The F-4J was the last version produced for the USN and USMC. The “J” version was basically an upgraded “B” version with new radar and avionics as well as a better engine that required a longer afterburner nozzle. One of the most noticeable changes to the “J” version is what isn’t there; the infrared seeker under the nose was deleted. Also missing was an internal gun but Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles were used for intercepting. Between 1966 and 1972 there were 522 F-4Js built. The F-4J had the distinction of scoring the only USMC air-to-air combat victory in Vietnam and it also was the last US operational aircraft in South East Asia. In mid 1970 the F-4 Phantom II was being replaced by the new and improved F- 14 Tomcat.
On May 10, 1972 VF-96 McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II 155749 was still a “J” variant and credited with a MiG-17 kill. In 1979 the aircraft was converted to an “S” variant, one of the first 43 converted “J”s that didn’t receive the leading edge slats but were later added. The aircraft spent time with VMFA-235 before retiring and conversion to a manned target drone. 155749 belonged to the VF-301 (reserve) “Devil’s Disciples”. On April 20, 2002 during an air show at NAS Pt. Mugu the F-4S crashed killing the crew.