This past Thursday, another squadron belonging to the United States Marine Corps (USMC) carried out the final flight with AV-8B Harrier II attack aircraft, which are gradually being replaced by the stealth F-35 Lightning II fighters. In particular, it concerns Attack Squadron (VMA) 231, also known as the “Ace of Spades,” which has a long history of service, considering it is the oldest of its kind commissioned by the institution, dating back to the year 1919.
As was detailed from the U.S., the farewell flight of the last AV-8B Harrier IIs of the squadron in question took place at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, being for the institution a new milestone in its process of transition to the advanced fifth-generation platforms manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The ceremony was attended by a large number of service members, veterans of the squadron and their families, as well as authorities from the 2nd and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wings of the USMC, along with community leaders invited for the occasion.
Highlighting some official statements made during the ceremony, those expressed by the current commander of VMA 231, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Truog, stand out, who stated: “This is a momentous day for Marine aviation. It is a day we are going to celebrate. Everyone knows that VMA-231 is transitioning to the F-35. The Wing, the Marine Aircraft Group and the squadron will have greater responsiveness to any crisis. But that capability is not just because it is our most technically advanced weapon system. That capability is due to the Marines and to the pilots who, in record numbers, raise their hands saying: ‘I want to continue, I want to keep moving forward.’”
It is worth recalling at this point that the plan to retire the Harrier aircraft of VMA-231 has been taking shape for several months, with the squadron being the last in the Marine Corps to operate these platforms in the improved variant based on the original AV-8A built by Hawker-Siddeley. As we reported in May 2024, the aircraft of the Ace of Spades squadron gave their last public appearance, in which they showcased various aerobatics before more than 80,000 people who attended the event in the small town of Havelock. In recent weeks, one of these aircraft was also seen being transferred to the Aviation Museum located in Fort Worth, where it will be exhibited for its great historical value; earned in operations such as Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
*Image credits: cabo primero Bryan Giraldo
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