[lentulusgracchus]

I saw one of the very first examples at Norfolk Naval Base in late spring or early summer, 1972. I also saw one of the first AV-8's practicing vertical hovering at that same base. That's a long, long career for both types, when you compare them with how long other types like the Douglas F-4D Skyray and Grumman F-9F Panther lasted, or the A-5/RA-5 Vigilante, which was one of the hottest-looking aircraft the Navy ever flew.

[Gardener]

saw one of the very first examples at Norfolk Naval Base in late spring or early summer, 1972

I was just about to post the same thing!! I remember when the base got the first ones. Beautiful, they've always been my favorites. To watch those planes in the air is just, for me anyway, a fascinating and awesome experience.