USAF F-4E role in the '80s question.

[tn_prvteye]

Just of out curiosity, what would have been the Phantom's main mission in a typical "Cold War gone Hot" scenario in the '80s?  I'm going to assume it would be the tactical bomber role, since by then, the Eagle was on the scene and filling the Air-to-Air role.

 

Also, how many Front-line USAF Phantom squads were active during this time?

[MBot]

Here are a couple of important USAF units that flew the F-4E in the 1980s timeframe. I hope I got most of the major ones. In addition, there are probably also various additional Guard and Reserves units. Also if you include all of the 1970s there will be many more. This is all compiled from wiki, so take it with a grain of salt.

 

West Germany

86^th TFW, Ramstein

• 512 TFS, 1976-1985, to F-16C
• 526 TFS, 1973-1986, to F-16C

52^nd TFW, Spangdahlem (European Wild Weasel Wing)

• 23 TFS, 1982-1987 (mixed F-4E/F-4G), to F-4G/F-16C
• 81 TFS, 1984-1988 (mixed F-4E/F-4G), to F-4G/F-16C
• 480 TFS, 1979-1983, 1983-1987 (mixed F-4E/F-4G), to F-4G/F-16C

 

Iceland

57 FIS, Naval Air Station Keflavik, 1978-1985, to F-15C

 

South Korea

51^st TFW, Osan

• 36 TFS, 1973-1988, to F-16A
• 497 TFS, 1974-1988

 

Pilippines

3^rd TFW, Clark

• 3 TFS, 1975-1991
• 90 TFS, 1977-1991 (mixed F-4E/F-4G), to F-15E

 

USA

21^st Composite Wing, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska

• 18 TFS, 1977-1981, to A-10A
• 43 TFS, 1970-1982, to F-15A

4^th TFW, Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina (Rapid Deployment Force)

• 334 TFS, 1973-1989, to F-15E
• 335 TFS, 1974-1989, to F-15E
• 336 TFS, 1974-1988, to F-15E
• 337 TFS, 1982-1985

347^th TFW, Moody AFB, Georgia

• 68 TFS, 1975-1987, to F-16A
• 69 TFS, 1983-1989, to F-16A
• 70 TFS, 1975-1987, to F-16A
• 339 TFS, 1976-1983

 

Edited June 11, 2024 by MBot

[tn_prvteye]

So in theory, having the 4^th TFW deploy to the Kola in the mid-80s would be feasible.  Of course I think their F-4Es were the TISEO versions, but that'll come later.

 

Thanks for the info!  Didn't realize Wiki was this in depth.

[Mr_sukebe]

As Norway has been in NATO since its inception, there’s a very high chance that F4s will have visited at some point.

My Cold War scenario assumes that NATO would move some F4s to Norway in the event of things “going hot”.

[LanceCriminal86]

4th TFW operated as a QRF, so they can pretty well be used on any map. That said, they operated TISEO/DMAS jets during that timeframe, so for DSCG you might look at some other options.

Mid-late 80s, there were exercises where ANG/Reserve squadrons went to Europe, such as the 110th TFS. While some were still operating Ds earlier in the 80s you could still use 110th, NJ ANG, Indiana, or California, or Texas even.

What you can also do, is use some German skins. I did some asking myself, and during a cold war gone hot situation, apparently the plan was that the GAF would deploy up to Norway while the USAF would focus on Germany.

57th FIS could also make a cameo, though their focus was Iceland and protecting that gap against Bears until they transitioned to Eagles in the mid 80s.

[tn_prvteye]

Cool information!  Thanks for the input.  Interesting about the GAF deploying to Norway.  Would have thought they'd stay on their "home turf".  I guess the thinking might have been to have the USAF with the latest and greatest equipment protect the Fulda Gap.

So what about primary roles?  Ground Pounding I assume?  Except for the 57th FIS, of course.

[MBot]

Here is an overview of likely NATO air reinforcements for North Norway from 1989. The 4 USAF F-16 squadrons might actually by of any USAF attack type, including F-4, A-7D and A-10A. So it is absolutely plausible that multiple USAF Phantom squadrons would have been deployed to Norway up to 1989 (the earlier the more likely).

Considering the 4th TFW flew DMAS jets, I think the 347th TFW would currently be an excellent and likely candidate to use for scenarios on the Kola map. We also have a wonderful Euro One skin for 68th TFS in the game. A Wrap Around SEA skin for the 347th TFW would still be nice

[tn_prvteye]

Fascinating, where did you find this?

And seeing the Jag on there REALLY makes me hope a 3rd party picks it up.    

[MBot]

It's from here: https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA231546.pdf

A pretty interesting read.

[tn_prvteye]

Aaaaaaand there goes any productivity at work.    

[Oldcrow Jr. 62]

6 hours ago, LanceCriminal86 said:

4th TFW operated as a QRF, so they can pretty well be used on any map. That said, they operated TISEO/DMAS jets during that timeframe, so for DSCG you might look at some other options.

Mid-late 80s, there were exercises where ANG/Reserve squadrons went to Europe, such as the 110th TFS. While some were still operating Ds earlier in the 80s you could still use 110th, NJ ANG, Indiana, or California, or Texas even.

What you can also do, is use some German skins. I did some asking myself, and during a cold war gone hot situation, apparently the plan was that the GAF would deploy up to Norway while the USAF would focus on Germany.

57th FIS could also make a cameo, though their focus was Iceland and protecting that gap against Bears until they transitioned to Eagles in the mid 80s.

I was working as a civilian for the Air Force during the 80's (Dad as assigned to Headquarters USAF as a Division Chief), while working around the ramp in my job, I used to see Air National Guard F-4's from time to time in other normally not used Hardstands and bunkers. I also saw other types also. So for the 80's scenarios, even in Europe, you could have NG and Active duty birds cycle out of Europe to the Balkans, Med. Northern African and Easter Mediterranean.  Even could also see them Cycle out for Eastern Baltic Sea, North Sea and Finland events.