Da Nang Air Base: take-off

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Jun 6th, F-4 Phantom II

Today's post is a continuation of the many aircraft photos I took while assigned to Da Nang Air Base during 1965-66. Perhaps one of the most versatile of the various jet-aircraft deployed to Vietnam was the F-4 Phantom II. It was fielded by the U.S. Navy, Marines and Air Force in various versions and configurations.

USAF paint scheme.

Marines version equipped with Napalm bombs.

Navy version with empty bomb rack.

Peeling-off in preparation for landing.

After landing, drag chute deployed.

Take-off.

Taking-off. Extra fuel tanks, camera and Vulcan gun pods visible.

Parked on the tarmac.

Close-up of the infra-red sensor under this Phantom's nose. Note the photographer with his Nikon F!

Mission-ready. (Fungus damaged slide photo.)

F-4 tail detail and flight-line "tug".

Mission ready.

Heading out in the sun-set.

Taxiing.

Take-off.

Landing with drag-chute deployed.

Nose detail.

I am guessing that it's landing, as I don't detect any trailing heat waves.

USAF Phantoms parked in the revetments.

Air Force "bird" getting a little maintenance.

Sidewinder and a spare... because you never know!

Tail art.

More tail art.

Preparing to fire up.

Close-up of camera and Vulcan gun pods.

Another Marine Corps version with Napalm bombs.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

May 30th, C-123 Provider

Good News! Just finished editing over 1000 photos.

After I figure out the best way to upload more photos, I will begin doing so. Meanwhile, here are some shots of the Da Nang Air Base C-123s, of controversial defoliation fame (Operation Ranch Hand).

My next uploads will include many photos of the airmen of the USAF I worked with and photographed.

Those folks that I can identify, I will. If you know any of the unidentified personnel, I would certainly appreciate your input through the comments feature below.

Thank you for your continued patience, if there is anyone still interested in this blog...
:-)