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 its groundbreaking AV-8B Harrier II jet, known for its revolutionary vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capability.
The Harrier II served the Marine Corps for over 40 years, playing a significant role in various combat operations, including the Gulf War, due to its ability to operate from improvised sites and support expeditionary warfare.
Its retirement is primarily driven by rising maintenance costs and a shift towards stealth aircraft, with the F-35B V/STOL variant slated 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.