Phantom Photos

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During the late 1970's and early 1980's El Paso, Texas was a place to be if you wanted to photograph Navy/Marine Phantoms. VRF-31 (ferry squadron) was a constant visitor with a variety of Navy/Marine aircraft and helicopters going to and from rework facilities around the United States. The crews were always willing to allow access to photograph their aircraft. I had a request to share a print of this particular Phantom as they noticed the modex of 31 with the tail code of "Sierra Hotel" making it "Sierra Hotel 31"!


F-4N-150468-SH-31-VMFAT-101-BillSpidle-KELP-19791105

F-4J-153071-NATC-BillSpidle-KELP-19790720


F-4N-153064-VM-2-VMFA-314-BillSpidle-KELP-20160402
 Other squadrons also utilized the quick turn services of the Transit Alert/Fire Fighters at KELP stopping in for fuel and a quick turn. There were Navy squadrons headed east like VF-301 and VF-302 from NAS Miramar and . . . . . . . . . .
F-4N-153010-ND-115-VF-301-BillSpidle-KELP-19800313
F-4N-153039-ND-213-VF-302-BillSpidle-KELP-19791106


F-4N-153036-MG-10-VMFA-321-BillSpidle-KELP-19800308-1
 Marine squadrons like VMFA-321 headed to MCAS Yuma.



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