The McDonnell F-4 Phantom II entered U.S. military service in 1960, serving with the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. It was a versatile multirole fighter, capable of air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. The F-4 saw extensive combat in Vietnam, the Middle East, and Cold War operations, remaining a backbone of U.S. tactical aviation until it was gradually replaced by newer aircraft such as the F-15, F-16, and F/A-18.