“We are beyond honored to welcome this combat-proven aircraft to Wings Over the Rockies,” said Marcus A. Harshaw, Jr., CEO and President of the museum. “The Harrier is not just a remarkable engineering feat, it’s a story of Marines, mission, and legacy.”
The aircraft, bureau number 165587, was flown from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point by Capt. Ryan “MRV” Gettinger, with the journey including two aerial refuellings and a fly-by at Buckley Space Force Base near Denver. The flight and delivery were part of a coordinated effort involving the AV-8B Program Office (PMA-257), Headquarters Marine Corps, Marine Aircraft Group 14, and VMA-231 as the squadron transitions to the F-35B.
A C-130 arrived shortly after the Harrier’s landing, transporting tools and Marines responsible for its demilitarisation and preparation as a museum exhibit. By 12 June, the transformation was complete, and the jet had become part of Colorado aviation history.
Originally entering service in 1987 as a Day Attack Harrier, the aircraft was upgraded to the Harrier II+ variant in 2000. Over its career, it accumulated more than 8,900 flight hours, including 1,436 hours in combat supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as humanitarian and expeditionary missions.
“This aircraft may no longer take to the skies,” said Pablo “Louie” Sanchez, PMA-257 logistics assistant program manager and museum task force lead, “but it will continue to serve by educating, inspiring, and reminding us all of the innovation and grit at the heart of U.S. Marine Corps aviation.”
The AV-8B Harrier II+ is known as the first successful Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing (V/STOL) attack aircraft used in frontline operations. Its ability to operate from ships, remote airstrips, and forward zones made it indispensable for expeditionary air power for over four decades.
Wings Over the Rockies, which welcomes more than 160,000 visitors each year, will showcase the Harrier as a key exhibit. The museum expects the display to engage students, veterans, and aviation enthusiasts while continuing its mission to promote STEM learning and aerospace history.
Source: NAVAIR.
