How Or In What Role Did The USAF Operate The Phantom F4 In Vietnam?

The F-4 Phantom was used by the US navy, Marines and air force during the Vietnam War. The Navy used it primarily as bomber escort and air superiority fighter against Chinese MiGs. The Air force was for sometime reluctant to adopt a fighter that was being used by the Navy. It was however later incorporated into the air force in increasing numbers. The air force used it for a number of roles including air superiority and ground attack.

After 1970 it became the air force primary ground attack bomber. It was used in the North and South Vietnam along with neighbouring Laos. Most of the Phantoms were lost were to Anti Aircraft fire, then to SAMs and finally to MiGs. It was capable of carrying far more munitions then its nemesis the MiG-21.