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The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is regarded as one of the most successful fighter designs of all time. An American two-seat, twinjet, all weather interceptor, fighter / fighter-bomber aircraft, its first flight occurred on May 27, 1958. With top speeds more than twice the speed of sound, the F-4 established 16 speed, altitude and time-to climb records. An all-around performer the F-4 Phantom II simultaneously served the USAF, USN and the USMC, the first American aircraft to do so, while also serving in approximately 11 other countries. Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111), also known as the Sundowners is perhaps the most famous Pacific fleet squadron with an iconic insignia. During the Vietnam War, VF-111 made seven deployments, flying over 12,500 combat missions. In 1971, VF-111 joined CVW-15 (NL), on board CVA-43 USS Coral Sea, and transitioned to the F-4 Phantom II. During this deployment LT Weigand and LT JG Freckleton downed a MiG-17 on March 6, 1972 near the Tonkin Gulf.
