U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Bradford Gering, from New York, the Deputy Commandant for Aviation, addresses Marines with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 3, 2025. Gering visited 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to facilitate conversations with key leaders in the Marine Corps' crisis-response aviation combat element. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anakin Smith)
U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing conduct a ceremony for Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231's final AV-8B Harrier II flight at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 29, 2025. VMA-231 conducted a ceremony for its last Harrier flight before its deactivation in September. In 2026 the squadron will reactivate as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 231 and will prepare to operate the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
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
