Built as an F-4J in February 1968, and delivered in 1973 to the US Navy. In the late seventies, it was modified to F-4S standard (Block 10) and continued its service with the US Marine Corps. The Phantom was retired in early 1989 when it appeared at MCAS Cherry Piont for storage. From April 1989 onwards 5549 was seen fully bagged behind the locaal fire station. The BuNO of this Phantom was reported as QF-4S at NAS Fallon in October 2006, but this was probably a mistake.

A VF-143 Phantom seen here just prior to its deployment on board USS America for a cruise in the Mediterreanean. After that, the unit transitioned to F-14A (in 1974). This F-4J was later converted to F-4S.