The AV-8B Harrier II, a Marine Corps icon that has been at the forefront of U.S. military operations for over four decades, made its final public demonstration at the 2024 Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Air Show.

Among the attendees, tens of thousands witnessed the venerable jump jet’s swan song amidst a sky etched with clouds over eastern North Carolina.

Lt. Col. Paul Truog of the “Ace of Spades” squadron (Marine Attack Squadron 231) took the Harrier through its final paces in front of an 80,000-strong audience.

“The demo is not too far from what we do every day,” Maj. Eric Scheibe, a pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 231, or VMA-231, told Military.com in a statement via email.

“It showcases what the aircraft can do and what its capabilities are. It’s short takeoffs to simulated attacks. It’s nice to be able to showcase that, all the work that has gone into it. The squadron is excited.”

It was a bittersweet farewell to an aircraft that, according to Capt. Michael Fucci, has been deemed “the most rewarding aircraft” by its pilots.

“This aircraft was designed to land on highways, rearm, refuel and get back to the fight,” said Capt.

The AV-8B, introduced in 1969 and modernized to the II-plus version, boasts improvements such as a powerful Rolls Royce Pegasus 11 engine and advanced targeting systems.

The Cherry Point Air Show marked the end of its era as the last hydraulic flight control system in the U.S. military’s fighter inventory, making way for the next-generation F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

The F-35B, which Maj. Zachary Ybarra of VMFA-542 demonstrated earlier in the show, represents a leap forward with its fly-by-wire controls and precision hover capabilities.

The transition process for VMA-231 to incorporate the F-35B is already underway, with the squadron expected to achieve initial operational capability with six STOVL jets by the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2026.

The Cherry Point air show’s climax included a simulated attack run by another Harrier, complete with a spectacular 800-foot wall of flames, ensuring the jet left the stage with a memorable bang.

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, with a history dating back to 1941, has played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. military aviation.

From its selection based on sunshine to its contribution to World War II and subsequent conflicts, Cherry Point stands as a testament to the evolution of Marine aviation.

The air station continues to impact the region significantly, with a total population of 53,000, including active duty, retirees, civilian workforce and their families., and with a substantial economic footprint exceeding $2 billion annually.

Relevant articles:
– 8B Harrier at Cherry Point Air Show in Final Public Performance, USNI News
– About, marines.mil
– Storied Marine Corps Jet to Make Final Appearance at Cherry Point Air Show as Service Transitions to F-35, Military.com