Towards the end of June 2013, I attended the much anticipated pharewell event of the German Air Force F-4 Phantoms. Despite the fantastic and unique opportunity to take pictures up close of F-4 Phantoms, the event itself was not one of my favourites due to the poor weather conditions and the limited photo opportunities (shooting in the sun) which made photography particularly difficult. In addition, the cancellation of polish mig-29s and Turkish and Greek F-4s that were earmarked to attend this event did not help either. Despite these setbacks, I still managed to make the best out of the opportunities offered and I particularly enjoyed the final flyout of the phantoms, with several low passes marking the end of the career of this venerable jet in German Air Force service.
The event was split over two days, with the first day being a spotter’s day were enthusiasts could take pictures of the remaining phantoms outside their shelters without any cones/ropes. This was a great initiative as it could allow aviation enthusiasts to get creative with their shots. This day was very much anticipated by all aviation enthusiasts that were eager to finally see the pre-announced four special paint schemes that were prepared for this event, including the presence of the first Luftwaffe Phantom that was delivered (37+01), which would also be the last to retire – First In, Last Out!
This day was also an arrival day for other German Air Force, Army, and Navy aircraft that came to participate in this event. Most notable arrivals included the arrival of a German Army CH-53, a first for me as well as a German Air Force Cougar in white livery, most probably bringing some VIPs to the event. Other arrivals included some Eurofighter Typhoons from Germany, a C-160 Transall, and a P-3 Orion, among others.
Aside from JG71, the only unit in the Luftwaffe still operating the F-4F was WTD-61, based at Manching AB. For this event, WTD-61 sent both of their Phantoms to Wittmund, with one repainted into a stunning livery featuring a large “Spook” and the words “Don’t let me die – I want to fly” on its fuselage.
In addition, participation from a few European air forces was also present in the form of 3 Belgian Air Force F-16s, 2 Spanish Air Force F-18s from Torrejon, a SAAB T-017 from the Royal Danish Air Force, and 1 hawk and 2 Tornados from the Royal Air Force. Complementing the static display was an ex Israeli skyhawk from the resident squadron of BAE Systems Flight Systems Douglas A-4N skyhawks.
The day of the show proved to be more difficult photography wise, due to the fact that the sun came out meaning that we were shooting against the sun most of the time. For this reason, I positioned myself towards the end of the runway in order to make sure that I created some contrast in the pictures that would enable the shots to not become too dark. The flying display started with some warbirds and proceeded with a small demo by one of the based Douglas A-4N Skyhawks operated by BAE Systems Flight Systems. These aircraft are regularly used by the German Air Force and other NATO allies on request to provide target towing facilities. The flying display then proceeded with a German Army Bolkow Bo-105 that performed a stunning aerobatic display rarely seen from helicopters at airshows nowadays.
Following these displays, the much-anticipated moment for the phantoms came, with 4 German air force phantoms taxiing from their static park, backtracking the runway and taking off firstly performing a series of formation fly pasts, including one with tail hooks deployed, and later a series of solo low flybys on the runway, before touching down and releasing their parachute for the final time marking the end of F-4 phantom operations in German Air Force service.
All in all, it was an enjoyable event despite the many challenges involved in getting the best possible shots. One thing must be sure, future European airshows will not be the same any more without the presence of German F-4s, that were regular favourites at most European airshows. A special thanks goes to the German Air Force for organizing this event and for making sure that aviation enthusiasts had the opportunity to witness and sadly bid their ‘pharewell’ for the last time to these great iconic fighters.
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