Retirement of Harrier II from the 231st Marine Attack Squadron

At the end of last May in the United States, the Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231, known as the “Ace of Spades”, executed its final flight with the AV-8B Harrier II Plus, marking the end of four decades of operational service of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

VMA-231, the oldest Marine flight squadron, has a rich history participating in world conflicts starting from the second half of the eighties of the last century, it has supported significant operations overseas with the Harrier II and later with the Harrier II Plus, such as Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Inherent Resolve.

The final flight and the flag delivery ceremony took place at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, marking a significant phase in the transformation of the Marines’ tactical aircraft.

Marines, sailors, families, and veterans of VMA-231, along with senior officers and distinguished guests, participated in the ceremony, thereby celebrating the squadron’s contribution to defense and military history.

Therefore, with the retirement of the AV-8B Plus, the official deactivation of VMA-231 has begun which will be concluded in the next month of September 2025.

Subsequently, the squadron will be reactivated as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 231 in the fiscal year 2026.

As VMFA-231, the squadron will continue the historical legacy of the unit with fifth-generation capability aircraft such as the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron.

The squadron’s transition from the old AV-8B Harrier II to the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter is occurring without particular problems, demonstrating the professionalism of the staff and the degree of preparation of the 2nd MAW (Marine Aircraft Wing).