USMC’s oldest flying squadron’s final Harrier flight
Marine Attack Squadron 231, distinguished by its “Ace of Spades” insignia, recently completed its final flight in the AV-8B Harrier II, closing a remarkable chapter in Marine aviation history that spanned nearly four decades with the iconic vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
According to 1st Lt. Duncan Stoner of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, in his article Marine Attack Squadron 231 completes final Harrier flight at Cherry Point, VMA-231 holds the distinction of being the Marine Corps’ oldest continuously operating flying squadron since its 1919 commissioning. Throughout the past century, the unit has demonstrated exceptional service across numerous global conflicts. Since receiving its first Harrier II in 1985, the squadron has participated in critical operations, including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Allied Force, Odyssey Dawn, Inherent Resolve, and Prosperity Guardian.
The farewell flight and colors casing ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point marked a pivotal moment in the Marine Corps’ transition to fifth-generation tactical aircraft. The event brought together current VMA-231 Marines and Sailors with their families, squadron veterans, and distinguished guests, including Maj. Gen. William Swan (commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing), Maj. Gen. James Wellons (commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing), former squadron commanders, and local community leaders.
“This is a momentous day for Marine aviation. It’s a day that we’re going to celebrate,” declared Lt. Col. Paul Truog, VMA-231’s commanding officer, rejecting any sense of mourning for the occasion.
Transition to Next-Generation Combat Power
Truog and Sgt. Maj. Christianna Wolford will guide VMA-231 through its official deactivation in September 2025, with reactivation as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 231 scheduled for fiscal year 2026. The redesignated unit will carry forward its storied heritage while operating the fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
“The Wing, the [Marine Aircraft Group], and the squadron are going to be more capable of responding to any crisis,” Truog explained. “But that capability is not just because it’s our most technically advanced weapons system. That capability is because of the Marines and the pilots that, in record amounts, raise their hands saying, ‘I want to continue on, I want to keep moving forward.'”
His remarks highlighted the dedication of numerous Marines who will perpetuate the squadron’s distinguished legacy, whether as future VMFA-231 members or in F-35 squadrons throughout the Marine Corps.
Legacy of the Ace of Spades
Based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, VMA-231 operates under Marine Aircraft Group 14 and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. When the squadron received its first AV-8B Harrier II on September 19, 1985, it achieved a unique milestone: the Marine Corps’ most veteran squadron flying its newest aircraft type.
For over a century, the Ace of Spades insignia has represented excellence in Marine aviation, embodying the very essence of the Corps’ airpower tradition.
The V/STOL Strike Aircraft
Developed to succeed both the AV-8A and the A-4M Skyhawk light attack aircraft, the AV-8B Harrier II addressed the Marine Corps’ vertical/short takeoff and landing requirements that emerged in the late 1950s. The aircraft’s tactical mobility, rapid responsiveness, cost-effective operations, and flexible basing options—both shipboard and shore-based—made it ideally suited to the Marine Corps’ expeditionary mission. The enhanced AV-8BII+ variant incorporated the APG-65 radar shared with the F/A-18, alongside all capabilities of earlier models.
VMA STOVL squadrons are tasked with attacking surface and air targets, providing helicopter escort, and executing additional air operations as directed.
Photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo / U.S. Marine Corps
