Author Topic: Vf-111 (Read 1903 times)

drm · « **on:** November 11, 2003, 04:05:17 PM »

Do you like flying the Corsair and are looking for a good squad to fly with? Then you have found the right one. The VF-111 is based of an actual famous WWII Squadron. We do this to show gratitude and respect to their members. We will soon have a website up and are currently recruiting. So if you play Knights and love the Corsair and even the F6f then give us a shout at VF-11 Sundowners . Also tune v199 ingame.

The post about the 38th Support Wing is also about the group just could not change title sorry.

Reschke · « **Reply #1 on:** November 11, 2003, 04:34:31 PM »

Good Luck drm. Anytime you want to hook your group up with VF-17 we would be glad to have you guys fly on our wing with us.

Nice to see a couple of other USN based squadrons building up around here as well.

Arlo · « **Reply #2 on:** November 11, 2003, 06:39:53 PM »

Sundowners!

It's good to see another historically based squadron formed.

I noticed a few differences and wasn't sure if it's an intentional departure on your part but I thought I'd pass on the following:

1: VF-111 was VF-11 during WWII.

2: VF-11 didn't fly the F4U Corsair in WWII. They started in the F4F Wildcat and later transitioned/reformed in the States flying the F6F Hellcat.

3: There are no "Colonels" in the U.S. Navy. Marine and Army (Air Corps) Colonels would be equivilant to the Navy rank of Captain. U.S. Navy squadrons were typically commanded by Lt. Commanders (Lcdr/O-4 ... 2 steps below Colonel/Captain/O-6).

Some info from some websites you may be interested in:

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http://www.tradecorridor.com/sundowners/wwii.htm

The Sundowners were commissioned in August 23, 1942 at San Diego and began forming up and started training as a Navy Fighter Squadron. On October 23, 1942 they embarked for transport to Hawaii aboard the USS CHENANGO (CVE-28). On 1 November, 1942 to 15 February 1943 they were in training at Maui. The Squadron picked up their nickname the SUNDOWNERS here. It shows two F4F-4 Wildcats sinking the rising Japanese Sun.

19 February - 13 July, 1943. First combat tour: Operation from shore bases in South Pacific. Left Pearl Harbor aboard the USS ALTAMAHA (CVE-18) and the USS LONG ISLAND (CVE-1) for Nandi in the Fiji Islands. After a period of training, moved forward to Guadalcanal, arriving 26 April, 1943. Combat air patrol on the 27th marked the beginning of a busy period in which the squadron flew scramble intercepts and escorted planes of VB and VT 11 on bombing missions. Began departure from Guadalcanal 1 July, 1943 to Espiritu Santo and on 1 August, departed for the United States on the USS CHENANGO (CVE-28).

In the brief but active tour, VF-11 accounted for 55 enemy aircraft definitely shot down with the loss of five pilots, but only one of these by enemy action. Six pilots became Aces during the Guadalcanal tour. Thirty-one enemy planes were shot down by the Sun Downers 16 July, 1943. Vern Graham became an Ace in one-flight---11 July, 1943. (Additional information in this paragraph has been added by "Tim").

25 September 1943, - 5 September 1944, the Squadron reformed at NAS Alameda (transitioning to the F6F) and trained in the west coast area. On 27 March 1944 the squadron embarked with the air group on the USS WASP (CV-18) at San Diego for transfer to the Hawaiian area with training at Hilo and Barbers Point.

5-29 September 1944 enroute Pearl Harbor to Manus in the Admiralties. 29 September 1944-February 1945 was the second combat tour. Embarked on the USS HORNET (CV-12) at Manus for operation with Task Force 38. Strikes on Formosa 12-14 October, northern Luzon and Manila airfields 18-19 October, support of Leyte landings 20 October, and retirement toward Ulithi on the 22nd. Returned to action during last phase of battle for Leyte Gulf to attack Japanese Fleet units as they retire from the battle area.

In November, supported Leyte occupation forces with strikes on central Luzon, Ormoc Bay and Manila harbor. Luzon strikes in December. Operation against Formosa along the China coast from the South China Sea in January. Returned to Ulithi on 26 January 1945 and detached from the Hornet on 1 February.

"The 103 victories scored under Commanding Officer LCDR Eugene Fairfax, established VF-11 as the 17th ranked Hellcat squadron among over 80 which flew F6Fs in combat".

1-24 February 1945 Enroute Ulithi to United States on board USS KASAAN BAY (CVE69) to Pearl Harbor and CURTISS (AV-4) to NAS Alameda. An interesting note VF-11 (later VF-111), together with VF-51 were the only squadrons to score kills in all three wars, WWII, Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

VF-11 Sundowner flightline (F4Fs).

Sundowners on Guadalcanal.

http://www.tradecorridor.com/sundowners/1940.htm

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As I said ... I'm not sure if you're interested in portraying your squadron as a historically accurate representation of VF-11 or not. I only passed on this information in case you were interested. Either way .. it's good to see another Navy squadron. And another Navy F4U squadron would be even more welcome.

drm · « **Reply #3 on:** November 11, 2003, 07:08:28 PM »

I really appreciate all the comments on the actual VF-11. some of it I will take like I will be changing the name to VF-11. Also I will see if my squads will like to use the F6Fs also cause i would like to keep it in its best representation.

MajorDay · « **Reply #4 on:** November 11, 2003, 07:11:11 PM »

Good Luck Drm with new squadron and VF-84 will be happy to help you guys whatever ya need

drm · « **Reply #5 on:** November 11, 2003, 07:33:44 PM »

Well ive decided we will pay tribute to their name but we will fly corsairs mainly. Corsairs are my favorite anyways lol. and the reason i put VF-111 is cause the page i read showed that a few years later they were renamed VF-111 but you were right about that being after the war. Also ty guys for the offers and ill look for yall. Ill have a site soon.

spitfire708 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 11, 2003, 08:15:00 PM »

Thank u for letting me join DRM. ~~Hope i can bring in some kills.~~

Arlo · « **Reply #7 on:** November 11, 2003, 08:35:17 PM »

Again .... welcome Navy brethren. And I agree .... Corsairs are the greatest. And as far as my historical "nit-pickyness" is concerned .... I freely admit that in our virtual alternate reality we're free to take certain liberties, I suppose. The historical Sundowners have a terrific lineage and certainly attained an heroic stature as a Navy squadron. Whether flying Corsairs or Hellcats, I'm sure your squadron will do them proud.

drm · « **Reply #8 on:** November 12, 2003, 04:02:25 PM »

yep i agree

drm · « **Reply #9 on:** November 12, 2003, 05:47:42 PM »

The VF-11 Will be portrayed accurately so beginning tomorrow u can call on us if u need F6F help!

spitfire708 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 12, 2003, 07:39:05 PM »

Thought we were gonna also stick with the Corsairs

drm · « **Reply #11 on:** November 12, 2003, 09:45:46 PM »

well i got messing with the F6F and its not to bad. But i guess we will all need to come to agreement im willing to discuss it bud.

drm · « **Reply #12 on:** November 12, 2003, 10:42:36 PM »

yep just ran the best flight ive had with the F6F so i want us and try to use it lol. great plane

Jester · « **Reply #13 on:** November 13, 2003, 07:51:54 PM »

Don't let the "Corsair Goons" fool you DRM, the "Kitty" is a great plane and flown by a competent pilot is great in a fight with any enemy aircraft.

Respect her limitations and lean hard on it's diving ability and the range of it's .50 cal. guns and you won't go wrong.

Of course, if your best manuver is to "Run like a Nancy Boy" every time a enemy plane gets near you, the Hog is the right plane.

But if you want to FIGHT go with the Kitty.

Good luck with your new squadron. ~~VF-11! GO NAVY!~~

Jester
(Former C.O. VF-27 HELLCATS)

Reschke · « **Reply #14 on:** November 13, 2003, 08:01:18 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Jester
the "Kitty" is a great plane and flown by a competent pilot is great in a fight with any enemy aircraft.

Respect her limitations and lean hard on it's diving ability and the range of it's .50 cal. guns and you won't go wrong.

Something this "Corsair Goon" has yet to see is a "competent" Kitty driver.

Quote

Of course, if your best manuver is to "Run like a Nancy Boy" every time a enemy plane gets near you, the Hog is the right plane. But if you want to FIGHT go with the Kitty.

Good luck with your new squadron. ~~VF-11! GO NAVY!~~

Jester
(Former C.O. VF-27 HELLCATS) [/B]

~~"Run like a Nancy Boy" gee Jester we're not P-51 drivers.~~