Schools from either the Atlantic or Pacifi c
Fleet. The fl eet orchestrates the scenarios and
sets the tempo for the exercise. Once again, it
involves a gradual build-up in which aircrew
are brought up to speed in the air combat
arena, upon which they may not have been
concentrating as much at squadron level.
In many instances SFARP brings in the air
wing’s E-2 Hawkeye squadron to provide
training for the aircrew and controllers, who
work with each other in real world-type
presentations. VFC-111’s role is to provide
an adversary force that does its best to thwart
the air wing’s plans or objectives, whether
that may be defending the simulated carrier
battle group, projecting a simulated air strike,
or defending a downed aviator. VFC-111
simulates a variety of aircraft, from fi ghtersto strikers. And, as in all graduate-level
exercises, the ‘Sundowners’ make ‘kills’ to
remove participants from the scenario. It is
in these large force exercises that VFC-111’s
vast knowledge really comes into play as
they fi ght using the F-5 to the best of their
abilities.
On a smaller scale, VFC-111 plays host to
a variety of other aviation units seeking their
expertise, from USAF fi ghter and USAF
Reserve bomber squadrons to Air National
Guard C-130 units. And while the Key West
Range Complex is a big draw for the superb
training it offers visiting squadrons, the
‘Sundowners’ can take their show on the
road. In the past they have sent detachments
to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to
support the US Marine Corps Hornet FRS,Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101
(VMFAT-101), as well as to other locations
around the country.
While air combat has evolved, it still
remains the domain of the fi ghter pilot in the
cockpit. The ‘Sundowners’, and the US Navy
as a whole, plan to continue to utilize the
F-5 as their primary adversary platform for
many years to come. Plans are being fl oated to
improve the Tiger II’s capabilities, including
low-cost helmet-mounted sights to provide
high off-boresight capability, and improved
avionics to make the aircraft safer and easier
to operate. Most importantly, especially in
light of the reduction of the USAF aggressor
force, there are plans to acquire up to a further
54 F-5s to augment the current fl eet and
expand its operations.A crew chief goes through pre-taxi control
checks with one of the many highly
experienced F-5 pilots on the squadron.The current US Navy F-5
eet is composed of former
Swiss Air Force aircraft,
procured at very low cost
and upgraded for the
adversary role by Northrop
Grumman. The aircraft
feature a range of stunning
camou age schemes,
typical of adversary units.4942-51 VFC-111 C.indd 49 19/03/2015 10:28