Troops from the California Air National Guard’s 163rd Reconnaissance Wing, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, came out early in the morning to wax the F-4 static display that is on display on Graeber Street. The California Air National Guard arrived at March Air Force Base in 1982, bringing with them F-4C’s. Originally designed as a fleet defense fighter for the U.S. Navy, the F-4C “Phantom II” first entered service in 1961. It was later modified and adopted by the U.S. Air Force, flying its first version May 27, 1963. The F-4C was used in a fighter-bomber role for close air support, interdiction and counter-air operations. In 1965 the first Air Force Phantom IIs were sent to Southeast Asia. The first Air Force pilot to score four combat victories with F-4s in Southeast Asia was then-Col. Robin Olds. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Diane Ducat)