Farewell to a Legendary Aircraft: AV-8B Harrier II Retires After Four Decades of Service
Final Pilots Graduate: Captains Corbett and Jorgensen Conclude Training, Signaling End of an Era
According to The National Interest the AV-8B Harrier II, a special plane that can take off and land vertically is saying goodbye after serving the United States Marine Corps for forty years. Last week the last two Marine Corps pilots finished learning how to fly this unique aircraft. Captains Joshua Corbett and Sven Jorgensen completed their training marking the end of an important time for Marine Corps pilots.
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(PHOTO:
Military.com)AV-8B Harrier II Marine Corps Bids Adieu: A Farewell to a Versatile Vertical Workhorse After 40 Years of Service
Legacy in the Skies: AV-8B Harrier II’s End of Service Marks Transition for Marine Corps Aviation
The AV-8B Harrier II has been really helpful in many missions around the world like in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s great at doing different jobs like attacking enemies and doing recon. Plus it can operate from small places like ships and faraway bases. Now as the Marines switch to a new plane called the F-35B Lightning II they’ll remember the Harrier for being tough, reliable and helping them get their jobs done. Even though the Harrier is retiring one Marine squadron VMA-223 will keep flying it until 2026. They’ll still be seen flying around Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and maybe even going on missions with Marine Expeditionary Units. Even though the Harrier’s time is ending the Marines won’t forget all the people who worked hard to make it successful. They’re excited for what’s next in aviation but will always remember the Harrier’s important role in their history.
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