VMFA-531 "Grey Ghosts" along with their F-4s were assigned to the USS Forrestal for a Mediterranean deployment from September 22, 1972 until July 6, 1973. From February 23 until March 6, 1973 VMFA-531 carried out cross operating with F-4Ks from HMS Ark Royal. During this period the VMFA-531 F-4Ns wore the dark sea grey tail and fin flash of the host No. 892 Squadron. Urban legend has it F-4N AA/207 went mechanical while on Ark Royal and was painted this scheme to mask the aircraft when HMS Ark Royal sailed into Malta who was at odds with the USA.
