This Crusader was first assigned to VCP-63, 'Cameras Unlimited' based at NAS Miramar, CA. The plane flew with other squadrons and had at least four carrier deployments before joining the Marine Corps, VMJ-4, at Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment (MARTD), NAS Olathe, KS. In November 1984, the aircraft was SOC after 24 years as the highest time RF-8 in the inventory. It became part of the USS Alabama Memorial Park in Mobile, AL but, in 2005, was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina and destined for for the bombing range at Eglin AFB. Fortunately saved, it arrived at FWAM in December 2008.