• General

  • Assistance sought please for aircraft identity

In 1973 I photographed a RF-8A Crusader and an F-4 Phantom which were plinth-mounted as gate guardians at Miramar Naval Air Station.

Despite my best efforts, I have been unable to identify these two aircraft and ask if any member can assist me please?

I believe the RF-8A is serial 142--- and belongs to Squadron VF-24 aboard USS Hancock and is coded NP/201. The F-4B Phantom belongs to Squadron VF-96 and is possibly coded NG/121.

Both aircraft appear to have been removed when the US Navy departed from Miramar.

I have uploaded the photograph into my Gallery under "Gate Guardians" and invite members to look at the image.

Can any-one help please ??

Best regards.

Peter

Thanks for the speedy replies:

1: I agree that the text details by Pensacola rule out F-8 145347 - the time scale eliminates this possibility.

2: If Crusader 150311 was hit by a Surface-to-Air missile over North Vietnam, it is unlikely to be the aircraft at Miramar.

However, as the pilot was captured and is shown as a POW, I wonder if it the case that the Miramar Crusader was repainted to represent 150311.

However, the Bu # on the Miramar aircraft is in the 142*** sequence, so again I have doubts.

Thanks both for the interest shown - will await further response on both Miramar aircraft.

Best regards.

Peter

I might have it... not sure.

see the very bottom of this page...

http://ephemera.150m.com/exhibits_files/Miramar.htm

Vought F-8 Crusader #143755. This plane stood alongside the F-4 pictured above.

This was painted as #149216, for some reason.

Painted in the colors of VF-124, the Gunslingers, also a member of the Miramar RAG.

F-8s were assigned to VF-124 for just a short while before being replaced by F-14s. Current whereabouts unknown.

It looks like Bluedharma has it right. The plane in your photo is not an RF-8A because there are no camera windows and it is armed. And 142--- was not in the list of RF-8A/F8U-1P any way. It looks like an F-8A, and that works with the 143755 number, and Baugher has that one reported as at Miramar marked 149216

I acknowledge Glenn's statement about the RF-8A designation being incorrect, and for that I am obliged.

I agree that F-8A Crusader 143755 was sited at Miramar because I saw it in May 1973 when it was coded PP/640, but this leaves unresolved the identity of the F-8A in my photograph.

The F-4B pictured in the website - linked above - thanks for that, Bluedharma - also is different from the aircraft in my slide, so this too seems unresolved.

I am grateful, whatever the final outcome, for the interest shown and the comments posted. For me, this illustrates the value of this site and the knowledge of the contributors and the ever present fact that everyone is willing to assist others.

Best regards.

Peter

Peter,

What are the chances of two places on Miramar having an F-4 and an F-8 mounted next to each other? I'm guessing the aircraft in the link are the same two aircraft you have. But, having had the experience of seeing the same aircraft in different paint, it is most likely paint jobs were changed to represent different aircraft. That's why they don't look the same.

I tried a few more looks... to try to find a few more pictures...

no luck yet.

http://home.att.net/~jbaugher/thirdseries17.html

(143677/143821) Vought F8U-1 Crusader

143755 at Miramar NAS, CA marked as 149216

I did find this about mid-way down the page.

http://gator.crouze.com/chapter7page.php

BuAer. Type Add. markings Location State Remarks Status L/n

143755 F-8A NJ-400 MCAS Miramar Ca marked as "149216" Ra 10-99

I will keep looking for some more pictures.

Best Regards,

I think I have now found a link that may help you

Firstly , read the lead part of the article at the link below

Then scroll down to the last two pictures and read the narrative beneath each

http://ephemera.150m.com/exhibits_files/Miramar.htm

It suggests that both aircraft received re-paints AFTER your sighting

Also Joe Baughers USAF site has the F-8

"143755 at Miramar NAS, CA marked as 149216"

Terry Fletcher

Thanks all, your comments have been superb and are much appreciated.

It looks as if we will settle for 143755 for the F-8A Crusader and for 153915 for the F-4B Phantom.

I know this Phantom was later painted to represent VF-111 as NL/201 with a 1976 Bi-Centennial logo and I understand it later appeared as an F-4N at the Pensacola Museum.

This has been an interesting exercise and will perhaps encourage others to submit their own queries. Be warned, after the responses I have had, I may be back myself.........

Again, thank you.

Best wishes.

Peter