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 service.
Known for its distinguished combat legacy and ability to operate from improvised forward bases, the Harrier II played a critical role in conflicts including the Gulf War, Iraq War, and Afghanistan.
The aircraft is being phased out due to increasing maintenance costs, the Marine Corps' emphasis on stealth technology, and demanding pilot training requirements.
The AV-8B Harrier II will be replaced by the F-35B, which is also a V/STOL variant developed for the Marines.

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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.