Page 32 - World Airshow News Q3 2024

...tHE FINAL uSmC AV-8b HARRIER DEmOS.

Right: Lt. Col. Paul Truog flew the last ever
Harrier demo on Sunday at MCAS Cherry Point
(photo by Jon Houghtaling).
Below: Major Eric Scheibe’s photo pass during
Saturday’s big show at Cherry Point (photo by
Owen Hewitt).

howl of the Harrier’s Pegasus engine, is
now in a state of transition.
The USMC is currently transitioning
from the AV-8B Harrier II to the Fifth
Generation Lockheed Martin F-35B
Lighting II. Since 2020, the Marines have
been activating F-35B squadrons and de-
activating Harrier squadrons. The tran- sense of sadness among the crowd know- “As I taxied back from the demo, see-
sition from the AV-8B to the F-35B has ing it was ending its flying demonstration ing the response from the crowd, it re-
already been completed for the VMFA- career. As the jets taxied past after their ally brought home how much the aircraft
542 “Tigers”. respective solo performances, the crowd has meant to Eastern Carolina,” said Maj.
The Marines are now down to only was audibly and visibly excited to be pres- Scheibe on what it was like witnessing the
three squadrons actively flying the AV- ent for such a moment in history. crowds after the demonstration. “I love
8B: Marine Attack Squadron VMA-223 On both days, airshow spectators wit- to fly the jet, but it would not be possible
“Bulldogs”, Marine Attack Squadron nessed the Harrier’s characteristic flight without hundreds of others’ work from
VMA-231 “Ace of Spades” (both based at profile including Vertical/Short-Take Off the community. I wish that all of them
MCAS Cherry Point), and Air Test and and Landing (VSTOL) operations, high could be out there and have their pictures
Evaluation Squadron VX-31 (based at speed passes simulating close air support, taken with the jet.”
NAWS China Lake, California). Currently and a steeply banked photo pass. Airshow Many of those hundreds did join the
operations are expected to sundown for organizers not only featured the Harrier’s crowd those two days. They also joined in
all operators by 2026. popular solo performance, but also in- the applause, shouts, whistles, and waves
With only two operational Harrier corporated the AV-8B into the dynam- toward the demonstration pilots.
squadrons remaining, and the transi- ic and explosive MAGTF (Marine Air While it was the final airshow hover
tion to the F-35B continuing, the 2024 Ground Task Force) demonstration, with for the Harrier, the pines in the region
MCAS Cherry Point Air Show would be- Sunday’s demo featuring two Harriers will continue to echo with the sounds of
come the site of the final Harrier airshow from VMA-231. the Harrier until 2026 when VMA-223 is
performances. The solo performances were flown expected to become VMFA-223 and tran-
by two tenured pilots from VMA- sition to the F-35B. That sign at the front
tHE FINAL DEmOS 231. Saturday’s performance had Major of the base is there to stay, however, as the
This year’s MCAS Cherry Point Air Eric Scheibe on the stick, a pilot with F-35B can hover as well, and it is every
Show had a stunning Saturday attendance over 1,800 hours in the AV-8B. Sunday’s bit as loud as the Harrier. The Lightning
of more than 80,000 patrons and just over performance featured the Commanding II will continue to produce the sound of
120,000 for the two-day event. Because of Officer of VMA-231, Lt. Colonel Paul freedom in Eastern North Carolina!
the long and successful residence of the Truog, with over 2,000 hours flying the
Harrier in Havelock, there was a genuine Harrier.

www.airshowmag.com 32 Quarter 3, 2024