F4 Phantom belonging to 119th wing Happy Hooligans North Dakota Air National Guard
Photographed by Stuart H Bourne.
© Stuart H Bourne / Quality Aviation Photos International.
Powerful image of McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II 67-0478 of the 119th Fighter Wing “Happy Hooligans”, North Dakota Air National Guard. Captured by aviation photographer Stuart H Bourne, this photograph highlights the Phantom in its distinctive Air National Guard markings, representing one of the most celebrated ANG units in U.S. aviation history.
The Happy Hooligans, based at Fargo, North Dakota, operated the F-4 Phantom II during the 1970s and 1980s, before transitioning to the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Known for their professionalism and precision, the 119th Wing earned a reputation as one of the most decorated Air National Guard units, with multiple Outstanding Unit Awards and a proud heritage dating back to 1947.
Aircraft 67-0478 was part of the Phantom fleet that carried the unit’s distinctive red tail stripe and “Happy Hooligans” titles, a familiar sight at U.S. airshows and on NATO deployments. The Phantom II itself, a twin-engine, all-weather, supersonic fighter, served as a backbone of U.S. air power during the Cold War, excelling in both air superiority and ground-attack roles.
This photograph preserves the legacy of the Phantom’s service with the Air National Guard, and the enduring spirit of the Happy Hooligans, who continue to serve today with modern aircraft and missions. For more on the unit’s history, see the 119th Wing official fact sheet.
