Academy F-4J Phantom II
HISTORY: In June of 1979, Midshipman RJ Tucker reported to the USS Independence for his summer training cruise. Me and about 100 other midshipmen rotated through the various ship departments and embarked squadrons learning by doing junior officer tasks, drills, ship evolutions and standing watches. I spent a few days with VF-102 one of the 2 airwing fighter squadrons. I sat in on an intelligence and a mission brief, did some maintenance checks with a squadron junior officer, drank their coffee, watched a movie or two, and ate enough for 5 people* in the "dirty shirt" wardroom. This brief insight into naval air culture and routine served me well through my Navy career. A friend gave me this Academy kit about the same time I received a Phantom decal sheet from CtA decals. When I saw the VF-102 scheme the memories of that summer cruise came flooding back! So, here it is with: * AIM-9s from the Italeri wea...