Marine Corps Retires Harriers

Aircraft was among the first to embody V/STOL capabilities.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, June 04, 2026 at 01:10 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

A sailor directs a U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier from Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 211 during flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu [Courtesy: Tillamook Air Museum]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Marine Corps officially retired the AV-8B Harrier II, a groundbreaking vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft, after over 40 years of distinguished service.
Known for its ability to operate from improvised sites, the Harrier II played a critical role in expeditionary warfare and saw combat in major conflicts, including the Gulf War.
The aircraft was phased out due to climbing maintenance costs and an increasing emphasis on stealth technology, with the V/STOL F-35B variant serving as its replacement.

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The U.S. Marine Corps this week bid farewell to one of its most distinctive and groundbreaking aircraft.

At a “Sundown Ceremony” on Wednesday at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing officially retired the AV-8B Harrier II. Marine Attack Squadron 223 was the last unit still using the aircraft, which will reach the end of its service life in September.