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 AV-8B Harrier II aircraft after over 40 years of service, with the final ceremony held at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.
The Harrier II was a groundbreaking aircraft known for its revolutionary vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capability, allowing it to operate from improvised sites and ships, and saw extensive combat in major conflicts.
Its retirement is attributed to increasing maintenance costs and a strategic emphasis on 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.