The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II us an interceptor bomber-fighter constructed for the U.S Navy. It eventually became a major part of the air wings of the U.S Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.

The McDonnell F-4D Phantom II was an improved version of the F-4C which was better suited to the specific requirements of the Tactical Air Command. Although it was externally almost identical to the F-4C which preceded it in USAF service, it was very different internally. The F-4D joined combat forces in Southeast Asia in May 1967. The F-4D relegated most of the F-4Cs to the ground attack role while the F-4Ds were tasked with air to air interception duties. In addition to the AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder, the F-4D was also capable of firing the Falcon missile. The Falson missile proved to be a failure, and after a brief trial period it was withdrawn from Vietnam combat service. The F-4 proved its worth in combat 05 June 1967, when a crew from the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron downed a MiG-17 with an AIM-7 Sparrow missile. F-4Ds were the first aircraft to use laser guided munitions carrying GBU-1O/B Mk 84 Laser guided bombs in May 1968. USAF F-4s also flew reconnaissance and "Wild Weasel" anti-aircraft missile suppression missions.