Found via the always fantastic Aviationist blog, the Japanese Air Self Defense Force is in the process of retiring their F-4EJ “Kai” Phantoms after 45-50 years of dedicated service. 302 squadron, which is now transitioning to the F-35A produced this fantastic highlight reel of their Phantoms’ last flights.
According to Aviation Photo Digest, the bulk of the JASDF’s F-4s were built under license by Mitsubishi. All were delivered between 1968 and 1981.
Anyone who’s watched a few episodes of Tidying Up with Marie Kondo will be familiar with her quasi-Shinto attitudes towards houses and other objects. I don’t believe in that, but when it comes to old airplanes (and cars and motorcycles for that matter), I kind of wish I did. Because if anything made by human hands deserves to have some sort of warrior soul which transcends mere metal and wiring, it would be something like these old, proud warriors.
Edit: As pointed out by AFSarge, the F-35A which was lost a few days ago also belongs to 302 squadron.
SHould be noted that the Japanese F-35 which went down 80 miles east of Misawa was from 302 Squadron.
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