Graduation of last USMC AV-8B Harrier II pilots
On March 29, 2024, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, the last two pilots to receive the 7509 Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) were graduated from the AV-8B Harrier II Fleet Replacement Detachment (FRD), Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW).
Capt. Joshua Corbett and Capt. Sven Jorgensen completed their final training flight at the FRD to receive the 7509 MOS, which is reserved for AV-8B Harrier II trained pilots. The US Marine Corps (USMC) completed its training at the FRD with this flight, a low-altitude close air support training sortie.
“The significance of the last replacement pilot training flight in the Harrier community is that it is the beginning of the end for us as a community.” said Corbett to 2nd Lt. John Graham, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, for the article 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Marines receive last AV-8B Harrier pilot designation. “The Harrier, more than many aircraft than I have come across, elicits an emotional response. For members of the public, members of the aviation community, members of the Marine community, and especially members of the Harrier pilot community, it’s bittersweet. All good things have to come to an end, and it’s our turn soon, but not yet.”
The AV-8B Harrier II
The AV-8A and A-4M light attack aircraft were to be replaced by the AV-8B vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) strike aircraft. A well-documented requirement dating back to the late 1950s was the Marine Corps’ need for a V/STOL light attack force. V/STOL aircraft, with their combination of tactical mobility, responsiveness, low operating costs, and basing flexibility options, are especially well-suited to the unique combat and expeditionary needs of the Marine Corps. The AV-8BII+ features the APG-65 Radar common to the F/A-18, as well as all previous systems and features common to the AV-8BII.
January 1984 saw the arrival of the first AV-8B Harrier II at MCAS Cherry Point. The 2nd MAW Harriers and the 7509s that pilot them have been part of over 40 operations worldwide during their forty years of service in the eastern North Carolina region. These operations include Operation Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force in 1999 in the former Yugoslavia, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the skies above the volatile Red Sea against the threat posed by Houthi drones.
Corbett’s and Jorgensen’s designation represents 2nd MAW’s continued operational transition from legacy fixed-wing tactical aircraft, such as the Harrier.
Last USMC AV-8B Harrier II pilots hit the fleet
The F-35B Lightning II is replacing the Harrier within USMC. Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 will be the last Harrier squadron in the Marine Corps and is set to continue operating the platform through September 2026. Until then, the platform will continue to call MCAS Cherry Point home and execute deployed operations as part of Marine Expeditionary Units.
“I am incredibly proud of the legacy of the AV-8B, both within Marine Aviation and here in eastern North Carolina.” said Lt. Col. Nathaniel Smith, the Commanding Officer of VMA-223. “Our platform is part of the fabric of eastern North Carolina, as countless Marines, sailors, and civilians have contributed to our success for decades. It is exciting to see our last two students graduate from the FRD and hit the fleet.”
Both pilots will report to VMA-223 after completing the FRD syllabus.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Daisha Ramirez, Petty Officer 3rd Class Tamara Vaughn and Staff Sgt. Theodore Bergan / U.S. Marine Corps