VF-111 (1956-95)

Fighter Squadron 111
VF-111 squadron patch
Active	4 June 1956 - 31 March 1995
Country	United States
Branch	United States Navy
Motto(s)	Illegitimi Non Carborundum
Mascot(s)	Omar
Engagements	Vietnam War
Aircraft flown
Fighter	F11F-1 Tiger F-8D/E/C/H Crusader F-4B/J/N Phantom F-14A Tomcat

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 4 June 1956, it was redesignated VF-111 on 20 January 1959, the day after the original VF-111 was disestablished. The squadron was redesignated VF-26 on 1 September 1964, redesignated as VF-111 on 17 September 1964 and disestablished on 31 March 1995.

3 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 US Navy does not recognize a direct lineage with disestablished squadrons if a new squadron is formed with the same designation. Often, the new squadron will assume the nickname, insignia, and traditions of the earlier squadrons. In November 2006, VFC-13 Detachment Key West was redesignated as VFC-111, taking on the 'Sundowner' insignia and callsign.

VA-156, originally known as the Iron Tigers, was established on 4 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.

In 1961 the Sundowners' traditional mascot, "Omar," was conceived by squadron enlisted men to mark the transition to the 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.

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 BuNo 148637 was hit by antiaircraft fire over North Vietnam and crashed into the sea. The pilot CDR James LaHaye, was killed in action, body not recovered. On 27 May, F-8D BuNo 148706 was shot down near Vinh; the pilot CDR Doyle Lynn was killed in action, body not recovered. On 12 August. F-8D BuNo 147911 was lost; the pilot, LTJG Gene Gollahon, was killed and his remains were returned in March 1974. On 3 November, F-8D BuNo 148635 was shot down; the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued.