Aviation News – Two AV-8B Harrier II+ aircraft have been delivered to aviation museums in California and Oregon, marking the end of their operational service and preserving their legacy as icons of Marine Corps aviation.
Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31 transferred the aircraft during July and August 2025. The jets, once part of U.S. Marine Corps combat and test squadrons, were demilitarized and delivered to Castle Air Museum in California and Tillamook Air Museum in Oregon. Their arrival drew aviation enthusiasts eager to witness the historic milestone.
The first Harrier, Bureau Number (BuNo) 165579, touched down at Castle Air Museum on July 14. It had served both in combat, logging 791 combat hours, and later as a test aircraft at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. The second, BuNo 165002, arrived at Tillamook Air Museum on August 4. Commissioned in 1995, it accumulated 5,518 flight hours, including 631 combat hours during operations in Iraq and Syria, as well as deployments aboard USS Peleliu, USS Nassau, and USS America.
“The arrival of this jump jet is a proud moment for Castle,” said retired Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, chairman of Castle Air Museum. “Its combat pedigree and test history make it a unique addition to our collection and we’re honored to preserve its story for future generations.”
Museum curators highlighted the importance of the Harriers in connecting the public with modern military aviation history. Leaders at Tillamook described the aircraft as one of the most significant additions to their collection, especially given its combat record and direct delivery from VX-31 at China Lake.
The retirement of these Harriers underscores the Marine Corps’ transition toward next-generation aircraft while ensuring that the legacy of the AV-8B remains accessible to the public. Both museums plan to use the aircraft as centerpiece exhibits to inspire future generations and honor Marine Corps aviation heritage.