The “sundown” of the AV-8B Harrier II, an iconic aircraft that has supported joint and Marine Corps operations for over 40 years, also represents the dawn of a new era; it paves the way for 2nd MAW’s full transition to the F-35B and C Lightning II. VMA-223 is the U.S. Marine Corps' last operational Harrier squadron. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo) - A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, sits in front of a crowd at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, June 3, 2026. The “sundown” of the AV-8B Harrier II, an iconic aircraft that has supported joint and Marine Corps operations for over 40 years, also represents the dawn of a new era; it paves the way for 2nd MAW’s full transition to the F-35B and C Lightning II. VMA-223 is the U.S. Marine Corps' last operational Harrier squadron. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)
6/08/2026 - https://seapowermagazine.org/13th-meu-completes-realistic-urban-training-boosts-deployment-readiness/
6/05/2026 - https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10764414
6/03/2026 - https://theaviationist.com/2026/06/03/end-of-an-era-usmc-av-8b-harrier-ii-sundown/
6/01/2026 - https://www.forbes.com/sites/petersuciu/2026/06/01/usmc-to-hold-sundown-ceremony-for-av-8b-harrier-ii-this-week/
5/28/2026 - https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2026/05/22/us-marine-corps-tests-using-helicopter-as-mobile-drone-command-center/