U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252 fly KC-130J Super Hercules in formation near Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 18, 2025. VMGR-252 conducted surge operations to exercise their ability to launch and recover multiple divisions of aircraft concurrently. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)
U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252 conduct flight operations near Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 18, 2025. VMGR-252 conducted surge operations to demonstrate their ability to launch and recover multiple divisions of aircraft concurrently. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)
Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231, known as the "Ace of Spades," marked the end of an era with its final AV-8B Harrier II flight on Thursday, culminating decades of rich history and distinguished service with the iconic vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
First commissioned in 1919, VMA-231 is the Marine Corps’ oldest flying squadron and has served with distinction in multiple conflicts worldwide over the last century. After adopting the Harrier II in 1985, VMA-231 supported major overseas operations to include Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Allied Force, Odyssey Dawn, Inherent Resolve, and most recently, Prosperity Guardian.
The squadron’s final flight and colors casing ceremony took place at Marine Corps Air...
05.29.2025 | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
Story by 1st Lt. Duncan Stoner
