U.S. Marine Corps Retires AV-8B Harrier II After Over 50 Years
The U.S. Marine Corps held a final public flight and sundown ceremony for the AV-8B Harrier II at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, retiring the vertical/short takeoff and landing jet after over 50 years of service. Marine Attack Squadron 223 conducted the flyover, with jets later sent to museums or storage. The Harrier, derived from a British design, saw combat in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. Its retirement completes the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s transition to the F-35B and F-35C Lightning II.
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US Marine Corps Retires Last AV-8B Harrier II Jump Jets
The United States Marine Corps officially retired its final AV-8B Harrier II jump jets on June 3, 2026, during a sundown ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. The ceremony honored Marine Attack Squadron 223, the last operational Harrier squadron. The retirement ends 55 years of service for the iconic vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft, which saw extensive combat in the Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. The Harrier's unique capability allowed it to operate from amphibious assault ships and austere forward bases. The retirement paves the way for the full transition of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to the F-35B and F-35C Lightning II. The AV-8B originated from a US-UK cooperative effort in the 1970s, first flew in 1981, and entered USMC service in 1985. Around 340 aircraft were produced before manufacturing ended in 2003.
UK Defence JournalU.S. Marine Corps Retires AV-8B Harrier II Jump Jet
The U.S. Marine Corps held a 'sundown' ceremony on Wednesday at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, to officially retire the AV-8B Harrier II, a fighter jet capable of vertical takeoff and landing without a runway. Over 5,000 people attended to witness the last flight of the aircraft by a U.S. unit. The Harrier, known as the 'jump jet,' has been a key asset for the Marines for decades, providing close air support and flexibility in expeditionary operations. Its retirement marks the end of an era for vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aviation in the Marine Corps, as the service transitions to newer platforms like the F-35B Lightning II.
Just In NewsUS Marine Corps Retires AV-8B Harrier II After Over 50 Years of Service
The U.S. Marine Corps officially retired its AV-8B Harrier II jump jet in a sundown ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, marking the end of over 50 years of V/STOL (vertical/short takeoff and landing) operations. The final operational squadron, Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA-223) 'Bulldogs', conducted the ceremony. The Harrier, derived from the British Hawker Siddeley design, was a cornerstone of Marine expeditionary airpower, capable of operating from short runways, austere bases, and amphibious assault ships. Its retirement paves the way for the full transition of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to the F-35B and F-35C Lightning II. The article highlights the aircraft's combat history from the Middle East to Afghanistan and its evolution through AV-8A and AV-8B variants, including radar-equipped 'Plus' models.
The War ZoneMarines’ AV-8 Harrier Jump Jet Takes Its Final Bow
The U.S. Marine Corps officially retired the AV-8B Harrier II jump jet in a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, marking the end of over 50 years of Harrier operations. The final operational squadron, Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA-223) 'Bulldogs', conducted the sundown ceremony. The Harrier, derived from the British Hawker Siddeley design, was a pioneering vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft that served from the Cold War through conflicts in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Its retirement paves the way for the full transition of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to the F-35B and F-35C Lightning II. The article highlights the aircraft's unique capabilities, its evolution from the AV-8A to the radar-equipped AV-8B Plus, and its significance to Marine Corps expeditionary air power.
The War ZoneThe USMC’s AV-8B Harrier Has Flown Off Into The Sunset
The U.S. Marine Corps officially retired its AV-8B Harrier II jump jet in a sundown ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, marking the end of over 50 years of Marine Corps vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) operations. The final operational squadron, Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA-223) 'Bulldogs', conducted the ceremony. The Harrier, derived from the British Hawker Siddeley design, was a unique attack aircraft capable of operating from short runways, austere bases, and amphibious assault ships. Its retirement paves the way for the full transition of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to the F-35B and F-35C Lightning II. The article highlights the aircraft's combat history from the Middle East to Afghanistan and its role in defining the Marine Corps' expeditionary character.
The War ZoneMarine Corps Harrier Jet Makes Final Public Flight Before Retirement
The U.S. Marine Corps' AV-8B Harrier II ground attack jets, known for vertical takeoff and landing, will make a final public flight on June 4, 2026, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, marking the aircraft's retirement after over 40 years of service. The ceremony involves Marine Attack Squadron 223, which deployed to the Caribbean last year as part of the buildup that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. A formation of five Harriers will fly over and land before thousands of attendees, including senior Marine leaders and retired Harrier pilots. The squadron will deliver remaining jets to museums or storage facilities and officially deactivate in September. The Harrier, first flown by the Marines in 1985, saw combat in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and elsewhere, and was valued for its ability to operate from short runways and amphibious ships, providing close air support to ground commanders with minimal support infrastructure.
Task & PurposeMarine Corps Harrier Jet Makes Final Public Flight Before Retirement
The Marine Corps' AV-8B Harrier II ground attack jets, known for vertical takeoff and landing, will make a final public flight on Wednesday at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, marking the aircraft's retirement after over 50 years of service. The ceremony involves a flyover of five Harriers from Marine Attack Squadron 223, which deployed to the Caribbean last year as part of the buildup that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Senior Marine leaders, local officials, and retired Harrier pilots are expected to attend. The squadron will deliver remaining jets to museums and storage facilities over several months, with official deactivation in September. The Harrier first flew with the Marines in 1971, saw combat in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, and was prized for its ability to operate from short runways and amphibious ships without needing an airfield.
Task & PurposeMarine Corps Harrier Jet Makes Final Public Flight Before Retirement
The U.S. Marine Corps' AV-8B Harrier II ground attack jets, known for vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, will make a final public flight on June 4, 2026, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, marking the aircraft's retirement after over four decades of service. The ceremony involves Marine Attack Squadron 223, which recently deployed to the Caribbean as part of the buildup leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. A formation of five Harriers will fly over and land before thousands of attendees, including senior Marine leaders and retired Harrier pilots. The squadron will deliver remaining jets to museums or storage facilities and officially deactivate in September. The Harrier, first flown by the Marines in 1985, saw combat in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, and was valued for its ability to operate from short runways and amphibious ships, supporting ground commanders with minimal support infrastructure.
Task & Purpose