About this Unit
VF-111, known as the "Sundowners," was a distinguished U.S. Navy fighter squadron originally established during World War II in October 1942. The unit earned fame in the Pacific theater, achieving numerous aerial victories against Japanese aircraft. Reactivated several times, VF-111 later flew iconic aircraft such as the F-8 Crusader and the F-14 Tomcat during the Cold War, participating in the Vietnam War and other significant deployments. The squadron was finally disestablished in 1995, but its legacy remains a proud part of naval aviation history.
Historical Facts
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Nickname "Sundowners": VF-111 was famously known as the "Sundowners," a name and insignia that originated during World War II to symbolize their mission of ending enemy operations ("sundowning" them).
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World War II Origins: The original VF-111 traces its roots back to VF-11, established in 1942. The squadron participated in the Pacific theater, flying F6F Hellcats and achieving notable combat success.
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Multiple Re-designations: The VF-111 designation was used by several different squadrons over time, with the most recent incarnation formed in 1956 and disestablished in 1995.
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Distinctive Tail Art: The "Sundowners" were recognized by their striking insignia—a rising sun with a stylized enemy aircraft being shot down, a nod to their WWII exploits against Japanese forces.
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Vietnam War Service: VF-111 played a prominent role in the Vietnam War, flying the F-8 Crusader and later the F-4 Phantom II from aircraft carriers, conducting air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
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Combat Achievements: VF-111 pilots scored several air-to-air victories during the Vietnam War, including the squadron’s most famous kill on 19 May 1972, when Lt. Randy Cunningham and Lt(jg) Willie Driscoll shot down three MiGs in one day.
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Transition to F-14 Tomcat: In 1978, VF-111 transitioned to the F-14A Tomcat, becoming one of the early squadrons to operate the iconic swing-wing fighter.
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Hollywood Fame: Scenes for the movie Top Gun were filmed on board the USS Enterprise while VF-111 was embarked, with some aircraft and pilots appearing as background elements.
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Operation Desert Storm: VF-111 deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying combat missions from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.
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Legacy and Disestablishment: VF-111 was disestablished in March 1995, but its history, insignia, and traditions were passed on to VFC-111, a Navy Reserve adversary squadron that continues to fly the Sundowners' colors and markings.
