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Breaking News: U.S. VMA-231 squadron ends Harrier vertical takeoff jet legacy to modernize with F-35B fighter jet.

According to information published by the U.S. Department of Defense on May 29, 2025, U.S Marines Attack Squadron 231 (VMA-231) conducted its final AV-8B Harrier II, a vertical or short takeoff and landing flight ground-attack aircraft during a formal ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. The historic event marked the closing chapter of the Harriers’ service in the unit, as the squadron prepares for deactivation in September 2025 and reactivation in 2026 as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 231 (VMFA-231) operating the F-35B Lightning II fighter jet. This transition not only represents the end of an era but also symbolizes a significant tactical and strategic leap forward for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviation forces. Read full Defense Aerospace News at this link ...
A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II from Marine Attack Squadron VMA-231 taxis during the unit’s final flight ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, on May 29, 2025. The event marked the squadron’s last operational Harrier flight ahead of its scheduled deactivation in September 2025. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

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