As a fighter-interceptor, photo-recce platform, and nuke-lugging fighter-bomber, the McDonnell F-101 Voodoo served the USAF in almost all suitable roles, except that for which it was originally envisioned; a penetration fighter to escort SAC's BUFFs to Moscow. Thankfully, it was never actually needed to fill that particular role. However, the very vital role for which the Voodoo is perhaps most-well known, that of fighter-interceptor, was filled admirably by the F-101B variant.
Of all the outfits that flew the 'Bravo' in defense of North America, the 136th Fighter Interceptor Squadron is nearest and dearest to your blogmeister's heart, if only because that particular outfit was nearest to the place he and his dearest call home. Based at Niagara Falls, NY, the 136th, as part of the Aerospace Defense Command, was responsible for protecting certain areas of the Northeastern United States, and flew the 'One-Oh-Wonder' in that role from 1971 to 1982.
Anyhoo, here's a fine view of F-101B 58-0279 in the 136th's original livery, from sometime in the 1970s... enjoy...
Project 914 Archives (S.Donacik collection)
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