U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Joshua Corbett, from New Jersey, an AV-8B Harrier II pilot with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing taxis on the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 20, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Keani Guthmueller)
WASHINGTON — The Marine Corps’ AV-8B Harrier II completed its final flight today at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina as part of a sundown ceremony for the ground attack jet — concluding more than 40 years in service for the aircraft.
The Harrier’s retirement marks a significant milestone as the Marine Corps moves through its Tactical Aircraft Transition Plan, and fully adopts fifth-generation aircraft across the entire fleet.
Today’s ceremony included a flyover featuring five Harriers. The ground attack jet has short takeoff and vertical landing capability. Despite the scheduled retirement, the aircraft have remained active even in their final weeks.
The Marine Corps’ last Harriers are part of Marine Attack Squadron 223 and were last deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), which just concluded a 10-month deployment on Monday.
