Green Flag 81-3: 563TFS F-4G

[Old Viper Tester]

F-4G Weasels of the 563rd Tac Fighter Squadron, 37th Tac Fighter Wing out of George AFB. At Nellis AFB for the Green Flag 81-3 large-force exercise, April 1983.

 

69-0238

 

 

69-0261

 

69-7209

 

69-7216 

 

 

69-7587

 

Thanks for looking,

Sven

[Vultures1]

Great photos!  Thanks for posting

[Smudge]

Lovely.

 

Can't help but notice in your posts how well kept and clean the USAF jets always are (with the odd exception) Were these specially prepared for the competition/exercise, say for unit pride etc, or or these a general representation of the state of aircraft throughout the US Air Force?

 

I'm thinking the latter. My memory isn't of dirty jets with faded paint etc.

 

Cheers.

[Old Viper Tester]

15 hours ago, Smudge said:

Were these specially prepared for the competition/exercise, say for unit pride etc, or or these a general representation of the state of aircraft throughout the US Air Force?

My memory is the same as yours. Being that the '80s were relatively peaceful, aircraft maintenance was to a fairly high standard - including keeping the birds clean. Some types just defied cleanliness, especially the bottoms of F-4s and A-7s. The SEA camouflage didn't always do so well when constantly exposed to the desert sun. Rhinos at Nellis and Edwards usually faded quite a bit.

 

 

 

Sven

[Smudge]

Haha. Yes I remember the A-7. 

 

I guess like you say, more peaceful times. Although the Eagles here at Lakenheath always seem well turned out. Given their age and work rate 

they're a credit to the crews.

 

Thanks for these great photos.