An F-5N Tiger adversary fighter with the “Sun Downers” of Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 111 lands at Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West after training with the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122, June 23rd, 2020. Naval Air Station Key West is the state-of-the-art facility for combat fighter aircraft of all military services, provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels, and is the premier training center for surface and subsurface military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Danette Baso Silvers/Released)

Fighter Squadron Composite 111 (VFC-111), also known as the “Sun Downers”, is a United States Navy Reserve adversary squadron based at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. Currently, it operates Northrop F-5N/F Tiger-IIs, of which most are single-seater F-5Ns and one twin-seater F-5F, the “FrankenTiger”.

The squadron is composed of experienced active duty junior officers, full-time active duty Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) personnel, and mid-grade part-time Selected Reservists (SELRES), with the SELRES pilots having extensive past active duty experience in Navy strike fighter squadrons. This gives the squadron cutting edge real-world experience, as well as leveraging off that experience by retaining talented instructor fighter pilots that have left active service but transitioned to the Navy Reserve.

History

VFC-111 was originally known as Fighter Composite Squadron 13 (VFC-13) Detachment Key West, which was established in January 2006. VFC-13 Det Key West was redesignated as VFC-111 in November 2006.

VFC-111 assumed its ‘Sun Downer’ insignia, callsign, and traditions from the Fighter Squadron One Eleven (VF-111) Sun Downers, a famous U.S. Navy fighter squadron with extensive combat history as a carrier-based F-8 Crusader and F-4 Phantom II squadron during the Vietnam War and as an F-4 and F-14 Tomcat squadron during the latter part of the Cold War, as well as Operation Restore Hope and Operation Southern Watch. VF-111 was disestablished as a fleet squadron at then-NAS Miramar, California in 1995 due to post-Cold War force reductions. Officially, in contrast with the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy does not recognize a direct lineage with disestablished squadrons. However, unofficially, the Naval Aviation community strives to retain traditions and history whenever a squadron designation and name is resurrected in a new unit.

Mission

VFC-111 operates as part of the U.S. Navy Reserve’s fleet adversary program, providing dissimilar air combat training (DACT) to fleet strike fighter and Marine fighter attack squadrons, as well as U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard fighter squadrons.

Ostensibly assigned to the Navy Reserve’s Tactical Support Wing, VFC-111 is actually an Active-Reserve Integration (ARI) unit composed of both Regular Navy and Navy Reserve personnel. In this capacity, it has assumed the adversary role of a since deactivated active duty squadron at NAS Key West known as Fighter Squadron 45 (VF-45). VFC-111’s unique location at NAS Key West, Florida, home of the Navy’s Strike Fighter Air Readiness Program (SFARP), eliminates costly adversary detachments and provides an on-site resource for carrier air wings conducting SFARP training at NAS Key West and on the adjacent Key West Tactical Air Combat Training System (TACTS) Range.

VFC-111 also provides a significant portion of adversary support to all F/A-18 Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS) in the Navy and Marine Corps, i.e., VFA-106 at NAS Oceana, Virginia; VFA-122 at NAS Lemoore, California; and VMFAT-101 at MCAS Miramar, California. VFC-111 has also commenced support to VAQ-129, the FRS for the EA-18G Growler at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, as well as the Navy and Marine Corps F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron, VFA-125 at NAS Lemoore, California, and the Marine Corps’ F-35B Fleet Replacement Squadron, VMFAT-501 at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina.

A U.S. Air Force U-2 aircraft lands at Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., May 1, 2008, on the 48th anniversary of the downing of a U-2 flown by retired U.S. Air Force Capt. Gary Powers over the Soviet Union. Visible in the foreground is a U.S. Navy F-5N Tiger II aircraft assigned to Composite Fighter Squadron (VFC) 111. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Rachel McMarr/Released)

Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale F-5N Tiger II BuNo 761575, VFC-111 Sundowners, NAS Key West, 2013

Check out the latest “Sundowner” model released by Hobbymaster and which is available to pre-order from Flying Tigers today. Please click on the image/ link below to go straight to the model page to order yours now.

HA3378 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale F-5N Tiger II BuNo 761575, VFC-111 Sundowners, NAS Key West, 2013  RRP £86.00  Flying Tigers only £64.99

Ex-Swiss Air Force F-5Es used by the US Navy as an “adversary” aircraft, with AN/APG-69 replacing the original AN/APQ-159. Intended to replace high-time USN/USMC F-5Es in the adversary role, and saw service through 2015.

Hobbymaster updated photo gallery.

Check out the latest HM photos below. Please click on the images or links to go straight to the model page to order your model

HA6210 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale F-35C Lightning II “Mirror Coating” XE-100/168733, US Navy, August 2022  RRP £108.00  Flying Tigers only £79.99

HA9609 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale Rafale C Multirole Combat Fighter 113-HS, EC 1/7 Provence , Kandahar 2010  RRP £114.00  Flying Tigers only £85.99

HA4622 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II “Black Death” 170064, VMFA-542 “Tigers” , MCAS Cherry Point, 2023  RRP £104.00  Flying Tigers only £77.99

HA4622B Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II “Black Death” 170064, VMFA-542 “Tigers” , MCAS Cherry Point, 2023 ( Beast Mode)  RRP £110.00  Flying Tigers only £82.99

HA5411 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale Northrop T-38A Talon 65-10342, 1st RS/9th RW, Beale AFB, 2006  RRP £80.00  Flying Tigers only £59.99

HA5412 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale Northrop T-38A Talon 62-3702, 7th FTS, Hampton Langley AFB, 2023  RRP £80.00  Flying Tigers only £59.99

HA38039 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale Lockheed F-16C Thunderbirds No.1 plane, USAF, RIAT 2017    SORRY, SOLD OUT AT PRE-ORDER STAGE

Thank you for reading this week’s Newsletter.

Richard

Flying Tigers.

The post VFC-111 Sundowners , Hobbymaster Updates and Deal of the Day Sale! appeared first on Flying Tigers.

A U.S. Navy McDonnell F-4N Phantom II (BuNo 151000) from Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111) “Sundowners”. VF-111 had been assigned to Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43) for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 5 December 1974 to 2 July 1975. 151000 was the aircraft of the Commander, CVW-15.
VF-111 was then transferred to CVW-19 for the last deployment of USS Franklin D. Roosevelt before converting to the Grumman F-14A Tomcat and returning to CVW-15 in 1979.

Three distinct Navy squadrons have called themselves ‘Sundowners’. The U.S. Navy frequently has given the same designation to two or more aviation units, leading to lasting confusion. Officially, the U.S. Navy does not recognize a direct lineage with disestablished squadrons if a new squadron is formed with the same designation. However, historical tradition within the Naval Aviation community is such that a new squadron will assume the nickname, insignia, and traditions of the earlier squadron(s) with its designation.

VF-111 squadron patch

Originally established as Fighter Squadron 11 (VF-11) on 10th October 1942, it was re-designated as VF-11A on 15th November 1946, re-designated as VF-111 on 15th July 1948 and disestablished on 19th January 1959.

Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111), also known as the Sundowners, was a fighter squadron of the United States Navy. Originally established as Attack Squadron 156 (VA-156) on 4th June 1956, it was re-designated VF-111 on 20th January 1959, the day after the original VF-111 was disestablished. The squadron was re-designated VF-26 on 1st September 1964, re-designated as VF-111 on 17th September 1964 and disestablished on 31st March 1995.

VF-11 F6Fs aboard the USS Hornet in 1945

VF-11 was established at NAS North Island California on 10th October 1942 equipped with F4F Wildcats, and on 23rd October was on its way to Hawaii. To epitomize its spirit and tactical superiority over the Japanese, the squadron decided it would be called the ‘Sundowners’ and its insignia depicts two Wildcats shooting down a Rising Sun.

From April to July 1943 VF-11 downed 55 enemy aircraft in aerial combat at Guadalcanal. After return to the U.S. and re-equipping with F6F Hellcats, VF-11 deployed on USS Hornet in October 1944. From then until February 1945 the squadron engaged in strike and air-to-air combat missions resulting in the shoot down of 102 enemy aircraft with dozens more destroyed on the ground. As a direct result of its combat record, the squadron was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.

Grumman F8F-1, 95343, VF-11A, NAS NI, 1947

VF-11A equipped with F8F Bearcats was assigned to Carrier Air Group 11 (CVG-11) aboard the USS Valley Forge for her world cruise from 9th October 1947 to 11 June 1948.

VF-111 F9F-2 dropping bombs over Korea, 1951-52

On 9th November 1950, early in the Korean War, Lieutenant Commander William T. Amen scored the first combat jet-on-jet kill in aviation history, downing a Soviet MiG-15 while flying a F9F Panther from the USS Philippine Sea. Two more Korean cruises were made in USS Valley Forge in 1951-52, then USS Boxer and USS Lake Champlain in 1953.

After Korea, VF-111 flew the F9F-8 Cougar and the FJ-3 Fury for three deployments to the Western Pacific aboard the carriers USS Lexington, USS Wasp, and USS Bennington.

F9F-5s of VF-111 on Lake Champlain in 1953.

VF-111 was disestablished on 19th January 1959. On 20th January 1959, Attack Squadron 156 (VA-156) was re-designated as VF-111, thus continuing the Sundowner tradition, but not the unit lineage.

VA-156, originally known as the Iron Tigers, was established on 4th June 1956 and flew the F11F-1 Tiger. VA-156 was assigned to CVW-11 and made a single deployment aboard USS Shangri-La to the Western Pacific

F11F-1 Tigers VA-156 parked circa 1956

In 1961 the Sundowners’ traditional mascot, “Omar,” was conceived by squadron enlisted men to mark the transition to the supersonic F-8D Crusader. The triangular stick figure appeared on VF-111 aircraft and squadron spaces. During the 1960s, VF-111 flew four different versions of the Crusader (F-8C/D/E/H).

During the Vietnam War the Sundowners were based at NAS Miramar, California with the squadron (including detachments) making ten deployments to Southeast Asia, flying 12,500 combat sorties.

VF-111 Sundowners pilots near an F-8D Crusader on board of the USS Kitty Hawk in 1963

From 17 October 1963 to 20 July 1964, VF-111 equipped with F-8Ds was deployed on USS Kitty Hawk. From 6 March to 20 November 1965, VF-111 was deployed on USS Midway. On 5 May F-8D #148637 was hit by antiaircraft fire over North Vietnam and crashed into the sea, the pilot CDR James LaHaye was killed in action, and his body was not recovered. On 27 May F-8D #148706 was shot down near Vinh, the pilot CDR Doyle Lynn was killed in action, and his body too was not recovered. On 12 August F-8D #147911 was lost, the pilot LTJG Gene Gollahon was killed, and his remains were returned in March 1974. On 3 November, F-8D #148635 was shot down, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued.

VF-111 Det.11 Omar’s Orphans F-8C landing on USS Intrepid in 1967

From 26 May to 16 November 1966, VF-111 equipped with F-8Es was deployed on USS Oriskany. On 6 April F-8E #150296 was lost, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 11 August F-8E #150880 was lost due to hydraulic failure, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 13 August F-8E #150866 was hit by antiaircraft fire, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 23 August F-8E #150907 was lost due to engine failure, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 5 September F-8E #150896 was hit by anti aircraft fire, the pilot CAPT Wilfred Keese ejected successfully, was captured and released on 4 March 1973.

From 11 May to 30 December 1967, VF-111 Detachment 11, Omar’s Orphans, equipped with F-8Cs was deployed on USS Intrepid. Nominally an anti-submarine carrier in the Atlantic Fleet, USS Intrepid made three deployments with CVW-10 to Vietnam as an attack carrier. On 12 August F-8C #146993 was shot down, the pilot was rescued from the sea. On 19 September, Lieutenant Tony Nargi shot down a Vietnam People’s Air Force (VPAF) MiG-21 with an AIM-9 Sidewinder.] On 26 October 3 members of the squadron were killed in the USS Oriskany fire.

An F-8H Crusader (BuNo 148678) of VF-111 Sundowners, Attack Carrier Air Wing Sixteen (CVW-16), on the forward elevator of the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) in 1969 during a deployment to Vietnam

From 16 June 1967 to 31 January 1968, VF-111 equipped with F-8Cs was deployed on USS Oriskany. On 31 July F-8C #146993 was hit by a SAM-2, the pilot LT Charles Zuhoski ejected successfully, was captured and released on 14 March 1973. On 8 September F-8C #146929 was lost due to electrical failure, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 5 October F-8C #146138 was shot down, the pilot ENS David Matheny ejected successfully, was captured and released on 16 February 1968. On 5 December F-8C #146907 was shot down, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 2 January 1968 F-8C #146989 was shot down near Vinh, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued.

F-8H of VF-111 on USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) 1969

From 4th June 1968 to 8th February 1969, VF-111 Detachment 11 was deployed on USS Intrepid. From 1st February to 18th September 1969, VF-111 equipped with F-8Hs was deployed on USS Ticonderoga. On 6th July F-8H #148636 was lost due to engine failure, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued.

From 5 March to 17 December 1970, VF-111 was deployed on USS Shangri-La. VF-11 had the highest combat loss rate of the F-8 fighter units deployed to Vietnam : 103 !

VF-111 F-4B bombing over Vietnam in 1971

From 12 November 1971 to 17 July 1972, VF-111 equipped with F-4Bs was deployed on USS Coral Sea. On 6 March 1972, LT Garry Weigand and LTJG Bill Freckleton engaged and shot down a VPAF MiG-17 near Quang Lang Airfield in North Vietnam. Their aircraft, F-4B, NL 201, BuNo 153019, was restored to the original paint scheme by the current Sundowner squadron and is displayed on a pedestal just inside the main gate at NAS Key West, Florida.

From 9 March to 8 November 1973, VF-111 was deployed on USS Coral Sea.

In 1971, VF-111 joined CVW-15 and transitioned to the F-4B Phantom II. The squadron later transitioned to the F-4N version of the Phantom, but was scheduled to turn these in for the F-4J. In 1975 both VF-51 and VF-111 received six F-4Js but, due to operational considerations regarding their next deployment, the two units reverted to the “N” model.

In late 1976 through early 1977, VF-111 made an Atlantic and Mediterranean deployment, a rare event for a Pacific Fleet squadron, with CVW-19 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt for that carrier’s final cruise. The squadron returned to NAS Miramar in April 1977 and began transition to the F-14A Tomcat.

F-4N Phantom of VF-111 in flight in 1976

By October 1978, VF-111 had fully transitioned to the Block 100 model F-14A. VF-111 subsequently deployed with CVW-15 aboard USS Kitty Hawk from May 1979 to February 1980, a deployment which was extended from its originally planned end date in early December 1979 due to the November 1979 seizure of the American Embassy in Teheran, Iran. During this period, the squadron operated from the USS Kitty Hawk in the Indian Ocean south of the Iranian coast until relieved by USS Nimitz and the squadrons of CVW-8.

Grumman F-14A Tomcat #206 of VF-111 CVN-70 in low visibility camouflage, but with full colour unit livery 1984

In addition to its “extended” deployment during the first two months of 1980, VF-111 deployed a final time on USS Kitty Hawk from April to October 1981. In October 1983, VF-111 returned to its home station of NAS Miramar following a world cruise with CVW-15 on the maiden deployment of USS Carl Vinson.

In the spring of 1986 VF-111 began another work-up cycle, completing a series of training evolution and exercises in preparation for their June 1988 Pacific/Indian Ocean deployment. VF-111’s seventeen month work-up was capped by FLEETEX 88-2, the first time since World War II that a carrier, USS Carl Vinson and a battleship, the USS New Jersey operated as a combined Battle Fleet.

A US Navy (USN) F-14A Tomcat, Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111), Sundowners, Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar, California (CA), makes the first landing on the deck of the USN Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) by Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15).

VF-111’s 1988 deployment began in June and ended in December. It included operations in the Northern/Western Pacific, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean, providing support of tanker escorts in the Persian Gulf and included a transit of the Bering Sea, the fourth such transit in four deployments.

In preparation for deployment in 1990, VF-111 deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson from September to November 1989 as participants in PACEX 89. This exercise had the Sundowners operating in the Bering Sea, the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan as a part of the largest naval exercise since World War II.

The Sundowners next deployed from February to July 1990. VF-111 received the 1990 Boola Boola award for success in exercise missile firings, as well as the 1990 Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) derby, awarded to the best tactical air reconnaissance squadron on the West Coast.

VF-111 F-14A Tomcat NL-202

On 15 October 1991, VF-111 returned to USS Kitty Hawk for her two-month cruise from NAS Norfolk, Virginia “around the horn” of South America to NAS North Island, California following the carrier’s comprehensive, multi-year Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Multi-national exercises with Venezuela, Argentina and Chile were conducted in various air-to-air and strike scenarios. The Sundowners returned to NAS Miramar in December 1991.

In 1993, VF-111 deployed to the Pacific, Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf and flew in support of Operation Restore Hope and Operation Southern Watch. In 1994 VF-111 deployed again to the Pacific. Following this deployment, the squadron was disestablished on 31 March 1995 as part of post-Cold War force reductions of the Navy’s F-14 community, with its aircraft reassigned to other F-14 squadrons.

In November 2006, Fighter Composite Squadron 13 (VFC-13) Detachment Key West was established as Fighter Composite Squadron 111 (VFC-111), thus continuing the Sundowner tradition, but not the unit lineage.

F-14A Tomcat VF-111 Sundowners Miss Molly (the subject of Hobbymaster’s latest Tomcat release)

In 1985, VF-111 was one of several NAS Miramar based squadrons to participate in the filming of the film Top Gun. Some VF-111 and VF-51 aircraft were repainted in fictitious squadron markings for the film. To be able to film the sequences, the F-14s were fitted with cameras mounted in pods attached to the underbelly Phoenix pallets and the under wing pylons, as well as using ground mounted cameras. Also, one of the fictional RIOs in the film, played by Clarence Gilyard, uses the call sign “Sundown” and wears a VF-111 styled helmet and squadron patch on his flight suit.

VF-111 ‘Sundowners’ USS Coral Sea

Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111) Sundowners models available to buy from Flying Tigers

Check out the latest VF-111 Sundowners models available from Flying Tigers. Always quick to sell… Be quick with these! Please click on the image of your choice to go straight to the model page to order your now.

HA19021 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale McDonnell Douglas F-4B 200, VF-111 “Sundowners”, USS Coral Sea, 1970s RRP £90.00  Flying Tigers only £68.99

CA721414 Calibre Wings 1/72nd scale Grumman F-14A Tomcat USN VF-111 Sundowners, NL200 Miss Molly, USS Carl Vinson, 1989 Clean Version  RRP £185.00  Flying Tigers only £149.99  Due end November… very few left to allocate before sold out ! 

HA5228 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale Grumman F-14A Tomcat “Super CAG” 160660, VF-111 “Sundowners”, USS Carl Vinson, 1986  RRP £132.00  Flying Tigers only £99.99

Hobbymaster Latest Model Announcements!

Hobbymaster have just announced their latest models which are now available to pre-order at Flying Tigers today.

Don’t forget NO DEPOSIT necessary with Flying Tigers and if you order with your debit or credit card your payment is not taken until your model is available to dispatch.

Flying Tigers will also consolidate your orders to save on postage costs across all brands !

Please click on the images / links below to go to the model of your choice, or CLICK HERE to see them all.

HA6506 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale MiG-29A Fulcrum 7702, 1st Fighter Air Regiment, Czech Air Force, Zatec Air Base, 1993 RRP £100.00  Flying Tigers only £75.99

HA6510 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale MiG-29A Fulcrum KB715, 47th Sqn “Black Archers”, Indian Air Force, 2010  RRP £100.00  Flying Tigers only £75.99

HA2624 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale AV-8B Harrier II 163662, VMA-231, King Abdul Aziz Base February 1991  RRP £84.00  Flying Tigers only 63.99

HA3883 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale Lockheed F-16C “Venom Scheme” 94-0047, USAF Demo Team, 2020  RRP £88.00  Flying Tigers only £66.99

HA5808 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk 49th FW/OG, August 2006  RRP £106.00  Flying Tigers only £79.99

HA5153 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale EA-18G Growler 168772, VAQ-131 “Operation Inherent Resolve”  RRP £122.00  Flying Tigers only £91.99

HA3340 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale Northrop F-5T Tiger II 853, 144th Squadron, RSAF, 2016  RRP £80.00  Flying Tigers only £59.99

HA3341 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale Northrop F-5S Tiger II 819, 144th Squadron, RSAF, 2016  RRP £77.00  Flying Tigers only £57.99

HA3342 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale Northrop F-5S Tiger II 874, 149 Squadron “Shirka”, RSAF 2008  RRP £77.00  Flying Tigers only £57.99

HA4522 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale F-15E “Mi Amigo 75th Anniversary flypast ” 92-364, 494th FS, Lakenheath, 22nd Feb. 2019 Steel City Eagle  RRP £100.00  Flying Tigers only £74.99  Updated Artwork

New Corgi Aviation Archive and InFlight 200 Model arrivals.

Check out the three latest models that have arrived in stock at Flying Tigers this morning. Pre-ordered models will start to be dispatched today and early next week. Click on the photo of your choice below to go straight to the model of your choice and order yours today!

AA28702 Corgi Aviation Archive 1/48th scale Fokker E.III, Manfred von Richthofen, Kasta 8, June 1916.  RRP £50.00  Flying Tigers only £44.99

AA36212 Corgi Aviation Archive 1/72nd scale Gloster Gladiator Mk.II N2308 HP-B, RAF No.247 Squadron, Battle of Britain.  RRP £50.00  Flying Tigers only £44.99

IFKC2VOYAGERUK InFlight 1/200th scale RAF Air Force Airbus A330 Voyager KC2 (A330-243MRTT) ZZ336 with stand  RRP £132.00  Flying Tigers only £107.99

Container shipment delays.

There are significant delays to shipments of goods around the world due to a lack of containers in the manufacturing countries ( China, Far Eat etc.). The Hobby Trade is not immune from these problems.

Most deliveries from wholesalers and distributors are delayed by a minimum of 2 to 3 weeks on anticipated arrival times. In some cases these have been exacerbated by bad weather on the high seas, missed “docking slots” etc.

All U.K. retailers are affected.

This will have a knock on affect on subsequent shipments and deliveries.

The latest delivery from Hobbymaster has been delayed from 27th October until approx. 21st November.

I will keep you informed as best I can on all developments.

Thank you for reading this week’s Newsletter

Richard

Flying Tigers.

The post Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111) Sundowners, Hobbymaster Announcements and Corgi New Model Arrivals. appeared first on Flying Tigers.

VF-111 F-14A Tomcat

Three distinct Navy squadrons have called themselves ‘Sundowners’. The U.S. Navy frequently has given the same designation to two or more aviation units, leading to lasting confusion. Officially, the U.S. Navy does not recognize a direct lineage with disestablished squadrons if a new squadron is formed with the same designation. However, historical tradition within the Naval Aviation community is such that a new squadron will assume the nickname, insignia, and traditions of the earlier squadron(s) with its designation.

VF-111 squadron patch

Originally established as Fighter Squadron 11 (VF-11) on 10th October 1942, it was re-designated as VF-11A on 15th November 1946, re-designated as VF-111 on 15th July 1948 and disestablished on 19th January 1959.

Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111), also known as the Sundowners, was a fighter squadron of the United States Navy. Originally established as Attack Squadron 156 (VA-156) on 4th June 1956, it was re-designated VF-111 on 20th January 1959, the day after the original VF-111 was disestablished. The squadron was re-designated VF-26 on 1st September 1964, re-designated as VF-111 on 17th September 1964 and disestablished on 31st March 1995.

VF-11 F6Fs aboard the USS Hornet in 1945

VF-11 was established at NAS North Island California on 10th October 1942 equipped with F4F Wildcats, and on 23rd October was on its way to Hawaii. To epitomize its spirit and tactical superiority over the Japanese, the squadron decided it would be called the ‘Sundowners’ and its insignia depicts two Wildcats shooting down a Rising Sun.

From April to July 1943 VF-11 downed 55 enemy aircraft in aerial combat at Guadalcanal. After return to the U.S. and re-equipping with F6F Hellcats, VF-11 deployed on USS Hornet in October 1944. From then until February 1945 the squadron engaged in strike and air-to-air combat missions resulting in the shoot down of 102 enemy aircraft with dozens more destroyed on the ground. As a direct result of its combat record, the squadron was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.

Grumman F8F-1, 95343, VF-11A, NAS NI, 1947

VF-11A equipped with F8F Bearcats was assigned to Carrier Air Group 11 (CVG-11) aboard the USS Valley Forge for her world cruise from 9th October 1947 to 11 June 1948.

VF-111 F9F-2 dropping bombs over Korea, 1951-52

On 9th November 1950, early in the Korean War, Lieutenant Commander William T. Amen scored the first combat jet-on-jet kill in aviation history, downing a Soviet MiG-15 while flying a F9F Panther from the USS Philippine Sea. Two more Korean cruises were made in USS Valley Forge in 1951-52, then USS Boxer and USS Lake Champlain in 1953.

After Korea, VF-111 flew the F9F-8 Cougar and the FJ-3 Fury for three deployments to the Western Pacific aboard the carriers USS Lexington, USS Wasp, and USS Bennington.

F9F-5s of VF-111 on Lake Champlain in 1953.

VF-111 was disestablished on 19th January 1959. On 20th January 1959, Attack Squadron 156 (VA-156) was re-designated as VF-111, thus continuing the Sundowner tradition, but not the unit lineage.

VA-156, originally known as the Iron Tigers, was established on 4th June 1956 and flew the F11F-1 Tiger. VA-156 was assigned to CVW-11 and made a single deployment aboard USS Shangri-La to the Western Pacific

F11F-1 Tigers VA-156 parked circa 1956

In 1961 the Sundowners’ traditional mascot, “Omar,” was conceived by squadron enlisted men to mark the transition to the supersonic F-8D Crusader. The triangular stick figure appeared on VF-111 aircraft and squadron spaces. During the 1960s, VF-111 flew four different versions of the Crusader (F-8C/D/E/H).

During the Vietnam War the Sundowners were based at NAS Miramar, California with the squadron (including detachments) making ten deployments to Southeast Asia, flying 12,500 combat sorties.

VF-111 Sundowners pilots near an F-8D Crusader on board of the USS Kitty Hawk in 1963

From 17 October 1963 to 20 July 1964, VF-111 equipped with F-8Ds was deployed on USS Kitty Hawk. From 6 March to 20 November 1965, VF-111 was deployed on USS Midway. On 5 May F-8D #148637 was hit by antiaircraft fire over North Vietnam and crashed into the sea, the pilot CDR James LaHaye was killed in action, and his body was not recovered. On 27 May F-8D #148706 was shot down near Vinh, the pilot CDR Doyle Lynn was killed in action, and his body too was not recovered. On 12 August F-8D #147911 was lost, the pilot LTJG Gene Gollahon was killed, and his remains were returned in March 1974. On 3 November, F-8D #148635 was shot down, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued.

VF-111 Det.11 Omar’s Orphans F-8C landing on USS Intrepid in 1967

From 26 May to 16 November 1966, VF-111 equipped with F-8Es was deployed on USS Oriskany. On 6 April F-8E #150296 was lost, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 11 August F-8E #150880 was lost due to hydraulic failure, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 13 August F-8E #150866 was hit by antiaircraft fire, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 23 August F-8E #150907 was lost due to engine failure, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 5 September F-8E #150896 was hit by anti aircraft fire, the pilot CAPT Wilfred Keese ejected successfully, was captured and released on 4 March 1973.

From 11 May to 30 December 1967, VF-111 Detachment 11, Omar’s Orphans, equipped with F-8Cs was deployed on USS Intrepid. Nominally an anti-submarine carrier in the Atlantic Fleet, USS Intrepid made three deployments with CVW-10 to Vietnam as an attack carrier. On 12 August F-8C #146993 was shot down, the pilot was rescued from the sea. On 19 September, Lieutenant Tony Nargi shot down a Vietnam People’s Air Force (VPAF) MiG-21 with an AIM-9 Sidewinder.] On 26 October 3 members of the squadron were killed in the USS Oriskany fire.

An F-8H Crusader (BuNo 148678) of VF-111 Sundowners, Attack Carrier Air Wing Sixteen (CVW-16), on the forward elevator of the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) in 1969 during a deployment to Vietnam

From 16 June 1967 to 31 January 1968, VF-111 equipped with F-8Cs was deployed on USS Oriskany. On 31 July F-8C #146993 was hit by a SAM-2, the pilot LT Charles Zuhoski ejected successfully, was captured and released on 14 March 1973. On 8 September F-8C #146929 was lost due to electrical failure, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 5 October F-8C #146138 was shot down, the pilot ENS David Matheny ejected successfully, was captured and released on 16 February 1968. On 5 December F-8C #146907 was shot down, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 2 January 1968 F-8C #146989 was shot down near Vinh, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued.

F-8H of VF-111 on USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) 1969

From 4th June 1968 to 8th February 1969, VF-111 Detachment 11 was deployed on USS Intrepid. From 1st February to 18th September 1969, VF-111 equipped with F-8Hs was deployed on USS Ticonderoga. On 6th July F-8H #148636 was lost due to engine failure, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued.

From 5 March to 17 December 1970, VF-111 was deployed on USS Shangri-La. VF-11 had the highest combat loss rate of the F-8 fighter units deployed to Vietnam : 103 !

VF-111 F-4B bombing over Vietnam in 1971

From 12 November 1971 to 17 July 1972, VF-111 equipped with F-4Bs was deployed on USS Coral Sea. On 6 March 1972, LT Garry Weigand and LTJG Bill Freckleton engaged and shot down a VPAF MiG-17 near Quang Lang Airfield in North Vietnam. Their aircraft, F-4B, NL 201, BuNo 153019, was restored to the original paint scheme by the current Sundowner squadron and is displayed on a pedestal just inside the main gate at NAS Key West, Florida.

From 9 March to 8 November 1973, VF-111 was deployed on USS Coral Sea.

In 1971, VF-111 joined CVW-15 and transitioned to the F-4B Phantom II. The squadron later transitioned to the F-4N version of the Phantom, but was scheduled to turn these in for the F-4J. In 1975 both VF-51 and VF-111 received six F-4Js but, due to operational considerations regarding their next deployment, the two units reverted to the “N” model.

In late 1976 through early 1977, VF-111 made an Atlantic and Mediterranean deployment, a rare event for a Pacific Fleet squadron, with CVW-19 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt for that carrier’s final cruise. The squadron returned to NAS Miramar in April 1977 and began transition to the F-14A Tomcat.

F-4N Phantom of VF-111 in flight in 1976

By October 1978, VF-111 had fully transitioned to the Block 100 model F-14A. VF-111 subsequently deployed with CVW-15 aboard USS Kitty Hawk from May 1979 to February 1980, a deployment which was extended from its originally planned end date in early December 1979 due to the November 1979 seizure of the American Embassy in Teheran, Iran. During this period, the squadron operated from the USS Kitty Hawk in the Indian Ocean south of the Iranian coast until relieved by USS Nimitz and the squadrons of CVW-8.

Grumman F-14A Tomcat #206 of VF-111 CVN-70 in low visibility camouflage, but with full colour unit livery 1984

In addition to its “extended” deployment during the first two months of 1980, VF-111 deployed a final time on USS Kitty Hawk from April to October 1981. In October 1983, VF-111 returned to its home station of NAS Miramar following a world cruise with CVW-15 on the maiden deployment of USS Carl Vinson.

In the spring of 1986 VF-111 began another work-up cycle, completing a series of training evolution and exercises in preparation for their June 1988 Pacific/Indian Ocean deployment. VF-111’s seventeen month work-up was capped by FLEETEX 88-2, the first time since World War II that a carrier, USS Carl Vinson and a battleship, the USS New Jersey operated as a combined Battle Fleet.

A US Navy (USN) F-14A Tomcat, Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111), Sundowners, Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar, California (CA), makes the first landing on the deck of the USN Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) by Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15).

VF-111’s 1988 deployment began in June and ended in December. It included operations in the Northern/Western Pacific, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean, providing support of tanker escorts in the Persian Gulf and included a transit of the Bering Sea, the fourth such transit in four deployments.

In preparation for deployment in 1990, VF-111 deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson from September to November 1989 as participants in PACEX 89. This exercise had the Sundowners operating in the Bering Sea, the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan as a part of the largest naval exercise since World War II.

The Sundowners next deployed from February to July 1990. VF-111 received the 1990 Boola Boola award for success in exercise missile firings, as well as the 1990 Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) derby, awarded to the best tactical air reconnaissance squadron on the West Coast.

VF-111 F-14A Tomcat NL-202

On 15 October 1991, VF-111 returned to USS Kitty Hawk for her two-month cruise from NAS Norfolk, Virginia “around the horn” of South America to NAS North Island, California following the carrier’s comprehensive, multi-year Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Multi-national exercises with Venezuela, Argentina and Chile were conducted in various air-to-air and strike scenarios. The Sundowners returned to NAS Miramar in December 1991.

In 1993, VF-111 deployed to the Pacific, Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf and flew in support of Operation Restore Hope and Operation Southern Watch. In 1994 VF-111 deployed again to the Pacific. Following this deployment, the squadron was disestablished on 31 March 1995 as part of post-Cold War force reductions of the Navy’s F-14 community, with its aircraft reassigned to other F-14 squadrons.

In November 2006, Fighter Composite Squadron 13 (VFC-13) Detachment Key West was established as Fighter Composite Squadron 111 (VFC-111), thus continuing the Sundowner tradition, but not the unit lineage.

F-14A Tomcat VF-111 Sundowners Miss Molly (the subject of Hobbymaster’s latest Tomcat release)

In 1985, VF-111 was one of several NAS Miramar based squadrons to participate in the filming of the film Top Gun. Some VF-111 and VF-51 aircraft were repainted in fictitious squadron markings for the film. To be able to film the sequences, the F-14s were fitted with cameras mounted in pods attached to the underbelly Phoenix pallets and the under wing pylons, as well as using ground mounted cameras. Also, one of the fictional RIOs in the film, played by Clarence Gilyard, uses the call sign “Sundown” and wears a VF-111 styled helmet and squadron patch on his flight suit.

Latest Hobbymaster Release HA5213 Grumman F-14A Tomcat “Miss Molly” VF-111 “Sundowners”, USS Carl Vinson 1989

The latest Hobbymaster Tomcat release is available to pre-order now. Not too many coming into the U.K. Be quick with this one!

Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale HA5213 Grumman F-14A Tomcat “Miss Molly” VF-111 “Sundowners”, USS Carl Vinson 1989  RRP £126.00 Flying Tigers only £99.99

Hobbymaster latest photos added to website.

I have updated the website with the latest photos on the following models. Please click on each image or link to go straight to the model of your choice all of which are available to pre-order now.

Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale HA1994 McDonnell Douglas RF-4EJ 57-6913, JASDF, 2016  RRP £80.00  Flying Tigers only £64.99

Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale HA3323 Northrop F-5E Tiger II Patrouille Suisse, Season 2016. RRP £66.00  Flying Tigers only £54.99

Hobbymaster 1/48th scale HA8508 P-51B Mustang 43-6315 “Ding Hao”, 487th FS, 354th FG, 9th AF, Great Britain, May 1944  RRP 80.00  Flying Tigers only £64.99

New Hobbymaster Announcements available to Pre-order

I have just added the latest aircraft models available to Pre-order. Please click on the images or links below and it will take you straight to the model of your choice, or, CLICK HERE to see them all.

Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale HA3325 Northrop F-5E Tiger II 730855, VMFT-401 “Snipers” June 2006  RRP £80.00  Flying Tigers only £64.99

Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale HA2816 Lockheed F-22 Raptor 05-4098, 95th FS, August 2015  RRP £110.00  Flying Tigers only £89.99

Hobbymaster 1/48th scale HA8215 F4U-1 Corsair No.15 James N Cupp, VMF-213, 1943  RRP £92.00  Flying Tigers £74.99  

Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale HD2002B USN Tow Tractor  RRP £19.00  Flying Tigers only £15.99

Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale HD2003B USN Fire Tractor  RRP £19.00 Flying Tigers only £15.99

Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale HG4806 UK Bedford QL Refueler Normandy, WWII  RRP £30.00  Flying Tigers only £25.99

Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale HG4807 UK Bedford QLD RAF, WWII  RRP £30.00  Flying Tigers only £25.99

That’s all for this week. The next delivery of Hobbymaster will be w/e 12th August and will include among others the long awaited release of HA5301 MiG 23 Flogger !

Thank you for taking time to read this week’s Newsletter.

Richard.

Flying Tigers.

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