This iconic photo was taken by
V. H. Kretsinger

 

        "The photo was taken during the opening of the Air Show at China Lake Naval Air Station, 10 May 1980. I believe the Commanding officer of the Test Squadron was flying the plane. He initiated the ejection sequence, from the front seat, That is a mannequin in the seat. The plane is flying at about 150/200 ft.

        The photo is cropped from the original photo. In the original photo, 6" by 4", you can see the In Flight refuelling probe of a Blue Angels plane.  One and a half inches to the left of the F4H and one inch below it. The Blue Angels plane was parked on the flight ramp in front of me. I was in the crowd at the air show."