“Phantoms Inbound Key” 153rd TRS McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantoms

Description

“Phantoms Inbound Key”

McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantoms of the 153rd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

The “Magnolia Militia” is inbound in this fine art print commissioned by the East Mississippi Veterans Foundation. This special print features two iconic McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantom II fighters of the 153rd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at historic Key Field in Meridian, Mississippi.

The 186th TRW transitioned from the McDonnell RF-101 Voodoo to the McDonnell Douglas RF-4C in 1979. One of their last RF-101s flew directly from Key Field to the National Museum of the United States Air Force on October 27, 1978, where it is displayed.

The foreground aircraft in my artwork is Phantom 67-0438. She was one of Meridian’s longest serving Phantoms. The plane was retired form service on September 9, 1991. The USAF then transferred her to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) at Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona. She languished in the desert “bone yard” for several years, and was scheduled for scrapping.

The East Mississippi Veterans Foundation rescued 0438 in 2022. She was transported back to Meridian, Mississippi and given a beautiful cosmetic restoration.

She is now on display as a focal point of the East Mississippi Veterans Memorial Park. The park is adjacent to where she once flew at Key Field ANGB in Meridian, Mississippi, which is featured in the lower part of my artwork.

All proceeds from the sale of this limited edition print go to the EMVF to help with the expenses of transporting, assembling, restoring, and displaying their Phantom. This print was limited to 100 hand-signed and numbered editions. Over half of them have been sold to benefit the EMVF and their veterans memorial park. You have an opportunity to buy a highly collectable art print and assist a great veterans organization!

One hundred percent of your purchase goes to the EMVF. Shipping is free via USPS Priority Mail!

Find out more about the RF-4C Phantom II here at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

Take a look at my other work featuring the RF-4C Phantom, “The Scud Seeker,” a tribute to “The Iraqi Scud Seeker” and photographic tactical reconnaissance in Desert Shield/Storm.