The Aircraft Set To Replace The Iconic AV-8B Harrier On Amphibious Assault Ships

The US Marine Corps has finally retired the aircraft that made an amphibious assault ship look like a small aircraft carrier. On June 3, Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 held its sundown ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, marking the end of the Boeing AV-8B Harrier II's operational career with the service. The replacement is already flying: the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II will preserve the Harrier's ability to operate from amphibious assault ships while adding stealth, advanced sensors, and networked combat capabilities.