Sunset of the Harrier

Story and photos by Shawn Byers

The United States Marine Corps retired the last of their world famous Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing (V/STOL) AV-8B Harrier II attack aircraft on 3 June 2026.

The primary mission of Marine Aviation is to support the ground troops. For 43 years, The Harrier was the mainstay heavy hitter of that mission. Able to position anywhere, it could be deployed close to the front lines. The Harrier could carry an array of weapons, but the primary mission was attack. It was subsonic, single engined with a Rolls Royce Pegasus 11 Mk 105, with a combat radius of 300 nautical miles, carrying up to 17,000 pounds of fuel and armament. In later years, improvement in radar allowed it to fly at night.

With the retirement of the Harrier, the Marine Corps also retired the Attack squadron, designated VMA. VMA 223, the “Great American Bulldogs” was the last standing VMA squadron. They will continue on as VMFA 223 once transitioning to the F-35B Lightning II.

The Bulldogs have a long history, forming as VMF 223 in 1942. Their first action was over Guadalcanal in Grumman F4F Wildcats. Later during World War II, they operated the F4U Corsair over the Philippines and Okinawa. In the 1950s, The Bulldogs operated the Grumman F9F Panther, the North American FJ-4B Fury and then the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk in 1965. They set a monthly record for combat missions in 1967 over Vietnam. They flew the A-4 to include the upgraded A-4M and transferred to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at MCAS Cherry Point in 1977. They transitioned to the AV-8B Harrier in 1987. The Rising Sun pattern on their tails pays homage to their history in World War II. They participated in Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Inherit Resolve. Oh, and one movie, “True Lies” in 1994 featuring a spectacular double missile attack on a Florida Keys bridge.

The Open House

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point hosted a multi-day celebration that included an open house with VMA 223, an evening picnic at a nearby park with a flyover that I missed, the on-base final flights in less than desirable lighting and a formal dinner. All events were open to the public.

The VMA 223 Open House was held at their hangar on the East side of the base. This hangar will be demolished soon as new hangar space awaits them on the north side. Two Harriers were positioned outside the hangar and there was one inside with steps. Everyone who desired could step up and sit in the cockpit. There were many old photos arranged on the hangar doors. Reunions of old squadron mates echoed through the hangar. I overheard someone say that the Harrier Community was very tight knit. VMA 223 had a table set up to buy squadron items like shirts, patches and coins. Other based squadrons joined in selling their own items. One or two reenlistments occurred in front of the static Harrier.

The ready room was also open. Inside, the “There I Was” Podcast was being taped. I listened to a few stories of Harrier lore and admired a lot of plaques lining the walls. This was a well-attended event.

The Great American Picnic

This picnic was an opportunity for the Marine Corps to thank the Havelock Community and for Havelock to let their appreciation for the Harrier known. It was a sunny and breezy afternoon with music, vendors, guest speakers and a Harrier flyover. I knew approximately when it was happening but not from which direction. I was close to the stage and focusing on the color guard while the National Anthem was sung. I should have known with everything I have seen that this flyover, which was early, would coincide with the National Anthem. I missed it completely, but I saw it, the image burned in my brain, but no photos. I was disappointed and left soon after, calling it an early night. I heard that a few Spanish Harriers landed at the base, but I never saw them.

The Final Flights

“The Setup is the Setup”, I overheard. I mentioned the hangar was on the East side and this event began at 1000 and was over by 1100. All flights approached from the north along Runway 5R/23L. Security for the rest of the base probably had something to do with it. I just wish we could have been oriented differently.

It was another breezy day and a large flag display raised by two large cranes had ripped and was ultimately taken down.

There was also an armament display of all the ordnance that the Harrier could carry.

There was a mass staggered launch of 5 Harriers just after 1000. I positioned on the top row of a bleacher unit. I tried some long distance shots of the final two or three Harriers launching from Runway 14L/32R.

The first flyover was a 4-ship flying East to West at the conclusion of the National Anthem.

I was too far away to hear any of the announcements, but the first flyby was of the two-seat TAV-8 Harrier.

The next flyby was of a 2-ship of Harriers.

All five Harriers got together for a 5-ship flyover before turning back toward the crowd and peeling away into individual approaches. Each Harrier then performed a vertical landing at a designated pad.

The aircraft met on the ramp for a post flight inspection then proceeded through a water cannon salute to park and shut down in front of the crowd. This was our best opportunity to see the “Bulldogs” color bird and a special from last year commemorating 250 years of the Marine Corps.

The pilots and crew chiefs stood at attention next to their jets. When all pilots and crew were ready, the flight was released and congratulatory handshakes and hugs ensued. The crewmembers started the flood of people with water products in a number of vessels to douse the pilots.

I could have stuck around for some still photos but the large crowd had completely spilled out to the parking area, so I chose the quick egress instead.

This is truly the end of an era. The Harrier was a favorite at every airshow where it performed, and it will be missed.

I wish to thank Maj Leitner, Capt Ballard, Lt Graham and Lt Jones for the coordination and accommodation.