The unmistakable silhouette of the AV-8B Harrier II has officially departed the skies of the United States Marine Corps, marking the end of a pivotal half-century era for American military aviation. On June 3, 2026, the service held a final “Sundown Ceremony” at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point in North Carolina, bidding farewell to an aircraft that fundamentally redefined the concept of expeditionary air power.
For more than 40 years, the Harrier—often affectionately referred to as the “jump jet”—provided the Marine Corps with a unique tactical advantage. Its ability to take off from short, austere runways and land vertically allowed it to operate far from the traditional infrastructure required by conventional fighter jets. From the deserts of the Middle East and Afghanistan to the decks of amphibious assault ships, the Harrier’s operational footprint was as diverse as it was critical to the Corps’ identity.
A Legacy of Vertical Flight
The Harrier’s journey began in 1971 with the introduction of the first-generation AV-8A, pioneering the vertical and/or short take-off and landing (VSTOL) capability in U.S. Service. This capability was later refined through the introduction of the AV-8B Harrier II in 1985, followed by the radar-equipped AV-8B+ variants that remained in service until this week’s final retirement. The aircraft’s retirement ceremony at MCAS Cherry Point was hosted by the “Bulldogs” of Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA-223), which served as the final operational unit for the type.
The farewell event, which was streamed via the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), included a ceremonial five-ship formation flyover. The aircraft—comprising four single-seat AV-8B variants and one twin-seat TAV-8B trainer—performed their final flight maneuvers before landing in front of an assembled crowd. In a poignant tribute to the aircraft’s long service, the jets were greeted with a ceremonial water cannon salute, a traditional honor for transitioning aviation platforms.
Transitioning to the Next Generation
The retirement of the Harrier is part of a broader, long-planned transition within the Marine Corps to modernize its tactical aviation fleet. As the AV-8B exits the inventory, the Corps is shifting its focus toward the F-35B Lightning II, which also possesses short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities. The F-35B represents a significant technological leap, offering advanced sensor integration, stealth characteristics, and enhanced multi-role combat performance, effectively stepping into the role the Harrier occupied for decades.
While the June 3 ceremony marked the conclusion of official Marine Corps Harrier operations, the aircraft will remain a visible presence for a short time longer. Remaining airframes are currently being processed for transfer to museums or shipment to the “boneyard” for storage and parts reclamation. VMA-223 itself is slated to remain active through the coming months, with a final deactivation currently scheduled for September 2026.
Looking Ahead
The conclusion of the Harrier program is not merely the retirement of hardware; it is the end of a specific operational philosophy that shaped the expeditionary character of the Marine Corps for generations. The transition to the F-35B is expected to continue across the service, ensuring that the Marine Corps maintains its unique ability to project power from amphibious platforms and austere forward bases.
For aviation enthusiasts and historians, the coming months will offer final opportunities to witness the iconic jump jet as it makes its way to its permanent resting places. Official updates regarding the final deactivation of VMA-223 and the status of the remaining fleet are expected to be provided by the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing as the transition concludes later this year. We invite our readers to share their memories of the Harrier in the comments section below as we document this significant milestone in military history.