The McDonnell RF-101C was the recon version of the better known F-101 Voodoo, which originally was conceived as a long-range interceptor designed to shoot down Soviet bombers before they could attack North America.  Development began in 1956, with a total of 35 RF-101As and 166 RF-101Cs built.  This was the first supersonic reconnaissance aircraft in USAF service, with the ability to reach 1000 mph using its two J-57 afterburners.  The reconnaissance version served in Vietnam with distinction for its quick dash speed, but many were lost before being replaced by RF-4C units.

 

The F-84G was the last of the straight wing Thunderjets, and the most numerous,  produced by Republic Aviation.  A total of 3025 were built, including 1,936 that were built for NATO countries.

 

The Units

RF-101Cs were first assigned to Europe during the spring of 1958 when the 66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (32nd and 38th TRS) at Laon AB in France converted from RF-84Fs. In May of 1958, the 17th and 18th TRS based at Shaw AFB joined the 66th TRW at Laon. By the end of 1958, 30 RF-101Cs were based overseas. They were stationed at Nouasseur AFB in Morocco and at the Laon and Phalsbourg air bases in France. The 38th TRS moved to Ramstein AB in Germany when Laon grew short of ramp space and facilities. The entire wing moved to RAF Upper Heyford in England following Charles De Gaulle's decision to remove NATO aircraft from France.  The 66th TRW was inactivated on April 1, 1970.

 

The F-84 on this sheet was based at RAF Wethersfield, with the 79th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 20th Fighter Bomber Wing that later flew F-111s from Upper Heyford before the unit disbanded. The unit operated F-84s from 1948-1957 before being replaced with F-100s.