 The U.S. Air Force was less than satisfied with the Starfighter, procuring only 296 examples including both single-seat and two-seat versions.At the time, USAF doctrine placed little importance on air superiority (fighter against fighter combat), and the Starfighter was deemed inadequate for either the interceptor (fighter against bomber combat) or tactical fighter-bomber role, lacking both payload capability and endurance in comparison with other USAF aircraft.The F-104's service with the USAF was quickly wound down after the aircraft's second deployment to southeast Asia in 1967.