the converted F-4E with an IBM AN/APR-38 weapons system, was rolled out in April 1978 and 134 similar conversions followed, gradually re-equipped with the far more powerful AN/APR-47 system. The loss of its internal gun was compensated by provision for under-wing gun pods, although this facility was not used operationally. A range of ordnance could be uploaded; the AGM-78D-2 Standard and AGM-65 Maverick missiles were initially favoured, but the US Navy-sponsored AGM-88 HARM became the principal anti-radar weapon from 1983. Training on the new systems began at George AFB, California, in 1978 and crew soon began to fly missions with the 3rd TFW in the Philippines, where they flew protective SEAD sorties for SR-71 Blackbirds near North Korea. Others joined the 52nd TFW at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, from 1983 and this became a crucial centre for Weasel operations until 1994 when the final operational unit, the 561st TFS, transferred to Nellis AFB and continued to provide SEAD support in the Middle East until January 1996.
F-4Gs were deployed to three active wings. One was stationed at George AFB, Victorville, California, as part of the Rapid Deployment Force; one wing was assigned to USAFE (US Air Forces in Europe) at Spangdahlem AB, Germany; and the other to PACAF (Pacific Air Forces) at Clark AB, Philippines.
Desert Shield / Desert Storm
According to the official history of the 1991 Persian Gulf War, F-4G Advanced Wild Weasels from the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing at George Air Force Base, Calif., and the 52nd TFW at Spangdahlem, Germany, flew 3,942 combat sorties, fired 1,000 air-to-ground missiles, and destroyed 200 Iraqi missile sites. Operation Desert Storm was the only combat appearance of the F-4G, developed from the famous Phantom II fighter and used to suppress enemy radar and surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites.
F-4G Advanced Wild Weasels flew many hundreds of other combat missions without suffering losses – taking out 74 percent of the enemy missile radars destroyed during the war. Just one F-4G Phantom was lost. It happened on Jan. 18, 1991 when enemy fire pierced the aircraft’s fuel tank. The puncture caused a loss of fuel pressure. Returning from the mission running on empty, the Wild Weasel sought aerial refueling, but a dense fog foiled a tanker crew and the F-4G was directed toward a friendly Saudi airstrip. Four landing attempts were unsuccessful. During the fifth, the aircraft ran out of fuel. Both engines seized. Both crew members ejected safely.
After Desert Storm, some of the George AFB aircraft were assigned to the 124th Wing of the Air National Guard at Boise, Idaho, 190th Fighter Squadron. Aircraft from Spangdahlem, Clark, and the remainder from George were assigned to the 561st Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Wing (Active Duty) at Nellis AFB, Las Vegas. The aircraft remained in service until 1996, with both squadrons participating in frequent deployments to Saudi Arabia and Turkey in support of Operation Provide Comfort, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Vigilant Warrior enforcing the no-fly zones over Iraq. By this time the F-4G was the last operational variant of the Phantom II in the US forces. Many of the airframes were later used as target drones and Aircraft Battle Damage Repair training aids
