US Marine Corps retires final AV-8B Harrier squadron VMA-223

The United States Marine Corps held a public ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, to retire the AV‑8B Harrier II aircraft operated by Marine Attack Squadron 223, known as the “Bulldogs”. Over 5,000 attendees, including senior Marine leaders, state officials and veterans, witnessed a formation flight and a vertical landing that marked the end of nearly four decades of Harrier operations for the service.

The Harrier, first fielded by the Marines in 1971, has seen action in every major conflict involving the United States from the Gulf War to operations against ISIS, and its last mission was supporting the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in the Caribbean. VMA‑223 will reactivate in fiscal year 2028 as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 223, transitioning to the fifth‑generation F‑35B Lightning II, the next‑generation V/STOL aircraft that will replace the Harrier’s role.

The retirement ends the Marine Corps’ 55‑year legacy of operating the “jump‑jet”, a distinctive vertical/short take‑off and landing platform that has been a core part of Marine Air‑Ground Task Force capabilities.