In June 2008 JG-74 Neuburg Air Base said goodbye to the F-4F Phantom II, leaving Wittmund AB as the only remaining German operational F-4F Phantom base. To celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the F-4 Phantom, Wittmund Air Base -home of 71^st Tactical Wing 71 of the German Air Force- opened its gates for a select group of photographers on a sunny 30 July 2008.

Static and flying activity
On a large platform in front of the “Richthofen” hangars, the organization placed four F-4Fs, from which three were specially painted. Other aircraft that were placed on the platform were a preserved F-104G Starfighter and a preserved Canadair Sabre, both in top condition. BAE Systems, showed one of their A-4N Skyhawks on the static. This former US Navy A-4 is one the six A-4s that are stationed at Wittmund and are being used by this civilian organization to train German Air Force pilots. In the early morning and in the afternoon the local F-4Fs flew a mission together with A-4s from BAE Systems.