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USMC oldest flying squadron final Harrier flight
Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231, known as the “Ace of Spades,” marked the end of an era with its final AV-8B Harrier II flight recently, culminating decades of rich history and distinguished service with the iconic vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
As told by by 1st Lt. Duncan Stoner, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, in the article Marine Attack Squadron 231 completes final Harrier flight at Cherry Point, first commissioned in 1919, VMA-231 is the Marine Corps’ oldest flying squadron and has served with distinction in multiple conflicts worldwide over the last century. After adopting the Harrier II in 1985, VMA-231 supported major overseas operations to include Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Allied Force, Odyssey Dawn, Inherent Resolve, and most recently, Prosperity Guardian.
The squadron’s final flight and colors casing ceremony took place at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and represented a significant milestone in the Marine Corps’ ongoing fifth-generation tactical aircraft transition. Attendees of the ceremony included active-duty Marines and Sailors with VMA-231, their families, and veterans who had previously served with the squadron. Maj. Gen. William Swan, commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), and Maj. Gen. James Wellons, commanding general of 3rd MAW, as well as several distinguished guests, community leaders and former commanding officers of the squadron were also in attendance.
“Today is not a sad day,” stated Lt. Col. Paul Truog, current commanding officer of VMA-231, during the ceremony, “This is a momentous day for Marine aviation. It’s a day that we’re going to celebrate.”
USMC oldest flying squadron transitioning to F-35B
Truog, alongside Sgt. Maj. Christianna Wolford, will oversee VMA-231’s official deactivation in September 2025. The squadron will then reactivate as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 231 in fiscal year 2026. As VMFA-231, the squadron will continue the unit’s storied legacy with fifth-generation capabilities as an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron.
“Everybody knows that VMA-231 is transitioning to F-35s. The Wing, the [Marine Aircraft Group], and the squadron are going to be more capable of responding to any crisis. But that capability is not just because it’s our most technically advanced weapons system,” Truog said in his remarks. “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.’”
Truog’s comments referred to the many Marines who will continue the squadron’s earned legacy as future members of VMFA-231 and who will continue their service by piloting, maintaining and supporting F-35 aircraft in squadrons across the Marine Corps.
VMA-231
Marine Attack Squadron 231 (VMA-231) is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) fixed wing attack squadron that consists of AV-8B Harrier (V/STOL) jets. The squadron, known as the “Ace of Spades”, is based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina and fall under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
The unit received the first AV-8B Harrier II on 19 September 1985 becoming the Marine Corps oldest squadron flew the Corps’ newest aircraft.
From 1919 to the present, VMA-231 continues to carry on the legacy and very essence of Marine Aviation. From the beginning, the Ace of Spades insignia has flown on planes of the United States Marine Corps and has played a vital role in Marine Corps’ history.
AV-8B Harrier II
The AV-8B Harrier II V/STOL strike aircraft was designed to replace the AV-8A and the A-4M light attack aircraft. The Marine Corps requirement for a V/STOL light attack force has been well documented since the late 1950s. Combining tactical mobility, responsiveness, reduced operating cost and basing flexibility, both afloat and ashore, V/STOL aircraft are particularly well suited to the special combat and expeditionary requirements of the Marine Corps. The AV-8BII+ features the APG-65 Radar common to the F/A-18, as well as all previous systems and features common to the AV-8BII.
The mission of the VMA STOVL squadron is to attack and destroy surface and air targets, to escort helicopters, and to conduct other such air operations as may be directed.
Photo credit: Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo / U.S. Marine Corps
