Published May 23, 2026, 3:01 AM EDT
The AV-8B Harrier II will make its final official flight June 3, 2026, during the Marine Corps Sundown Ceremony at Cherry Point.
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Published May 23, 2026, 3:01 AM EDT
The U.S. Marine Corps is preparing for the AV-8B Harrier II’s final official flight next month, marking the end of more than four decades of service for the iconic jump jet. According to a Marine Corps administrative message (MARADMIN) released in March, the service will hold an official “AV-8B Sundown Ceremony” at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, on June 3, 2026. The ceremony will mark the end of the Harrier’s planned operational service life as the Marine Corps completes its transition to the F-35B Lightning II. The Harrier’s final public events will run from June 1 through June 4 and include squadron open houses, flyovers, community events, and the official sundown ceremony hosted by 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Attack Squadron 223, or VMA-223. The retirement closes a major chapter in Marine aviation. The Harrier became famous for its short takeoff and vertical landing capability, allowing Marines to launch fixed-wing attack aircraft from amphibious assault ships, expeditionary airfields, and austere forward operating locations without relying on traditional aircraft carriers. The Marine Corps first fielded the Harrier in the early 1970s and later transitioned to the upgraded AV-8B Harrier II. Over the decades, the aircraft supported operations during the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and numerous Marine Expeditionary Unit deployments.
