The Last Samurai: The Legend of VF-111 "Sundowners" and Miss Molly
Among aviation enthusiasts worldwide, few visual icons are as instantly recognizable as the VF-111 "Sundowners." The fiery "Rising Sun" rays on the vertical stabilizers and the aggressive shark mouth on the nose have become the cultural hallmark of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat. Within this storied squadron, the aircraft designated NL200 (BuNo 161621), famously known as "Miss Molly," stands as the ultimate legend.
The Heritage and Totem The nickname "Sundowners" originated during WWII, signifying the squadron's mission to shoot down the "Rising Sun" of the Imperial Japanese Air Force. By the Cold War era, this name evolved into a symbol of romanticism and power. They painted brilliant red and yellow sunbursts across the F-14’s massive twin tails, representing a force that never sets.
The Story of "Miss Molly" The "Miss Molly" livery appeared in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Departing from the sterile, cold appearance of modern fighters, this F-14A (BuNo 161621) featured a pin-up style silhouette of a blonde lady below the left side of the cockpit. This was "Miss Molly," a classic nod to the "Nose Art" traditions of World War II.
In reality, the name had a prestigious connection. This specific aircraft served as the CAG Bird (Carrier Air Group Commander's aircraft). "Molly" was the nickname of the wife of Rear Admiral "Slam" Reed, who was the commander of the Carrier Group at the time. This touch of chivalry added a layer of elegance to the otherwise menacing shark-mouthed Tomcat.
A Visual Masterpiece During an era when the U.S. Navy was transitioning from High-Visibility (Hi-Viz) to Low-Visibility (Lo-Viz) tactical paint schemes, "Miss Molly" remained a defiant explosion of color. It featured the iconic black anti-glare nose, the aggressive red shark teeth, and the radiant sunburst tails. Under the Pacific sun, the matte finish and vibrant markings created a high-tension industrial aesthetic that fascinated photographers and pilots alike.
The Final Sunset In 1995, amidst the post-Cold War defense budget cuts, the illustrious VF-111 was disestablished. The "Sundowners" finally met their own sunset. NL200, carrying the likeness of Miss Molly, was retired and sent to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
Though the actual aircraft no longer screams through the skies, "Miss Molly" has achieved immortality in the world of scale modeling. From Tamiya to Hasegawa, nearly every major manufacturer has replicated this iconic livery. She is more than just a painted airframe; she is the final elegy for an era of aerial heroism and the golden age of the Tomcat.
