First flown in May 1958, the Phantom II was originally developed for U.S. Navy Fleet defense and entered service in 1961. The USAF evaluated it for close air support, interdiction, and counter-air operations. In 1962 the Air Force approved its version of the aircraft, and referred to it as the F-4C Phantom II. It made its first flight on May 27, 1963 and production deliveries began in November 1963.

Production of the F-4 continued until 1979. Over 5,000 of them rolled off the assembly line for the US Navy, US Air Force, US Marines and friendly foreign nations. The F-4 saw service as a fighter, fighter/bomber, reconnaissance aircraft, and "wild-weasel" from the early 1960's to the present. During its career the Phantom F-4 set 25 world speed and altitude records.