The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has graduated its last two qualified pilots to fly the AV-8B Harrier II ground attack jet. Known for its ability to land and take off vertically, the Harrier is being replaced by the Fifth generation F-35.
The graduation of aviators, Captains Joshua Corbett and Sven Jorgensen, marks another step towards the end of the Harrier era in the USA. They were qualified as fighter pilots by the AV-8 Fleet Replacement Detachment (FRD) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina. There, they completed their last training flight, a low-altitude close air mission.
“The Harrier, more than many aircraft I have encountered, provokes an emotional response. For the public, of the aviation community, of the Navy community and especially of the Harrier pilot community, it is bittersweet. All good things come to an end and soon it will be our turn.”, said Captain Corbett, stating that his recent qualification is “the beginning of the end for the Harrier community.”
“I am extremely proud of the legacy of the AV-8B, whether in the Marine Corps or here in eastern North Carolina.”, said Lt. Col. Nathaniel Smith, commander of VMA-223, the last squadron to fly the Harriers.
“Our platform is part of the fabric of Eastern North Carolina as countless Marines, Sailors and civilians have contributed to our success over the decades. It is exciting to see our last two students graduate from FRD and the fleet. Our team of pilots, maintainers and staff have done an excellent job ing the missions here at VMA-223, and I look forward to continuing to the 2nd MAW and MAGTF at home and abroad.”
Originally developed in England by Hawker Siddeley, the Harrier was the first military aircraft with VTOL (vertical takeoff and/or landing) capability to be successful and enter service. The model was acquired by the United States in the 1970s to equip the USMC aviation, operating with the Marines for more than 40 years.
Later, the British and Americans updated the project, giving rise to the AV-8B Harrier II, a model used to this day and which is now approaching its retirement. In addition to the USA, Spain and Italy still operate the AV-8B, which in these countries is also expected to be replaced by the F-35B Lightning II.
With DVIDS.
