A combat-proven AV-8B Harrier II+ will soon take its place at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum in New Jersey. The aircraft arrives on June 4, after completing 219 missions in battle.
Landing one final time at Cherry Point on December 1, 2024, this war machine came from Florida’s National Naval Aviation Museum. Its wings carried it through 755 hours of combat during Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom operations.
“They’re doing a big push to get (the Harriers) into museums to honor those who have flown these aircraft and flown missions on them, especially in Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom,” said Austin Meyers to NJ.com.
First taking flight August 31, 1993, the aircraft served with VMA-542 before joining the “Bulldogs” of VMA-223. Its unique design allowed straight-up takeoffs, ship-based operations, and quick strikes from rough fields near combat zones.
Inside the vast 92,000 square-foot World War II Hangar #1 at Cape May County Airport, visitors will find this historic aircraft. The site links to VMA-223’s proud past: They made history as the first Marine fighters to strike at Guadalcanal in 1942.
The base trained dive-bomber pilots during World War II. Within its walls, 42 brave souls lost their lives while training between 1943 and 1945.
Doors open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The NAS Wildwood Museum now features the Longest Yarn Traveling D-Day Exhibit through Labor Day with standard admission.
