As with other branches of the United States Armed Forces, the Marine Corps (USMC) is in full transition toward its immediate future with the adoption of new platforms. This means the end of the story of aircraft that have faithfully served the Marines wherever U.S. Foreign Policy required them, such as the case of the legendary AV-8B Harrier attack aircraft, thus giving way to the F-35B VTOL stealth fighters.
Thanks to the recent publication of the Marines’ Aviation Plan for 2026, the steps undertaken by the force regarding its combat, transport, and support aviation have been made known, detailing the current status of fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned platforms, as well as the measures adopted for the coming months.
In the case of the AV-8B Harrier, in service since the 1980s and serving alongside the Marines in conflicts such as Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve and Resolute Support, and more recently in Operation Southern Spear, which concluded with the capture of the president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, the last months and years have slowly seen the twilight of the platform, while various squadrons that operated it for years transitioned to the F-35B.
As of today, the last operating unit of the Harrier is Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, while one final detachment is still operating alongside the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. Other aircraft are also located at MCAS Cherry Point, providing support to the tasks of the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and the Marine Air Wing (MAW) until the operational retirement of the platform in Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).
For this reason, and as progress continues in the transition to the aforementioned F-35B, and although its retirement had been projected to take place in 2027, the Marine Corps confirmed that the month of June marks the closing of the Harrier’s final chapter with the USMC, through a series of celebrations and commemorations that will have MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, as their epicenter.
In detail, it was indicated that: “… The events are scheduled for the week of June 1 to 5, 2026, culminating with the official farewell ceremony and the final flight on June 3, 2026. These activities will provide an opportunity for the communities of active-duty personnel, retirees, contractors, and civilians to celebrate the historic contributions of the aircraft and the Marines.”
Finally, with its retirement date made official, attention will turn to the current F-35B/C that are being incorporated into the Marine Attack Squadrons (VMA). According to the documentation and estimates presented in the 2026 Aviation Plan, by the end of 2026 the Marine Corps will have a combined fleet of 205 F-35B and 56 F-35C; a number encompassed within the total order of 420 F-35s placed to date.
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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