As the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point opened its gates for the air show in 2024, a significant chapter in the history of military aviation drew to a close with the AV-8B Harrier performing its final public demonstration. This marked the end of an era for a jet that has been a symbol of American airpower and innovation for over four decades.
The air show, which drew a massive crowd far exceeding the local population of Havelock, North Carolina, was a testament to the Harrier’s enduring legacy. The crowd watched in awe as Lt. Col. Paul Truog, commanding officer of the “Ace of Spades” of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231, piloted the iconic aircraft through a series of maneuvers that showcased its unique capabilities.
The Harrier, renowned for its vertical/short-takeoff-and-landing (VSTOL) capabilities, was put through simulated attack runs, high-G turns, and an impressive halt from high speed to a hovering standstill. Capt. Michael Fucci, who narrated the demonstration, captured the sentiment of many pilots, saying, “It is impossible to find a Harrier pilot who wouldn’t say that it’s the most rewarding aircraft they’ve ever flown.”
VMA-231, the last unit flying the AV-8B II-plus, the most modern iteration of the Harrier, has been a part of the Marine Corps’ storied aviation history since its formation in 1919. The squadron, which traces its origins back to World War I, completed its final deployment earlier this year with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, highlighting the Harrier’s versatility and continued relevance on the modern battlefield.
The AV-8B II-plus variant that performed at Cherry Point boasted an array of advanced features, including a more powerful Rolls Royce Pegasus 11 engine and enhanced sensor and targeting capabilities. This aircraft has been the backbone of the USMC’s tactical aviation for years, but the time has come for a technological leap forward.
The transition to the fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter is already underway for the Corps, with the VMA-231 set to begin its switch to the new aircraft in the coming year. The F-35B, demonstrated at the air show by Maj. Zachary Ybarra of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542, exhibits remarkable stability and advanced fly-by-wire control systems, which will provide the Marine Corps with an even more formidable air power component.
As the Marine Corps Aviation Plan unfolds, other squadrons such as VMA-223 have already begun operating the F-35B, and Cherry Point will see the Harrier training unit VMAT-203 sunset by Fiscal Year 2026. This transition underscores the continual evolution of Marine Corps aviation and its commitment to maintaining cutting-edge capabilities.
Truog’s performance with the Harrier was described as “bittersweet,” a fitting term for the mixture of nostalgia and anticipation for the future.
Relevant articles:
– Iconic USMC AV-8B Harrier jump jet flies final public performance at Cherry Point Air Show , The Aviation Geek Club, 05/16/2024
– 8B Harrier at Cherry Point Air Show in Final Public Performance, USNI News, 05/14/2024
– Final public performance USMC AV, Scramble (NL), 05/15/2024
Glad you enjoyed above story, be sure to follow TrendyDigests on Microsoft Start.