Golden Wings Phantom 

 by Michael Stanley

 --------------------

Silly Week 2006

 

In the early 1960's the US Navy returned to its pre-WWII "Golden Wings" markings to improve esprit de corps and recruitment. 

Click on images below to see larger images

This F-4 Phantom is the squadron commander's aircraft from VF-3 aboard the nuclear carrier Enterprise, signified by the blue tail. VF-3 carried the "Felix the Cat" markings it had carried when aboard the Lexington up until it's loss at the Battle of the Coral Sea.

Michael

Photos and text © by Michael Stanley