Fleet Readiness Center East Completes Final Sustainment Work for AV-8B Harrier II Aircraft Ahead of Retirement
CHERRY POINT, NC — The Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) has successfully completed its final sustainment work on the US Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II ground attack aircraft, wrapping up operations two years ahead of the fleet’s planned retirement. This milestone was marked during an informal ceremony that featured the delivery of the aircraft to Marine Attack Squadron 223 at Air Station Cherry Point, where the squadron manages fixed-wing combat aircraft operations.
The maintenance performed by the North Carolina-based FRCE is part of its extensive technical support, repair, and overhaul coverage for various naval and expeditionary aviation assets. The AV-8B Harrier II has a storied history, having reached operational capability in 1971; it is now being succeeded by the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation fighter jet that has been in service since 2015.
“It’s an honor to lead a facility with such a remarkable legacy,” stated FRCE Commanding Officer Capt. Randy Berti. He acknowledged the significance of the Harrier program, which has been supported by the center for nearly five decades for both the Marine Corps and allied nations. “Our AV-8 platform’s success is directly attributed to the hard work and dedication of multiple generations of FRC East employees. I am proud of all this team has accomplished throughout the years and I look forward to what’s next,” he added.
As the Marines transition away from the AV-8B, FRCE is committed to continuing its support for other platforms, particularly the new F-35 fleet. “We must evolve by improving our technology and tactics,” emphasized FRCE Aircraft Overhaul and Repair Supervisor Mike Stewart. He noted that the F-35 represents a significant technological advancement, enabling the military to maintain its edge in modern warfare.
“Although the AV-8 is a great aircraft, it has served its purpose. It’s time to move on to the newer weapons platforms with more capabilities,” Stewart stated, underscoring the necessity of modernization within the armed forces.
FRCE stands as the largest sustainment hub in North Carolina, generating over $1 billion in revenue annually and employing approximately 4,000 military, civilian, and contract personnel.
Developed by McDonnell Douglas, the AV-8B Harrier II is designed for intermediate-range interception, attack missions, and close air support. Its specifications include an airframe length of 46 feet and a wingspan of 30 feet, with a powerful Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine capable of reaching a top speed of 673 miles per hour and a range of 1,400 miles. With its advanced arsenal—featuring rotary cannons, precision rockets, and various missile types—the Harrier II has played a vital role in military operations for decades.
As the fleet nears its final chapter, FRCE’s commitment to technological advancement and support for evolving aviation needs assures that the legacy of the Harrier II will endure, paving the way for the future.
