In 1973 VFP-63 was the only F-8 training squadron, responsible for both RF-8 reconnaissance pilot and F-8 fighter pilot training. This a/c was retired on 4 November 1975.

In 1973 VFP-63 was the only F-8 training squadron, responsible for training pilots for both the RF-8 reconnaissance mission and the F-8 fighter mission. VFP-63 was using NAS Kingsville as a staging base for pilot carrier qualification on an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Mexico and using both RF-8G and F-8J Crusaders.

All unit markings removed. Newly arrived, awaiting processing prior to entering long-term storage. Already marked with MASDC park code 2F412.

MASDC. To France as F-8J 22 OCT 1990. Noted 06 MAY 2004 on dump at French naval airfield at Cuers, France

MASDC. To France as F-8J 22 Oct 90, possibly for spares ?

Recent arrival for storage at MASDC. No unit marks, grey star-and-bar.

This VF-162 F-8 from USS Ticonderoga is on display at the San Diego Air and Space Museum Restoration Facility at Gillespie Field.

The F-8J was a re-manufactured variant of the F-8E to F-8H standard, incorporating the boundary layer control system amongst other improvements. Late in her career with VFP-63, this example was retired to MASDC a couple of years later. Cockpit label reads "Cdr Taco Bell". The Crusader was not an easy aircraft to fly with a high attrition rate compared with contemporaries, but had some extraordinary qualities; it is said that several pilots successfully took off with the wings folded - presumably accidentally!