Our Legacy: Sundowners Flying Club History

THE NAMESAKE: WWII FIGHTER SQUADRON 11
Our club honors the spirit of the U.S. Navy's Fighter Squadron 11 (VF-11). Commissioned in October 1942 at NAS North Island, the squadron was quickly deployed to the Pacific. During intensive pre-combat training in Hawaii, the pilots designed their famous insignia: two fighter planes shooting the Japanese Rising Sun flag into the ocean.

The name "Sundowners" carried a double meaning. It was a literal promise to down the aircraft of the Japanese Empire, but it also referenced an old nautical term for a strict, hard-working captain who drove his crew until the sun went down. This blend of grit and tactical humor became the hallmark of the unit.

Operating first with the F4F Wildcat during the grueling Guadalcanal campaign, the squadron claimed 55 enemy kills in just a few months. They later transitioned to the powerful F6F Hellcat, flying from the deck of the USS Hornet (CV-12). By the end of the war, the Sundowners had accounted for 102 enemy aircraft shot down in the air and dozens more destroyed on the ground, earning the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation for their extraordinary heroism in action.

THE SUNDOWNERS PATROL
For many years, the club expanded its mission through the Sundowners Patrol. This was a dedicated civil reconnaissance and search-and-rescue support unit. Members volunteered their time and aircraft to patrol local coastlines and assist authorities in spotting boaters in distress or verifying offshore conditions. Though the Patrol is now defunct, that "Always Watching" mindset remains a core part of our safety culture today.

BAHAMAS HURRICANE RELIEF MISSIONS
The Sundowners have a long history of General Aviation in action. Following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, our members mobilized a massive private relief effort. Using our club fleet and personal aircraft, Sundowner pilots flew thousands of pounds of critical supplies--including water, medicine, and generators--directly into Marsh Harbour, Freeport, and Treasure Cay. These flights provided a lifeline when commercial infrastructure was destroyed, proving that our club is a vital community asset.

THE CLUB TODAY
Today, the Sundowners Flying Club operates from our private hangar space, focusing on high-standard flight training, meticulous maintenance, and fostering the next generation of aviators. We carry forward the bravery of the original squadron and the selfless service of the Patrol into every flight we take.