Sundowning a San Diego Staple: The Deactivation of VMFAT-101
An active squadron since 1969 and stationed at MCAS Miramar for 24 years, the SharpSHooters of VMFAT-101 have produced generations of highly capable aviators. Their mission is now complete.
“Shit Hot.” This was one of the responses our group received when we asked the VMFAT-101 aviator leading our tour if the “SH” on the aircraft’s tail had a specific meaning. Of course that’s not an official Marine Corps designation. The SH was assigned to the unit the way any tail code is given, but many individuals in the community share the same perspective as this young, burgeoning fighter pilot. Make no mistake about it; after a brief glimpse into their world and meeting those involved, the “Shit Hot” moniker is well earned.
‘Why deactivate an iconic squadron that plays such a vital role?’ you may be asking. Years ago, somewhere inside the Pentagon, the higher powers committed the future of Marine Corps aviation to the F-35B Lightning II. This meant that at some juncture in time the need to train new F/A-18 pilots simply wouldn’t exist, so why maintain an F/A-18 training squadron? They bet the house on the F-35, and here we are today. The time had arrived.
“As outlined in the 2022 Marine Corps Aviation Plan, the Hornet will continue to operate and provide combat capability until its complete transition to the F-35 Lightning II in 2030.”
For me, it all began with a metaphoric “Hail Mary” of sorts. After soliciting advice from a few fellow spotters and a pilot or two, I figured there was no harm in sending an email to the 3rd Marine Air Wing asking for the privilege to attend VMFAT-101’s sundown ceremony. I genuinely thought my chances of success were 50/50 at best, so imagine my surprise when I received a reply granting my request! As the day drew closer, Marines from the 3rd MAW’s Communication Strategy and Operations group coordinated all the details and instructions as to how a civilian like myself could get on base. I had no idea what to expect, but I was totally committed to this incredible opportunity.
Fast forward to the afternoon of Thursday, September 28th, when I received a call from Lieutenant Baez, a member of the CommStrat group. Lt. Baez asked if I’d be available in the morning before the ceremony began at 1:01 pm. The SharpSHooters would be performing a ‘barn launch,’ sending out every aircraft in the squadron for a photo shoot offshore while trailing a media-filled KC-130J from VMGR-352 Raiders. Lt. Baez invited myself and the other photographers in the group to arrive early to visit a location on base that was elevated and would provide fantastic photo opportunities.
“For more than 50 years, instructor pilots of the VMFAT-101 “SharpSHooters” have qualified combat aviators and sent them to operational squadrons worldwide. The sundown commemorates the squadron’s history and contributions to Marine Corps readiness since its commissioning in 1969.”
On the morning of Friday, September 29th, I arrived at MCAS Miramar’s East Gate visitor’s parking lot and found Lt. Baez as instructed. There were a few other photographers arriving as well for the adventure. Also joining were (identified via Instagram name) mattdawson.photography, batmanbase, and airboyd. Arriving later in the day for the ceremony would be arizona_planespotter (Kyler), ajsr13131313 (Hamza Suria) and boispotter (CJ Moeser). Once the morning group was on-site, we formed a caravan of slow moving vehicles and wound our way through base before reaching the relatively isolated space Lt. Baez had in mind. Aside from a standard, thick morning marine layer, it was indeed a fantastic vantage point!
Once the barn launch was complete, it was time to return to the flight line and have a look. Driving through what felt like a spiderweb of roads, our caravan of automobiles passed by so many interesting offices, departments and hangars. It isn’t hard to notice all the history associated with Miramar. After a few more turns, we continued shadowing Lt. Baez to a parking lot situated right behind VMFAT-101’s hangar. In a place like this, something as mundane as an office sign takes on an added layer of significance. After passing through a security gate and rounding a few corners, “Fighter Attack Starts Here” greeted the group - the flight line lay just beyond.
Aside from one F/A-18 in maintenance, the massive hangar was void of most everything else. This was all in preparation for the large crowd that would soon be gathering, as well as a section of seating prepared in front. On the far side was a small collection of seats for media. We set down our bags, reveled in what our eyes and brains were taking in, and turned our attention further along the flight line.
The transition from the barn launch to the events on the flight line seemed to take 10 minutes, when in fact close to two hours had passed. The ever-recognizable sound of General Electric F404 turbofan engines began to flood everyone’s ears, and before long, SharpSHooters began to touch down. One by one each hornet recovered, taxied back to their line, parked with their respective ground crews, opened their canopies and exited their jets.
This is a great segue to recognize some key players that simply don’t get the limelight - the ground crews. Without their expertise and dedication, these metal birds wouldn’t move an inch. I went into this experience with a mental “note to self” to really observe the ground crews, what they do, and their relationships with the pilots.
First off, these ground crews work and operate in an extremely dangerous environment! As each aircraft returned to the line, there was powerful, super-heated jet exhaust moving in every direction. To make it even more dynamic, these booming streams of danger are constantly changing direction as each aircraft turns. The level of caution and awareness one must exhibit in this line of work must be paramount!
Secondly, these crews very clearly know their jets and they know them well. The choreographed events of the team descending upon their area of responsibility was a sight to behold! Wheel chocks are thrown into place, doors and hatches start popping open, the ladder sinks down, and the pilots greet the chief meeting them on the tarmac. None of these essential tasks could be accomplished by the those in the cockpit alone. Well, it would be extremely challenging, to say the least.
Last, but not least, the level of respect and mutual admiration between the aviators and their crews couldn’t have been more clear. The handshake, the eye contact, the debrief on the aircraft… Professionals on every level!
Once the engines had been shut down and the smell of leftover exhaust and JP-8 dominated my sinuses, Lt. Baez gathered the group to discuss the next set of events. Before long, we noticed two aviators coming our way who were obviously fresh out of the cockpit. Lt. Baez told the group that one of the pilots is the commanding officer of VMFAT-101, Lieutenant Colonel Franzen. More affectionately known by his callsign, “Yoshi,” Lt. Col. Franzen took the time to stop by, introduce himself to each of us, and was even familiar with everyone’s Instagram pages! Yoshi was a total class act - more to come with Yoshi later on.
Lined up along a specific section of the flight line was a row of flags including all 50 states and several other armed forces-related flags. The plan was to perform a final formation flight, and as the aircraft recovered, they were to taxi and park on the exterior side of the flags facing directly into the crowd.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants.”
As the pilots returned to the hangar and preparations began for the ceremonial final fight, we were treated by a SharpSHooter aviator to a tour of the hangar and attached offices. Following our new found guide through the hangar provided a feast for the eyes. Think of an auto shop on steroids, except much cleaner and more well-organized.
The stairway to the upper level was lined with SharpSHooter-related illustrations and rows of their iconic green/black/white diamonds. Passing through the upper door, I was immediately struck by the notion that I had seen this view before. It didn’t take long for myself and a few others to ask our guide, “is this the TopGun hallway?! Where Maverick runs into the officer and spills the coffee?!?” Our aviator guide, who by no fault of his own was quite young and not as familiar with the scene as us older guys, wasn’t sure of the answer. Although it was unconfirmed by our tour guide, this was the TopGun hallway.
The VMFAT-101 ready room reminded me of a college classroom set up for a lecture, except the artwork and materials were much, much cooler. It was humbling to think about the countless aviators that had been through that room. We were privy to a few other spaces where the pilots could spend down time, passed several locked doors, and were treated to one of the coolest hidden bars I’ve ever seen (and I’ve actually seen a few). Lined with glistening, smoothly lacquered Mahogany, there was enough memorabilia in this room to make your head spin. Photographs, patches, plaques, aircraft parts… even a pair of tail hooks hanging from the ceiling! The bar itself exuded class. Hanging above the bartender were dozens of customized mugs that any beer-drinking American would covet. As I was trying to take it all in and put my eyes on every detail I could, I noticed two patrons at the bar who didn’t look very pleased to have their peaceful environment invaded by a group of fan boys. Fair enough. As they were likely there to avoid all the hustle and bustle, I did my best to be respectful and hurry up.
The timing worked out well as the clock was moving closer to 1:01 PM when the ceremony was to begin. Transitioning back down the stairway and out the hangar, the energy had picked up and a few hornets were starting their engines for the final flight. The air was filled with the sounds of jet engines spooling and starting up. Yoshi was flying solo in the photogenic artic-camo F/A-18D with the Red Star on each tail; one of my personal favorite color schemes! An additional two Hornets were preparing to fly, as was the beautiful VMFAT-101 dark blue T-34. As Murphy’s Law would dictate, one of the Hornets was being temperamental and refusing to allow the right engine to start. The crew did their best to troubleshoot, but it was clear this Hornet wasn’t leaving the nest. The left engine was shut down and the aircraft was vacated by it’s pilots. Even the best laid plans can go awry.
The problematic right engine!
I have to assume a game-time decision was made and they simply moved forward minus one F/A-18. Ultimately, two Hornets began taxiing to Runway 24L along with the T-34. Simultaneously, the crowd continued to swell. Aviators in flight suits sporting patches from all types of squadrons around the region were mingling. Men and women dressed to impress began cavorting and all types of personnel arrived to spectate. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band was ushered in and began preparing for their performance that would soon begin. Moments later, the three aircraft rushed down the runway with presence (even the T-34) and one by one disappeared into the clouds.
It was nice to sit down and take a load off my feet at this point. I was trying to take it all in as the still growing crowd began to take structure and aim their attention toward the lectern where the ceremony would be centered. As myself and the other media/photographers gathered in our assigned space, I noticed a man in a flight suit with his entourage approaching our area. The night prior, I had done a bit of research on the 3rd MAW just in case, and it paid off. I immediately recognized the man walking towards us as Major General Michael Borgschulte, the Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. General Borgschulte generously stopped to introduce himself to me and a few other of us photographers before continuing on his way. Matt Dawson recognized the General as well and we both lamented on the opportunity we had to meet him!
“As a former commanding officer of the ‘SharpSHooters,’ I can attest to the squadron’s direct impact on the Marine Corps’ operational readiness today. VMFAT-101 has shaped a critical element of naval aviation for a half-century, and the Marines and Sailors of the squadron remain pivotal in preserving that warfighting legacy and transitioning to the next generation of combat aviation. ”
1:01 was drawing ever closer and a kind voice at the lectern interrupted the constant hum of the crowd requesting everyone take their seats. This was a 10 or 15 minute heads up if I remember correctly. I had completely forgotten about the aircraft that took off earlier and a voice in the crowd stated they’d be overflying the hangar shortly. Well, that was a literal interpretation of “shortly,” as mere moments later they rumbled over the VMFAT-101 hangar and the gathered crowd from a north to south direction. I’d say it caught the majority of the crowd by surprise and served as a perfect call to attention! The two Hornets entered the pattern and performed a picture-perfect carrier break with Yoshi leading the way. They rounded the break and set their aircraft down, as did the T-34. These were the final VMFAT-101 aircraft to land at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar before the official squadron sundown.
The band got into position and the crowd’s focus was ready. As I scanned the scene, I noticed a distinct row of gentlemen seated in the front row. It was only natural to observe they were sitting in what appeared to be chronological order according to age. These men comprised the former commanding officers of VMFAT-101, representing generations of well-trained Marine Corps aviators, as well as the dedication to their alma mater. Their presence was humbling.
As planned, the three aircraft taxied into specific positions facing the crowd, just opposite the line of flags. The engines commanded attention as even their idle roar drowned any ambient sound. As the engines wound down, the aviators exited their aircraft and removed their helmets and harnesses on the spot. Remaining in their flight suits and trading helmets for caps, Yoshi and the other pilots began moving toward their places for the festivities to begin. A few announcements were made and the band started with a moving rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
The first order of business was the assembly of the color guard and the pass in review, performed by none other than Yoshi himself. Flanked by Maj. Gen. Borgschulte and Colonel Mitchell, Yoshi proceeded in perfect procession as the guard followed suit. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band brought up the tail with a booming bass drum and crisp snare line. Once complete, the three leaders of the ceremony took their seats close to the lectern and the players all fell into their places. First up was Major Gen. Borgschulte with a speech to the crowd. Per standard San Diego protocol, the onshore breeze kicked in around noon, and by this point was well established. The clouds gave way to sun and we now found ourselves slightly upwind of the PA speakers making it slightly challenging to hear the speakers from our media section. Maj. Gen. Borgschulte spoke for a few minutes before handing the mic to Colonel William Mitchell, Marine Aircraft Group 11’s Commanding Officer. Colonel Mitchell, call sign “Skull,” was flying the No. 2 Hornet behind Yoshi in the final flight, and gave a sincere speech on the impact VMFAT-101 had on his career.
The final portion of the ceremony belonged to Yoshi. As he began to address the crowd, it was clear Yoshi felt and understood the gravity of this moment. His emotion and heartfelt words carried the substance of years of experience and relationships. This moment also exemplified the respect everyone has for Yoshi. All eyes were trained on him, our ears hanging on every word. Toward the finale of his time, Yoshi made a statement that perfectly and concisely summed up the entire day. Looking at the row of former 101 CO’s, he said in the most genuine way possible, “we stand on the shoulders of giants.”
Lt. Col. Franzen aka “Yoshi”
A perfectly timed surprise with some welcomed levity was now Yoshi’s to present. Along the boundary of the ceremony close to the flight line sat the vertical stabilizer of an F-4 Phantom mounted on a trailer. One side had a traditional, fresh “SH” diamond design that was always visible. The other side, however, was covered by a taped-on silver sheet and was facing the crowd. Turning again to the line of retired VMFAT-101 CO’s, Yoshi expressed his gratitude for their contributions and then directed his attention to the F-4 tail. At Yoshi’s command, the sheet was carefully peeled to reveal a stunning, colorful and detailed design paying homage to the SharpSHooters. There was a brief audible gasp, followed by a thorough applause for Yoshi, the event, the tail, and the SharpSHooters of VMFAT-101 (past and present).
I won’t even try to describe the tail because I can’t verbally communicate the level of talent and attention to detail that was given to this project. That’s why I added these photos!
Up next was perhaps the most visually significant event of the ceremony. After his closing thoughts, Yoshi shut off his microphone and solemnly approached the color guard standing at attention. The two flags carried by the color guard, the American flag and the flag of the United States Marine Corps, were now the focus. The Marine Corps flag was lowered to a 90 degree angle. With a dark forest camouflage covering, Yoshi proceeded to carefully place it over the now wrapped flag and it was raised back into a vertical position. The same process was repeated for the American flag. The symbolism of these two covered flags, accomplished by the commanding officer of VMFAT-101, truly felt like an end. It was a heavy moment, and I believe the hundreds gathered to witness this historic event felt the weight.
Once the flag ceremony was complete, that was all she wrote. The so-called “fat lady” had sung and VMFAT-101 was now deactivated. The crowd was then unleashed and rapidly descended upon the commemorative F-4 tail. The awe and admiration given to this gift reminded me of young kids circling tightly around someone’s cool show and tell toy. The best part was seeing the former CO’s pose for photos with the tail; their pride beaming like a lighthouse. I found myself in wonder at the history, experiences, and contributions that are essentially contained within one photograph. Rockstars.
With that, the civilian media were rounded up by Lt. Baez and our time to exit stage left had arrived. Walking back through the hangar on our way out was bittersweet, but likely paled in comparison to how the members of VMFAT-101 felt. Thank you to all those involved in making this day so momentous and memorable!
“The training mission of VMFAT-101 will transfer to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, a 3rd MAW operational squadron at MCAS Miramar.”
By this point, I’m sure everyone is curious as to what became of VMFAT-101’s aviators, crews and aircraft. Many of those assets transferred over to VMFA-323 Death Rattlers, another legacy Hornet squadron with a residency at MCAS Miramar. Regarding the number of pilots and aircraft that made that switch, I do not know those answers. A SharpSHooter pilot I had the pleasure of getting to know was sent to Beaufort, SC, to fly Marine Corps legacy Hornets at MCAS Beaufort. I’m sure he wasn’t the only one to be sent elsewhere around the country. As of this writing, several VMFAT-101 F/A-18’s have been repainted and are flying with the Death Rattlers, but many others have been sent to the boneyard. They served their country well, fulfilled their service life (and then some), and now rest under the sun like a community of silver-haired retirees at Davis-Montham AFB outside Tucson, AZ.
Lt. Col. Franzen recently accepted a position flying the friendlier skies with Delta Airlines! So, if you find yourself on a Delta flight in the future, make sure you listen to the announcements when the pilot and first officer introduce themselves. You may have the privilege of flying with a legend!
An F/A-18C with VMFA-323 Death Rattlers
