F-4E-45MC livery based on RF-4C AF#69-0381 (Callsign: VODKA 51) which was a USAF RF-4C Phantom II that was shot down by a US Navy F-14A Tomcat on Sept. 22, 1987.
Pilot Capt. Michael Ross, and WSO LT. Randy Sprouse, of the 38th TRS, 26th TRW, were participating in NATO exercise Display Determination 87, simualting an attack run on the USS Saratoga, when a F-14, of VF-74, was scrabbled to intercept and mock kill them purposely fired a live AIM-9 Sidewinder after the Tomcat pilot got confused.
Capt. Ross and Lt. Sprouse both succsessfully ejected over the Mediterranean and were promptly rescued by a US Navy helicopter. Both airmen received injuries that they continue to deal with to this day. Ross never flew after the incident, and was forced to retire 10 years later at the rank of Col. due to spinal injuries as a result of the accident. Sprouse returned to flying two weeks later, and continued to do so until retiring in 1998.
The Tomcat pilot, Lt. Timothy Dorsey stayed in the Navy, progressing to the rank of Capt., but never flew after 1987 as a result of his actions.
The only piece of wreakage of 69-0381 that was recovered by the Navy was a drop tank, which was subsequently returned to the Air Force.
Note: Due to limited reference photos (and the fact that this skin is for a F-4E, not a RF-4) this livery may not be 100% accurate, but I did my best to replicate RF-4C 69-0381.
