Why the Marine Corps Just Said Goodbye to the Harrier Jump Jet. | The Weekly Break Out

Why It Matters

Retiring the Harrier consolidates the Marine Corps’ fighter fleet around the F‑35, boosting combat readiness and reducing lifecycle costs while preserving the iconic jet for public heritage.

Key Takeaways

• Marine Corps retired Harrier after final deployment ceremony
• Last Harrier squadron returned from 10‑month Southcom deployment
• F‑35 now sole fighter jet in Marine aviation inventory
• Decommissioned Harriers slated for museum display across nation
• Personnel transitioning from Harrier to F‑35 squadrons this year

Summary

The Marine Corps held a sundown ceremony at Cherry Point, North Carolina, to retire the AV‑8B Harrier after decades of service. The final flight marked the end of the aircraft’s operational life and signaled the transition to a single‑fighter fleet centered on the F‑35.

The last Harrier squadron, part of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, had just completed a ten‑month deployment to SOUTHCOM, participating in a naval buildup and the Venezuela operation that contributed to President Maduro’s ouster. The squadron returned in late May, making the Harrier’s retirement a recent, not a nostalgic, decision.

During the ceremony, veterans highlighted the Harrier’s unique vertical‑takeoff capability and its recent combat relevance. The aircraft will now be transferred to museums across the United States, preserving its legacy for future generations.

With the Harrier gone, the F‑35 becomes the sole fighter in the Marine Corps, streamlining logistics, training, and maintenance while enhancing stealth and sensor capabilities. Personnel previously assigned to Harrier units are being reassigned to F‑35 squadrons, underscoring a broader modernization push.

Original Description

Underwritten by Leonardo DRS.