The U.S. Marine Corps bid farewell Wednesday to one of the most recognizable aircraft in military aviation history as Marine Attack Squadron 223 conducted the final operational flights of the AV-8B Harrier II, ending nearly four decades of service for the aircraft in the squadron and more than five decades of Harrier operations across the corps.

More than 5,000 people attended the public ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina, including senior Marine leaders, state and local officials, active-duty service members, veterans, and members of the community. 

The event featured a five-aircraft formation flight and a vertical landing demonstration, showcasing the Harrier's signature vertical and short takeoff and landing capability that made it unique among U.S. military fixed-wing aircraft.

"The Bulldogs are extremely proud to conduct the final Harrier operations for the U.S. Marine Corps," Lt. Col. John B. Cumbie, commanding officer of VMA-223, said during the ceremony. 

"As a platform that has continuously forward deployed across the globe, the Harrier will be remembered for its distinguished combat legacy, legendary Vertical/Short Take Off and Landing (V/STOL) capability, and the Marines and Sailors that made the community special," Cumbie added.

The retirement marks the end of an era for Marine Corps aviation as the military branch completes a long-planned transition to an all fifth-generation tactical aircraft fleet built around the F-35B Lightning II and F-35C Lightning II. 

The F-35B retains the Harrier's short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities while adding stealth technology, advanced sensors, and networked combat systems.

The Marine Corps accepted its first Harrier aircraft, the AV-8A, into service in 1971, becoming the first U.S. military branch to operate the jump jet. 

The upgraded AV-8B Harrier II entered Marine service in the 1980s and became a cornerstone of expeditionary aviation, capable of operating from amphibious assault ships, forward operating bases, and austere locations where conventional fighter jets could not.

Through its service life, the Harrier participated in major combat operations, including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Odyssey Dawn, and Inherent Resolve, as well as more recent operations in the Red Sea region. 

Marine officials credited the aircraft with providing close air support and strike capabilities in some of the military's most challenging environments.

VMA-223, known as the Bulldogs, began flying the AV-8B in 1987 and became the Marines' final operational Harrier squadron after other units transitioned to the F-35. 

The squadron recently completed its last deployment in support of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, concluding the Harrier's final operational chapter.

The squadron is scheduled to be redesignated as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 223 and transition to the F-35B in the coming years, ensuring the Bulldogs continue flying combat aircraft even as the Harrier takes its place in Marine Corps history.