Blasting off on its third mission of the day.

One of the longest flying JASDF Phantoms, 901 switched between green/brown and blue colour schemes several times during its more than 45-year career.

47-6901 was the first of 14 Recce Phantoms originally acquired directly from McDonnell Douglas for the JASDF. In the 1990's, 17 F-4E's were modified to RF-4EJ in addition. This airframe entered service in 1974 and remained in flying condition till the squadron ceased operations on March 9, 2020. It was one of at least three RF-4EJ painted in this blue Marine camouflage.

RF-4E taxis past the 'Peace Towers' at Hyakuri AB in special marks commemorating the years of service.

You have to come a long way when looking for a special colour scheme, if a three-tone camouflage with big Woody Woodpecker badges is your normal outfit. And so they did, 501 Hikotai did not let the 'JASDF 50th' pass unnoticed. [Nikon F100, Fuji Provia 100F]

First public appearance of this 501 Hikotai recon Phantom in its unique ocean camouflage, similar to that carried by the Mitsubishi F-2s