F-104C "FG-891" (56-0891) 476th TFS of 479th TFW George AFB 1958

F-104C, construction number 183-1179, model 483-04-05, US serial number 56-0891, built by Lockheed
delivery date October 16, 1958; 479th TFW October 1958-November 1966; with 435th TFS at Udorn in late 1966; 56-0891 refueling in flight with 436 TFS December 1963 noted
56-891 nicknamed as "Snoopy Sniper" was flown by Herb Drisco. On the other side "Nancy J" was painted. The name "Nancy J" referred to Herb's wife
198th TFS Puerto Rico ANG January 1968-1975; August 11, 1975 dropped from the inventory and transfer to Sky Harbor Airport, Phoenix
on pole at Sky Harbor Airport, Phoenix, AZ in Arizona ANG with F-104A markings in front of the AZ ANG HQ bldg in 2000; May 2025 noted.

First official F-104C delivered to George AFB 479th TFW, actual first handover to TAC was at Nellis AFB on October 15, 1958
and there was a lot of trouble over this paint job. It seems Lockheed was contacted by Col George Laven JR. from the 479th TFW
to paint the F-104 in that scheme for him, but the USAF did not know of it at the time, and when the bill for this extra paint scheme
was presented there was much consternation.

The first C-model accepted by Tactical Air Command took place at the Annual Fighter Weapons Meet at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 15, 1958
This aircraft was named "Really George" because its home base would be the 479th TFW at George AFB, California

copyright © Jim Flemming