Blue Angels F4 Phantom Pilot: Bill Switzer | 1971 - 1972
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- Опубліковано 28 лип 2022
- Blue Angels Pilot: Bill Switzer | Produced by Ryan Nothhaft | Filmed by Chelsea Switzer
Bill Switzer is a retired Navy Captain and former F4 Phantom pilot for the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.
A native of Charleston, West Virginia, Bill Switzer was inspired to become a fighter pilot at a young age after witnessing Air Force flying ace, Chuck Yeager, perform aerobatic maneuvers in a Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star. Faced with a lack of financial resources to attend college, Switzer worked three jobs and graduated from West Virginia Tech seven years after his initial enrollment.
Prior to graduating, Swtizer engaged with a recruiter that peaked his interest in joining the Navy due to the exceptional skills required to land aboard an aircraft carrier. Inspired by the discussion, Switzer entered the Aviation Officer Candidate Program in Pensacola, Florida where he was commissioned in October of 1965 and received his wings in March of 1967.
Switzer was next ordered to Fighter Squadron 124 for training in the F-8 Crusader at Naval Air Station Miramar, California. With the rank of Lieutenant, Switzer was then assigned to Fighter Squadron 191 and while with the squadron made combat cruises to Southeast Asia aboard the USS Ticonderoga and the USS Oriskany. During this time period, he flew 150 combat missions and made 205 carrier-arrested landings. For his efforts, he was awarded eight Air Medals, a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” a Navy Unit Citation, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and the Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals.
At the conclusion of his combat tour, Switzer gave consideration to submitting an application to the Blue Angels, however his flight time did not meet the prerequisite of 1,500 hours. In an effort to log additional flight time, Switzer reported to Training Squadron 25, Beeville, Texas, where he instructed Advanced Student Naval Aviators in the TF-9 Cougar.
After acquiring an additional 1,000 hours of flight time and with the encouragement of former squadron mate LCDR J.D. Davis, the Narrator for the Blue Angels, Switzer submitted an application and was selected to the team for the 1971 season.
Switzer reported to the Blue Angels in November of 1970 and was initially asked if he’d like to serve as the team’s narrator. Eager to fly in the demonstration, Switzer declined and accepted the role as the team’s Opposing Solo #6.
At the time of Switzer’s selection, the Blue Angels performed their demonstration in the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. An aircraft that Switzer had never previously flown. As a result, he spent much of November and December of 1970 qualifying in the aircraft and taking cross country flights to familiarize himself with the F4.
Upon arriving at Winter Training at Naval Air Facility El Centro in January of 1971, Switzer would fall under the tutelage of Lead Solo pilot, LT Skip Umstead. Together, the two worked on executing the maneuvers that made up the solo portion of the demonstration, including the 8 Point Roll, the Knife Edge Pass, and the Back to Back Roll.
The Blue Angels kicked off their 1971 season with an air show at NAS Saufley Field, Florida and would travel to sites around the United States including Rochester, New York; Vernal Utah; Fallon, Nevada; Cheyenne, Wy; Fort Worth, Texas and close out their season with a joint show with the Air Force Thunderbirds at Nellis Air Force Base.
Prior to the Concluding of the 1971 season, The Blue Angels embarked on a historic international tour of the Far East. The Team performed airshows in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, and Guam.
LT Switzer made a rare transition from Opposing Solo #6 to the Slot #4 for the 1972 season. The Team continued their aggressive airshow schedule that included stops at Kingsville, Texas; Huntsville, Alabama; Dulles, Washington, DC; Willow Grove, Pennsylvania; Madison, Wisconsin; and Switzer’s hometown of Charleston, West Virginia.
Today, Switzer fondly recalls his time on the Blue Angels and values the lessons of leadership he learned from team leader, Cdr Harley Hall. - Авто та транспорт
Bill would have been a pilot the first time I saw the Blue Angels at the Quad Cities Air Show, flying out of Moline IL. I decided that's what I wanted to do. I ended up in F-14 squadrons at Miramar, VF-124, VF-24 and VF-211. Good memories.
Harley was my VF143 commanding officer and I was a white shirt on the Big E flight deck in 73 to launch him on his fatal flight. Got to fly back seat with him in a family day at Miramar. He was one hell of a pilot...!!! As we're all if you guys. My God-bless his soul and all of you.
I was a Pensacola policeman, officer Gerald Gaherty, & stopped you for speeding on the way to work early one morning. I didn't give you a ticket as I'm a big fan of the Blue Angel's. I just told you to "Put your wheels down". I'm still in Pensacola & would love to hear from you as I will always remember you & the signed photo that are still hanging on my wall.
Stay safe!
1974 - 1977, I was a police officer in Annapolis, MD. Loved watching the Blue Angels flying their A-4 Skyhawks during the USNA June Week show.
What a great story.
haha i got pulled over in a little town outside of reno...officer told me... "brother we use Miles per hour down here, not Mach"...ill never forget that
I live in Pensacola. Ex- military. Enjoyed this video.
Christ on a crutch, I was 6 years old when this show came to town at McConnell AFB. The seed was planted in the rest is history. I am an F-35 technician at Edwards AFB.
Thank you for your service
F4 Phantoms are just brute force. Love that beautiful Jet.
The Blue Angels set the bar for air show flying. I've seen them and the Thunderbirds. Both are very impressive, but the Blue Angels are simply the best.
I remember you people at the Moffet Field air show. It was the best show ever. I wish I could turn back time because those were the good old days.
I remember the first time I saw the Blue Angles they were flying the F4s. I lived in Horsham PA right across from the Willow Grove Naval Base on Horsham Road. They would fly right over my house. Some great memories!
Me also, I remember seeing them at Johnsville NADC one year.
Captain Switzer certainly thought very highly of the Blue Angel's boss, Harley Hall. I believe his was the last Naval aircraft lost in combat during the Vietnam War, and unfortunately he is still MIA. Thank you both for your service.
Harley Hall is MIA to this day was the last Navy fighter downed in Vietnam??? wow
Served with Cdr Harley Hall. He was well respected by the officers and crew members of the USS Enterprise CVAN65. Spoke to him in passing on the day before he was shot down. What an incredible loss for America and Naval aviation. Truly a fine man! RIP! Commander Hall
You are correct about the Boss. Wore his MIA bracelet for many years.
Harley Hall is my second cousin from my Dad’s side of the family. We are still looking for him.
@brianochsner3632 I'm sorry for your family's loss. I hope he can be found to give you all some closure.
All death in war is tragic, but this was one of the last missions on the last day of the war. If everyone knew it was ending, why fight up until that last hour? It's baffling.
I'm sure you've seen this, but...
ua-cam.com/video/PaxmASozKcU/v-deo.htmlsi=pIE3lWW1LN6g0y0g
My favorite jet of all times. F-4 Phantom II. Thank you for your service!
I was at a air show in Ottumwa Iowa in the '70s when the Blue Angels put on a show. One of the demonstrations had an F4 coming down the runway in front of the crowd inverted, at the end of the runway he flipped over to level flight and in doing so lost some altitude and he had to go under a telephone line that was stretched between two poles. His timing was impeccable as he pulled the nose up right after the telephone line because there was a cornfield there and needless to say he did some corn shucking with those afterburners. That was the greatest show of Aviation expertise I had ever seen. Haven't seen anything like it since. Those guys are good.
He went UNDER an outstretched telephone line??? Unintentionally???? Wowwww now THAT had to be close to the ground. Thank God he pulled that one off.
Captain Switzer is simply awesome.
Ever since seeing them in Lakehurst in the mid-70's as a kid, I had the 1/72 scale F4 Blue Angel 1-4 models hanging on fishing line from my ceiling. They were in perfect diamond formation. Phantom Blue Angels are best Blue Angels!!!!
Every American boy worth his salt from the 1970s/1980s had models hanging from his bedroom ceiling! Mine got put out to pasture later by getting blown up with firecrackers or a BB gun. Good times! And I remember seeing that kit in hobby stores. Was it Monogram or Revell? I can't remember. I didn't get it because I was more into larger 1/48 and 1/32 scale.
My favorite airplane as a kid in the 60s was the B17 after watching the TV show Twelve O’clock High - I joined the Navy in 1975 and served in F-4j squadron VF-74 aboard the USS Nimitz in 76 and the USS Forrestal from 78 - 80 . The Phantom was getting old by then but was still amazing!
The Same formation hung from fishing line in my bedroom until I shipped out to work on USMC Harriers 1984-1988
I still love the smell jet exhaust.
My dad was a career naval submariner. We were living in Connecticut, near the sub base in Groton. Dad asked my brother and I if we'd like to go see the Blue Angels. This was 1972 I believe. The show was out in Quonset Point, Rhode Island, near Newport. And the F4s were still flying for the Blues. It was the greatest, loudest airshow I've ever been to. I was in eighth grade. A lot of exhaust smoke, and those beautiful Phantoms were so loud, I believe some windows were broken at the airfield. Fifteen years later, I was an Air Force pilot flying AC130 Spectre gunships out of Hurlburt Field, Florida, about an hour from Pensacola. Great times!
Oh yeah. I'm from FWB and got my PPL out of the Eglin AFB aero club. I traveled back and forth to Pensacola along 98 to go to UWF back in the late 80s/early 90s. Occasionally I'd get rocked by a surprise fast past around there. A British Tornado and B1 were two that rocked my world just 500' or less off the tops of those pine trees as they blew south into the Gulf. I realized some time later those were training missions for Gulf War 1.
I still think that old F4 was the coolest looking jet fighter of all. Particularly the late model ones with the big radar dome in the nose
I worked on the f4j's as an electrician for VF-102 out of Oceana, VA, at Va Beach. Of course, "unfortunately " we spent 50% of our time on "the boat!" The U.S.S. Independence...My very favorite thing was standing beside the f4's at night when they were being shot off from the "cats!"
I believe it was 71 or 72 when you did an airshow at Lunken Airport in Cincinnati. The F4 was the best Angels/Thunderbirds plane ever. The sound of two J-79s is like no other. Thank you.
I've always thought the F4 was one of the best looking planes ever made, but in the Blue Angels paint scheme it is magnificent. Great story!
I served 9+ years in the Corps, most of them as an Airwinger. Before becoming an NCO, I spent some time as part of MABS (Marine Air Base Squadron) and would be assigned to guarding various aircraft including the Blue Angels during air shows. The first time was aboard MCAS El Toro when the Angels flew A-4M Skyhawks. Later as a Sergeant I gave them Technical Support for their F/A-18 Hornets.
I was with the engineers Mabs -24 our shop was right on the flight line just across from crash fire rescue . It was amazing watching two f4s take off two at a time.
As an USAF Brat since 1959; The F-4 is still The Best we ever had! Still today in 2022! RDC, USCG, Retired! Salute 🫡
In 1971 I was standing in the parking lot of Cubi Pt Officers Club enjoying a Cubi Special with a squadron mate watching the Blues perform at NAS Cubi Pt. The O Club was high on a ridge overlooking the airfield. First the ground started to shake, then I felt my insides begin to vibrate when the Blues Diamond Formation passed not 100 feet over our heads with those J-79 engines roaring. I've seen the Blues perform many times since then and I've been to El Centro to watch them practice but my best memory is that day at Cubi Pt.
I am proud to have seen the both the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds in that era as a kid seeing them fly that amazing F4. Of course as someone who was a US Navy sailor from 1979 to 1985 I will always prefer the Blue Angels!
Me too but I was just an early single digit boy. I have slide pictures of me crying and holding my ears out of the back of the 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser station wagon we had back then. I don't remember the noise but it wasn't long after I loved it!
Don’t know if you will read this Bill, however I saw you in 72. (Ibelieve at Quonset Point)
I still have the Blue Angels 40 page book, and am looking at your bio as I write this. I see you also flew off the Oriskany. My Dad was attached to a TBM squadron out of Quonset and took the Oriskany around the Horn in 52.
My Brother and I both retired from the Air Force.
My son is a U.S. Navy Rescue Swimmer stationed at NAS North Island.
Thank you for your inspiration and your service to our country.
⚓️⚓️🇺🇸🇺🇸
I remember the Blue Angels used to fly over our house just across the street from NAS Alameda in 1961 in their F-11 Tiger jets. Fun and simple days of child play without a care in the world
As an A/E tech on F-4 B/N's and Later on the J/S, I really appreciate the skill it took the Fly the F-4 in those precision maneuvers . We always called it a Brick with Wings. Enough Engine and Anything will Fly. Will always be Proud to have been a part of Naval Aviation.
Threshold: The Blue Angels Experience is still my #1 favorite aviation movie (I bought the VHS tape, $90 by mail from Hidden Falls Hatchery, east of Sitka, AK), script by Frank Herbert, narrated by Leslie Nielsen. Dad spent most of his career as a KC-135 navigator (retired in 1972 to cattle ranching until his passing in 2020), so he wasn't interested in any of my airplane movies, but he did watch this one! Thanks to Bill Switzer for his talk-through!
Since Burt Rutan retired here, with a hangar just down the road, I'll watch the official F-4 flat spin film next, since Burt ejected during that testing. He sent out a "home movie" that was made during that period, "If I eject one more time..."
I am extremely pleased that this video popped up in my recommended list, Captain Switzer is obviously one of a rare breed of men, that is he is a natural born flyer, picking up everything as though he had been flying for decades, very impressive pilot. I would have loved to see his inverted flyby, it must have been a sight to behold, especially the “rooster tail”.
Thanks for sharing this interview, very interesting and informative man. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴🇺🇸🇺🇦
Bill, it is so great to see your video. I served with you at VT-25. I am the RIO plowback that was the schedules officer when you were there. We flew together to the Lex and on several of the tactics flights. I was still a Ltjg when you left. I also retired as an O-6. J. B. (The Bat) Mitcham Charlie Lusk gave me that call sign when he was C.O. and it stuck for my whole career.
Worked on the F-4J as a young Marine (MOS 6657) and did the first cruise on the Nimitz in '76, a 7 month Med.
after my stint, everything else has been boring
RIP, VMFA-333
NEVER a sexier Blue Angel than the Phantom 😍
hands down
Growing up in the '70's and '80's I had the great pleasure of seeing the Blue Angles fly at NAS NOLA in Belle Chase, LA when they were in the A-4. Of our military's two demo teams- the Blue Angels and the Thurnderbirds, I think the F-4 was just the cat's meow as far as being a beautiful fighter in their respective colors for flight demonstrations, with the edge on flat out beauty going to the Blue Angels' F-4.
I'm an old guy; I still love the F-4. I crawled through many as a Civil Air Patrol cadet at summer encampment back during the Vietnam era when they were in repair at Hill AFB. I dreamed of flying them.
Great video. The F4 time frame was my favorite of all the different mounts. @1:09 from the end that F4 wasnt 50 feet from those trees on pull up.!!!!!!!
I was there in manila watching you. One foot from wing to canopy. Huge F4.
Threshold - The Blue Angels Experience. Bill and these pilots he mentioned are in this movie and it’s one of the greatest documentaries ever! Man was this a great team! They all are but this one was special to me. I was very young. These guys were some of my hero’s!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Great videos, sir! New subscriber. Go Phantom! I worked on RF-4C Phantom II , enlisted in USAF, later flew Hueys as a warrant officer in the Army Guard. Always enjoy watching the best of the best....NAVY Pilots. I had the kid story, remember watching the Thunderbirds as a kid when they did an airshow at Douglas Airport in Charlotte , they were flying F-4 Phantoms. My dad took me. Thank you for these awesome videos, sir.
I believe I saw you guys when you were on a stop in Turkey in either '71 or '72. The staff at the Embassy, where my folks worked, caught wind that you were in town for a day or so, so we hopped on a bus and headed out to the airbase. You guys put on an impromptu airshow for only a couple hundred people. I remember the tremendous roar of 4 Phantoms spooling up at the end of the runway, specially because we were so darned close to the runway. I was in third or fourth grade, and can remember every bit of your show.
(Would it be possible to forward this brief note on to Mr Switzer? He may give it a chuckle.)
Thank you for your service. The F-4J show was my favorite aircraft that you all flew! Reading PA was where i watched you fly.
As a kid, I saw the Blues early on in the F-4. The T-Birds were in the F-105 at the time. There was a T-Birds F-105 that crashed at Hamilton AFB in Novato. We lived on Cambridge Heights in Novato when that happened. They operated F-104s out of Hamilton back then also. That was when I was astounded by anything that flew. And my love of the J-79 "howl" was born. I was lucky to catch the end of F-4s while serving in the USMC as a cryotech. Fond memories of VMFA-531, VMFA-323 and VMFP-3 at El Toro, and VMFA-235 at Kaneohe Bay Hawaii. PHANTOMS PHOREVER!!!!!!
The F-4 Phantom was a wonderful aircraft. When it arrived at NAS Miramar in December 1960 it was the game changer. Thank you to the many men who have made the Blue Angels the premier acrobatic team in the world. Captain Switzer’s recollections are interesting and appreciated.
I worked right next to a flight of F-4's for several years and watching them take off with those afterburners going just before sunrise was a sight to behold. When that squadron folded we took on a few of their crew chiefs and they all sang the praises of that bird, saying it was easy and fun to work on. I can't speak to that, but I do know they looked cool during take off and were loud as hell while doing it.
Thank you for sharing..The F4s are very nice to see!!!My Step-Father fly the F4 in the Air Force.
My Step-Father loved flying those aircraft.
Excellent ..outstanding pilot...and combat pilot..boy does America need more men of this calibration..this integrity..and discipline...!
Great stuff, love these first-person accounts ! Thanks
Amazing video. Loved the footage of the T-2 Buckeyes, F-8s and especially that clip of the F-4 Blue Angel below the tree line! Brought back memories.
Bill was my director when I worked at TSA . It makes me happy to see him doing well and sharing these memories! ❤️
I was a nine year old kid in 1972. My dad took me and my friend to my first airshow at the Belle Chase NAS (New Orleans) both the Blues and the Thunderbirds were there flying the J and E models of the Phantom. It was an overcast day and the teams had to fly their low show, but I was hooked. That day m, and the fact my dad was a 20 year Navy vet ('43-'63) cemented my desire to fly for the Navy. It wasn't to be, but I've always enjoyed the shows.
Such an amazing career. Thank you for your service Capt. Switzer.
I saw the Blue Angels in 1971 at Perrin AFB ( now closed) those were beautiful airplanes and they were BIG machines and LOUD!!!! The F4 Phantom was flown by the THUNDERBIRDS too.. That was the golden era of fight demonstration teams!!!
"Threshold" was a great movie to see how they operated in flight.. demonstrations...
Thanks guys!!!🇺🇸
🐦🐦🐦🐦
Seeing the Blue Angels in F4s at a young age motivated me to join the Marines. I worked the runways trapping them! The demonstrations you all performed are something I will never forget.
What a thrill it was for me as a kid to see the Blue Angels in the F-4s at DuPage County, IL in probably 1973(?) right before they transitioned to the the A-4. The Phantom was my favorite jet fighter, and somewhat still is today. An amazing airplane that could do it all. I got to watch the RF-4s all the time at Clark AB, Philippines in the mid-80's, and once in a while the Air Guard out of Reno, NV when I became a controller at KMCC. We were even offered rides, subject to a bunch of restrictions, and I kick myself to this day I never took advantage, but I had over 2,000 hours as USAF aircrew and was a private pilot, so I didn't have that itch to scratch at the time... Oh well.
All military aviators, a cut above, the Blue Angels a fine example of the right stuff. God Bless all the teams. I was born and raised in P'cola, and was in the Air Explorers in '73, a big thrill to attend and sit with the Blues at a meet and greet/dinner event at NAS Pensacola. An honor to be in such company...
Neat story and a message at the 50 second mark....."it took me 7 years to go through college. Problem was I had to work three jobs, my parents didn't have any money, I had to commute to school." Imagine that!
Sir, Thank you for your service!
Good to see you Bill...Thanks Shoe🇺🇸
What a completely bad ass story. Always loved watching Threshold as a kid. Thanks sir!
Thank you for sharing your story, and thank you for your service!
I served under Capt Switzer while at NAVEUR. He was a good leader. Glad to stumble across this video.
I retired Navy in 91, but served 4 years with USMC, 68-72, Was at Lemoore CA, for the April 72 Air Show, F4's were awesome. My final duty station was VT25 at Beeville, Good ole TW3 "C" Tail code, unfortunately Brac choose to close Chase Field, Beeville, Politics made no sense. Really enjoyed the Captains interview. Live in Kingsville Tx, and go to all the Blue's airshow's, either at Corpus Christi or Kingsville.
I remember meeting him at
Willow Grove NAS. Great Man.
Awesome interview bringing back great memories. Bill Switzer was also a fine gentleman; Thanks for serving Captain Switzer
I grew up in Solomon's, Md. next to PAX River NAS and our house was right in the circling pattern as they were coming in to land every day since I was born and my goal in life was to be a Blue Angel, my father was in WW2 Army and 2 of my brothers were Army 82nd Airborne Special Forces in Nam so my dad wasn't too much into seeing me in the Navy but, when it came time after graduation I was rejected because I fell down our basement steps and had jammed all my disc's together but, they didn't have MRI's when I was 6 years old and at the hospital they just did x-rays and said that I was alright although I was unconscious for over a half hour and that just destroyed me when they said that they couldn't take me but, I respect the hell out of you Sir and thank you for your service. Jeff Baki
Great to see Capt Switzer again! Great stories that brought back memories for all of us. Had the pleasure of serving as one of his Airwing LSOs during his Airwing Command tour aboard USS Carl Vinson. Bravo Zulu CAG!
I was stationed at RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge, back in 1972-1974, it had to be the summer of 1973 they had a big NATO airshow, with the Blue Angles and the Thunderbirds, both in F-4s. The fun was the days before when they buzzed the field from every known direction. We spent the day in 80 plus degree heat watching every NATO member's flight teams, one of the best airshows ever.
I also wanted to be a fighter pilot, so after hi-school graduation I went down to the USAF recruiters office. They wouldn't take me because I had an apartment when I was 18 and got busted by the city police for playing loud music and having ONE MARIJUANA SEED on the floor. I ended up as a trucker for 40 years. 10 years of that I ran 48 states and Canada, so I've seen the whole USA and been on EVERY interstate highway more times than I can count. THREE TIMES I have had a mountain lion run across the road ahead of me. I could tell you stories you wouldn't believe. TIP: When in moose country at night be VERY CAREFUL. They stand so tall your headlights don't illuminate them on the road until it's too late. Seeing a moose standing in a river with water up to his shoulders when there's snow on the ground in the middle of the winter is an unforgettable experience.
Great presentation! I have worn CAPT Harley Hall's MIA/POW bracelet for 20-years...
( HUC-1 Pear Harbor Alpha Docks '71-'72. ) 😁GO NAVY ! Thank You for this video Sir and your Service !
I served at Miramar NAS in 1965. It's a Marine Corps Base now. GREAT base and EXCELLENT Food.
EXCELLENT - Naval Air!!
That was an outstanding interview & a true pleasure to watch!
Thank You!
I was a Machinery Repairman 1/c stationed at the Naval Aerospace Recovery Facility (NARF) on the Naval Air Station in El Centro, Ca 1968-1968. I remember the Blue Angeles receiving the F4 during that time. If my old memory is correct, they had a lot of problems at that time with the F4 Phantom. I know they only flew them for about 4 years before switching to the older, more nimble A4 Skyhawks which they used for about twelve years before going to the modern day F/A18. Regardless, I have a lot of respect for those Navy and Marine pilots.
What a gentleman, humble about their amazing skill and ability. Fly Navy
Great video! Captain Switzer was obviously a cream of the crop pilot to have flown with the Blue Angels. The BA's will be flying at Houston Oct 29-30, 2022. Am looking forward to being there.
I'm sure I watched you most likely at Moffett Field, Reno Air Races, etc, I've been watching the Blues since I was a little kid in the 50's, the F-4's were my favorite, always a great show, Thank You...
Last mission of the enterprise it was a real tragedy, Was that whole freaking war
The Angels did an airshow at Topeka Kansas at Forbes AFB In 1971. I was in the fuel squadron and the F4s were the sharpest planes I ever saw not a spot on them.
Blue angles are coming down for an air show in K-bay Hawaii, cant wait to see it!
Great video!. I just love these stories on the Blue Angels from the past. I wish some one would put these stories in a book to read with lots of photos befor these men and woman die, Not some large coffee table book thats to big and heavy. A regular One you could just read and experience some of what the flying and atmosphere of being a Blue Angle is like befor the pilots and crew die and there experiences are lost.
Fantastic. Thank you Sir 🇺🇸
Captain Switzer was our CAG for CVW-15 during my two cruises on USS Carl Vinson in the mid-1980s. (After his time in the Blue Angels, obviously.) I was an S-3A Sensor Operator in VS-29 and so I flew with him two or three times. (CAGs can fly with any of the squadrons in the air wing, and hence in any of the aircraft types on the carrier.)
I believe the f4 can hang with any of the 4th gen fighters. Pound for pound one of the VERY BEST aircraft McDonald Douglas ever produced
As I watch the Angels in Seattle this weekend this gives a great perspective into the elite group they are.
Thank you for your service sir
Got to see the Angels fly F-4's at NAS Miramar in the '70's. VERY VERY impressive. USN 68-74, ETR-2, maintained GCA RADAR and TACAN, NAS Miramar, 70-74
I grew up on Pensacola Beach Florida and I wish I could have seen an F-4 Phantom team even tho my favorite aircraft vs the F-18C my uncle retired as a general flying the F-16 Viper and survived the attack on the Pentagon. ❤️ ✈️ 😎 P,S my favorite are #5 and #6 Because I was friends with the #1 Pilot of the 88-92 team! Who lived in my neighborhood and would invite me over all the time and tell me were to stand in between the 2 tallest hotels so #5 and #6 sneak passes are awesome. ❤️
This era of pilots are the last of a tough breed, pass out wake up keep on flying, dangerous but tough!
Thank you very much for sharing this with us. I loved watching/listening to and feeling the ROAR of an F-4. I understand it was a hard plane to fly especially in those formations. Those boys did it so well - - - for US.
The F4 PHANTOM: just goes to show if you put big enough engines on it a brick will fly!
I was in VF 121 as a plane captain in 78/79 and had tremendous respect for my/the pilots training at top gun.
I cannot imagine the thrill of flying an F4, then being able to fly one stripped of excess weight and weapons as a pure flying machine was likely exponentially better.
Navy / marine corps flight training is the best. Former VT 21 acm instructor.
would have been awesome if they could have kept a couple of F4's active to serve in a legacy role
I saw these guys at numerous Air Shows in Cleveland back then! AWESOME as shit!
Saw the F4’s in Rochester NY, they did their show over Lake Ontario off Durand Beach, my grandfather took 8mm movies.
An F-4 Phantom flew over the top of my house a few days ago !!! haven't seen one now for a few days now though !
Nasa? Who Flys the f4 now ? Nobody
@@Erikr-ex9dj Yes they do actually !! The Greek air force still fly them ! They have 33 flying !! They fly over my house quite regularly ! I live in Greece ! Also the Iranian Air Force still have quite a few of them in service !
God the F-4 was a pretty airplane.
Phantom and Tomcat are tied as my favorites. I have tried for decades to choose but can't.
The F4 my favorite jet
Soy de Torrejón .Madrid. España. Recuerdo un año yo Iba al colegio y ese día creo recordar que le llamaban el día de la Hispanidad. Fue sobre los años 70.y algo .y vi volar por encima del pueblo .los Blue Angels. Con los F.4. preciosos su color Azulado y rallas Amarillas. Aquí estabas acostumbrado de verlos de camuflaje tanto Fhantoms. Norte Americanos. Como los Españoles. Y esos colores de los Blue Angels y hacer acrobacias fue una pasada.🇺🇲👍👻🇪🇸
The F4 to me has always been one of the most beautiful fighters ever made. Not only that but unique as well with nothing else looking like it. With its unique vertical/horizontal stabilizers, upward swept wings to the nozzle placement. I’ve never understood why it was given the moniker “The ugly duckling”. I would very much like to see a modern version of this aircraft today. This was a true pilots airplane because it wasn’t flown by computers. It was flown by the pilots. I know battles always occur which branch had the best aircraft. In this situation there was no battle. Modern fighter jets are so computerized the pilots aren’t really pilots when compared to pilots of old. Pilots today just tell the jet what they want to do and the jet will either do it or it will tell the pilot no because what you are trying to do isn’t allowed.
To any current fighter pilots; I mean no disrespect because I know and love what you do. I know there are many advantages to the computerized flight system that we know today. The big one being safety. It has probably saved more pilots than I’m even aware of.
My grandfather owns many aircraft when he was still with us. I’ll just name a few as an example. His Cessna 414 was a great airplane as was his KingA] Air 300. With that said his Cessna Citation X was much easier to fly and handle with all of the electronics and hydraulics, the early GPS system with much better weather radar and autopilot system including auto throttles. I am talking about just the flying aspect.
Is their any Further Proof one needs to say not only this Gentleman but all of those that have flown with the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds are The Best and I mean that with all due respect to other Aviators as well whole heartedly.
These guys lived the dream and the song by van halen (dreams) is very much a quotation to all those who conquer all obstacles in aviation to get where they be.
Respect from John Woodall in Australia
Dear modern Blue Angels, paint 2 CATM-9s yellow and put them on the wing stations. Follow the F4 guys' example.
I first saw the Blue Angels at MCAS Cherry Point North Carolina the F-4 Phantom that was towards the last time when they flew the Phantom after that they flew the A-4 Skyhawk but I have enjoyed all of the upgrades to the Angels. Semper Fi GySgt Ret
Best air show ever with the F-4! Not like the “environmental “ jets today! The noise was tremendous 👨🏻✈️
I may have seen you in Keene Nh.. I don't reme,mber if it was 1971 or 1972. I remember the phantom jets and the sheer power and noise of that jet. I wanted to go into the military. This was before the end of Vietnam War. Didn't work out that way but got a private pilot license later on. Great interview. Where can I find the cities visited in 1972