The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
The Aircraft Set To Replace The Iconic AV-8B Harrier On Amphibious Assault Ships
The Harrier is gone, but its unique role is not. The F-35B is turning amphibious ships into something far more capable than the Harrier ever could.
The United States Marine Corps has retired the Boeing AV-8B Harrier II from active service, marking the end of its operational career with the service. A sundown ceremony was held by Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point to commemorate the retirement.
The replacement for the Harrier is already in flight, with the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II taking on the mission of operating from amphibious assault ships. The move is intended to preserve the capability to operate from those ships while introducing advanced features.
The F-35B is noted for bringing stealth, advanced sensors, and networked combat capabilities to the Marine Corps’ amphibious aviation role, expanding the fleet’s overall situational awareness and interoperability.
No additional specifics about dates beyond the retirement ceremony, the aircraft involved, or other operational details are provided in the material.