Doc originally all Phantoms were built for the Squid AF.The T-hook was of course a key air frame component for carrier ops and was still in play as more F-4's went to land based USAF squadrons in Thailand and S. Vietnam.It was a great emergency tool for brake or parachute issues,hung ordinance, hydraulic and possible gear malfunctions..
Out of frame was a capture barrier which could also be deployed should the wire attempt fail. Wasn't an everyday occurrence of course but was used more than one would think as the AF variants were weak in the knees compared to their Navy cousins.
In theory an AF bird could land on a carrier..but certainly not practical for a host of reasons!
You better be afraid of a ghost!!
"Woody you were baptized in prop wash"..crossfireoops
