The sky was left orphaned and unattended in South Korea. The legendary "Father Phantom" said goodbye to S. Korea.
The F-4 Phantom II is the most produced jet fighter aircraft in the western world with a total of 5057 units. The 5057th F-4E, tail number 78-0744, produced at McDonnell Douglas' St. Louis facility, was also in the S. Korean Air Force inventory.
S. Korea entrusted the sky to the F-4 Phantom II ("Father Phantom") for 55 years, from 1969 to 2024.
A total of 200 Father Phantoms with air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities served S. Korea for 55 years without interruption. F-4D, F-4C, RF-4C and F-4Es were used in the South Korean Air Force, but the F-4E was the variant that was used the most and for the longest time, and was subjected to both structural and avionic modernisations.
The F-4 Phantom II is the most produced jet fighter aircraft in the western world with a total of 5057 units. The 5057th F-4E, tail number 78-0744, produced at McDonnell Douglas' St. Louis facility, was also in the S. Korean Air Force inventory.
Father Phantom's Last Mission Order Came at the Runway...
"Father Phantom Zero One, you are requested to complete your last mission and return. Father Phantom Zero One, take off." The quadruple column of 4 x F-4E aircraft, loaded with air defence ammunition, took off for their final mission flight, led by the last Phantom squadron commander.
The four F-4E Phantoms flew a three-hour flight covering multiple bases and all major cities except Seoul.
FA-50, KF-21, F-16, F-15K, F-16, F-15K and F-35A aircraft of the South Korean Air Force also accompanied the farewell flight of the father Phantom. In the air; FA-50, F-16, F-15K and F-35A paid their respects to the leader Baba Phantom at certain points, said goodbye and returned to their bases. However, 2 x KF-21 Boramae escorted 2 x F-4E until the final approach and said goodbye on the final approach.
F-4E 78-0743 lands at Suwon Air Base after its final mission and heads towards its final parking spot.
"From the hands of the people, to the hearts of the people: 1969-2024".
The squadron commander, the leader of the last F-4 mission four column, gave his last report as follows: "As the last commander of the last Phantom Squadron, I am honoured to witness the final moments of Father Phantom. Although his mission is over, the glory that once defeated the enemy and the thunderous engine roar that echoed across the earth will forever remain in the hearts of the "Ghost Men" (Phantom Pilots and Maintainers). As a Phantom pilot, I say with unwavering pride; "Phantom, Phorever!"
Note Since "Ph" provides the pronunciation of the F of Phantom (Phantom); the F of every F-4 related action that starts with the English F pronunciation is written as Ph. For example Phantom Phixers (Fixers)-Phantom Maintainers, Phantom Phlyers (Flyers)-Phantom Flyers, Phabolous (Fabolous) Phantoms-Magnificent Phantoms, Phantom Phorever (Forever)-Phantom Forever, Phantom Pharewell (Farewell)-Phantom Farewell, etc.
The last Father Phantoms came back from the flight as "active". The Aircraft Maintenance Group Command declared all Father Phantoms as "Fully Operational-Combat Ready Aircraft" to the South Korean Air Force.
All active or retired F-4 Fliers and F-4 Maintainers who served with the Father Phantom were invited to the farewell flight and farewell ceremony as "Guests of Honour".
F-4 Fliers (Pilots) and Fliers (Maintainers) bid farewell to this noble aircraft with tears in their eyes. Is it easy to say goodbye to such a legend? Is it easy to forget such a legend?
