Black and white photograph of a McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II on the port side steam catapul…

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II on a Steam Catapult

Object NamePhotograph

Historic Owner Robert Wayne Osburn

Association USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11)

Date1957–61

PeriodCold War

Mediumphotographic paper

ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts

Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Robert Wayne Osburn and family. P2013.149.105

Object numberP2013.149.105

DescriptionPhotograph, Black and white; Horizontal image of a prototype McDonnell Douglas XF4H-F, designation changed in 1962 to F-4A Phantom II, one of the first 45 built. Seen on a steam catapult. “Phantom II” is stenciled on the plane and the number, “6” is on the fantail. A blast shield is raised behind the plane. Crew members are standing around the plane and are attaching a bridle to the plane. A crew member next to the plane has his hands raised to launch the plane and his shirt is stenciled, “Flight // Deck”. Another crew member on the left also has “Flight Deck // Officer” on the back of his shirt. All of the men are wearing long sleeve shirts, dungarees, cloth helmets, protective earmuffs and goggles. There are other crew members on the port side catwalk. The photograph was taken from the center of the deck, just forward of the plane. The water off of the ship is calm. There is a handwritten “R” in blue ink in the upper left corner.

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