days without the help of the defunct Veterans Administration! They kill more veterans than they help! Sad, when I was working, I represented veterans and their families in all benefits available to veterans. Never thinking one day I would having to fight for mine. I know that I wouldn't never have let any claim by a veteran (Or, any family member) be denied what I have. Having Stage 4 Lung Cancer, from my combat duty (Exposure to Agent Orange), while serving in Vietnam. Being Service-Connected at 100% with Aid & Attendance, for the Cancer, and having other combat related disabilites, rated at over 100%, before the Cancer. But can't get the doctor (From Pakistan/India) they assigned me (Primary-Care), for the past 2 years to keep give me my regular medication. Or, to refer me to a Onocoligist. Finally, after I had to get the nursing Service, provided by the VA, to get involved. He sent me to have a CT Scan, and showed the Cancer to be active. He then referred me to one. But she comes from a local teaching hospital, and her too is from India (Strange occurance). But after seeing her 2 times and writing no Rx's for the regular medication they give me, or on and off. Having as long as 6-7 months, without refills, and having to threaten them with legal action. With all the latest scandals from all the mis/maltreatment by the VA Medical Centers, and action by Congress. They can care less, no one brings them up on criminal charges. And, the Obama Administration have been the worse contributors of these atrosities. Meanwhile, I indent to keep fighting them until I die, then they can pay for that!
1964-1968, F-4 Phantom
From Year 1964
To Year 1968
Personal Memories
AFSC Title: (J43131C/J43151C) Asst.Crew Chief on F-86 until mid 1964 when our Combat TAC Ftr. SQ. phased in F-4C Phantom II's, and later newer F-4D Acft. at McDill AFB. Went into Combat in early 1965, and again in 1966-67 in Southeast Asia, FOB, (Vietnam & Thailand). Serving in the 43rd, 47th, 12th TFW, and 555 TFS's, as a Crew Chief on F-4's. The 47th & 555th TFS (AKA: Triple Nickel) Brought down more MIG-21 & 23's than another TFS during the Vietnam War. And, Officially Acclaimed, The World's [Most] Distributor of MIG Parts'! As Crew Chief, we also flew in the PSO (Pilot Systems Operator) position (rear cockpit as Aviator). In 1966 Col. 'Chappie' James, personally, gave me, my own 'Aviator Wings', while w/the 47th TFS!
Image
F-4 Phantom Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
From Wikipedia: The F-4 Phantom was designed as a fleet defense fighter for the U.S. Navy, and first entered service in 1960. By 1963, it had been adopted by the U.S. Air Force for the fighter-bomber role. When production ended in 1981, 5,195 Phantom IIs had been built, making it the most numerous American supersonic military aircraft.[7] Until the advent of the F-15 Eagle, the F-4 also held a record for the longest continuous production with a run of 24 years. Innovations in the F-4 included an advanced pulse-doppler radar and extensive use of titanium in its airframe.[8] Despite the imposing dimensions and a maximum takeoff weight of over 60,000 pounds (27,000 kg),[9] the F-4 had a top speed of Mach 2.23 and an initial climb of over 41,000 ft per minute (210 m/s).[10] Shortly after its introduction, the Phantom set 15 world records,[11] including an absolute speed record of 1,606.342 mph (2,585.086 km/h), and an absolute altitude record of 98,557 ft (30,040 m).[12] Although set in 1959?1962, five of the speed records were not broken until 1975 when the F-15 Eagle came into service.[11] The F-4 could carry up to 18,650 pounds (8,480 kg) of weapons on nine external hardpoints, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, and unguided, guided, and nuclear bombs.[13] Since the F-8 Crusader was to be used for close combat, the F-4 was designed, like other interceptors of the day, without an internal cannon;[14] In a dogfight, the RIO or WSO (commonly called "backseater" or "pitter") assisted in spotting opposing fighters, visually as well as on radar. It became the primary fighter-bomber of both the Navy and Air Force by the end of the Vietnam War. Due to its distinctive appearance and widespread service with United States military and its allies, the F-4 is one of the best-known icons of the Cold War. It served in the Vietnam War and Arab?Israeli conflicts, with American F-4 crews achieving 277 aerial victories in South East Asia and completing countless ground attack sorties.[15] The F-4 Phantom has the distinction of being the last United States fighter to attain ace status in the 20th century. During the Vietnam War, the USAF had one pilot and two WSOs,[16] and the USN one pilot and one RIO,[17] become aces in air-to-air combat. It was also a capable tactical reconnaissance and Wild Weasel (suppression of enemy air defenses) platform, seeing action as late as 1991, during Operation Desert Storm.[4][5] The F-4 Phantom II was also the only aircraft used by both of the USA's flight demonstration teams.[18] The USAF Thunderbirds (F-4E) and the USN Blue Angels (F-4J) both switched to the Phantom for the 1969 season; the Thunderbirds flew it for five seasons,[19] the Blue Angels for six.[20] The baseline performance of a Mach 2-class fighter with long range and a bomber-sized payload would be the template for the next generation of large and light/middle-weight fighters optimized for daylight air combat. The Phantom would be replaced by the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon in the U.S. Air Force. In the U.S. Navy, it would be replaced by the F-14 Tomcat and the F/A-18 Hornet which revived the concept of a dual-role attack fighter.[21]