) VMFP-3 Deactivation Ceremony30 September 1990 By Marc "Devil Dog Of The Web" Iseli / Updated Dec. 2025 In August 1990, the brass sent out Admin Message 0218321, and just like that, the RF-4Bs were officially toast. The big Phantom-Out shindig went down on 13 August, complete with a five-jet fly-by: 157342, 157345, 157346, 157349 and 157351. looking sharp before heading east to Cherry Point for their final curtain call. RF-4B 157348 was retired at NWC China Lake, Californis. RF-4B 151981, got to retire in sunny China Lake, probably sunbathing next to some old Sidewinders. 151981, which hadn’t left the ground since disco was cool, finally got booted off the books and handed over to the El Toro museum crowd. RF-4B 153110 She got dragged out to the Fire Pit to be a chew toy for the NBC training crew. And just like that, on 30 September 1990, VMFP-3 packed it in and hauled down the colors for good. If you were around for this ceremony and have war stories, gripes, or blurry Polaroids from the RF bon voyage, sound off. Drop us a line, bonus points if your story involves hydraulic fluid, gaffe-offs, or a Gunny yelling at clouds. Would love to hear from you. 80svmfp3@gmail.com  1990 End Of An Era Deactivation Program, PDF VMFP-3 Deactivation Program
FlashBack Trivia -RF-4B's For Sale- Late 1990, some wiseguy in the squadron decided to see if the civilian world was ready for a little Marine Corps yard sale and slapped an ad in the paper: 'Eight combat-tested RF-4Bs, slightly used, make offer.' The real punchline? Some poor soul actually called, probably thinking he could park one next to his Winnebago. Alright, you glorious Rat Phixers and Phlyers, if we ever survived a TAD, a Det, or a BOHICA, who haven't, and you didn’t think I was the biggest gaff off in the squadron. Got a sea story, or some grainy photos your ex didn’t set on fire, and they’re only slightly illegal? Send ‘em by email, snail mail, or safety wire it to a carrier pigeon. I collect ‘em all, just nothing that would incriminate me. 80svmfp3@gmail.com Return To The Home Page  |
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