Harrier’s Final Flight: Iconic Jet Delivered to Colorado Museum as Marines Transition to F-35
AURORA, COLORADO – In a poignant moment for aviation enthusiasts and military personnel alike, a US Marine Corps AV-8B+ Harrier II has arrived at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Aurora, Colorado. This delivery isn’t just about adding a new exhibit; it signifies the closing chapter for a legendary aircraft and the full-speed-ahead transition of the Marines to the cutting-edge F-35 Lightning II. This is breaking news for aviation fans and a significant development in modern military aviation, optimized for Google News indexing.
From Cherry Point to Colorado: A Journey of Deactivation
The Harrier, tail number 165587 (Modex 04), was flown by Captain Ryan Gettinger from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, to Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado. The aircraft’s arrival wasn’t a simple landing. Due to the altitude and thinner air of Colorado, Captain Gettinger executed a “filming” landing rather than a traditional vertical descent, highlighting the unique challenges of operating this remarkable jet. Following its arrival, a meticulous demilitarization process began, involving the disassembly of the wings and transport of the fuselage on platform trucks to the museum.
The process, documented in a brief film released by the museum, involved a team of at least 20 Marines carefully removing sensitive components. “We’re removing panels and getting inside the structure,” explained Chief Warrant Officer 2 Neil Vislosky, a key member of the demilitarization team. “It’s about removing explosives, hazardous materials, and components the government wants to retain.” This isn’t simply stripping a plane down; it’s a careful, considered process ensuring safety and security.
A Difficult Bird: The Harrier’s Legacy
The AV-8B+ Harrier II, known for its short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, has been a workhorse for the Marines since 1985. But Captain Gettinger described piloting the Harrier as a unique challenge. “It’s a totally hydraulic and mechanical control system, without digital fly-by-wire,” he explained. “It makes it a quite difficult aircraft to pilot.” Despite its complexities, the Harrier served with distinction in numerous operations, including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Allied Force, and more recently, Guardian of Prosperity.
The aircraft’s retirement is tied to the Marine Corps’ broader modernization efforts, specifically the adoption of the F-35B Lightning II. The VMA-231 “Ace of Spades,” the unit to which this Harrier belonged, will be reactivated as a hunting and attack squadron (VMFA-231) operating the F-35B in 2026. This transition, while exciting, is bittersweet, as evidenced by the final air show at Cherry Point in May 2024, a moment filled with emotion for both the public and the unit’s personnel.
Demilitarization Details: What Gets Removed?
The demilitarization process is far more involved than simply removing the wings. Marines meticulously discharged aircraft struts, removed ejectable seats (after removing their explosive components and reinstalling the seat shell), and extracted fluids like hydraulic oil and fuel using specialized equipment. Sergeant Fait Peele, a VMA-231 structures mechanic, explained the importance of removing the “emergency blow bottle” – a critical safety component. The goal is to render the aircraft safe for display while preserving its external appearance.
According to the Marine Aviation Plan (MAP) updated in February 2025, the Marines initially planned to acquire 353 F-35B STOVL and 67 F-35C Catobar aircraft. However, the plan was adjusted to 280 F-35Bs and 140 F-35Cs, maintaining a total fleet size of 420. This shift reflects evolving strategic priorities and budgetary considerations.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Marine Aviation
The arrival of the Harrier at Wings Over the Rockies isn’t just a farewell to a beloved aircraft; it’s a symbol of the Marine Corps’ commitment to innovation and adaptation. Lieutenant Colonel Paul Truog, commanding officer of VMA-231, described the final flight as “transcendental,” emphasizing the unit’s readiness to embrace the future with the F-35B. The transition to the F-35 represents a leap forward in capability, offering enhanced stealth, sensor fusion, and network connectivity.
As the Harrier takes its place as a museum exhibit, it will serve as a powerful reminder of the dedication and skill of the Marines who flew and maintained it for decades. For aviation enthusiasts and military history buffs, the Wings Over the Rockies Museum will now offer a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a true icon of aviation history. Stay tuned to Archyde for continued coverage of the Marine Corps’ modernization efforts and the evolving landscape of military aviation.
