thedrifter
10-06-04, 05:42 AM
Day Attack Harrier retired in flyby ceremony
Submitted by: MCAS Cherry Point
Story Identification #: 2004104164341
Story by Lance Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. (Sept. 30, 2004) -- Marine Attack Training Squadron-203 retired the original AV-8B Day Attack Harrier in a flyby ceremony Sept. 30 at Cherry Point.
Combining tactical mobility, responsiveness, reduced operating costs and flexibility the AV-8B Day Attack Harrier has been an essential element for the special combat and expeditionary requirements of the Marine Corps.
"I've been flying AV-8B Harriers for 18 years," said Lt. Col. Richard W. Regan, the Commanding Officer at VMAT-203. "They have been globally deployed since the summer of 1986. They served exceptionally well in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm and during the Kosovo Conflict. During Desert Storm, they were the closest to the front of any tactical aircraft."
Harriers have been able to serve a special purpose flying off of aircraft carriers. Part of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Unit, they have been an invaluable element of strategic planning.
"Flying off of aircraft carriers we give the MEU commander deeper striking ability," said Regan. "This in turn changes the shape of the battlefield."
Employed as a ground-attack fighter-bomber they have proved there worthiness after 20 years of faithful service.
"Over the years we have improved on the original model," said Regan. "The updated AV-8B Day Attack Harriers have now become operationally obsolete, and will either be sold to foreign countries or scrapped for parts."
The original Harrier has been constantly improved. The AV-8B II Night Attack was designed for flying at night and has a forward looking infrared system. Its engine was upgraded from the 406 to the 408 engine, giving the aircraft more thrust, better performance and the ability to carry heavier ordnance loads. Another added feature is a multi-purpose color display, or a moving map.
"The Harrier has changed over the years as the way the Marine Corps war-fighting tactics have changed," said Regan. "The need for a more powerful engine is critical to the Harriers ability to fly off and land on air craft carriers. Smart bombs, advanced precision bombs, better censors are all changes that the Harrier has experienced over the years."
The AV-8B Night Attack II+ is the latest addition to the growing Harrier family. With radar installed, it's the most advanced Harrier in VMAT-203's arsenal.
"At one time we had eight Squadrons of 20 Harriers each," said Regan. "They have served us skillfully over the years, in fact the bird I landed today is fully operational and completely ready to fly right now."
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2004104185313/$file/vmat203low.jpg
Lt. Col. Richard W. Regan, the Commanding Officer at VMAT-203, lands original AV-8B Day Attack Harrier for the last time at Cherry Point. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2004104193153/$file/harriers1low.jpg
As the four different generations of Harriers fly in formation, the AV-8B Day Attack Harrier begins the final departure of its Marine Corps career. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200410419345/$file/harrier2low.jpg
As the four different generations of Harriers fly in formation, the AV-8B Day Attack Harrier begins the final departure of its Marine Corps career. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/622617A9C04AA3C785256F230071DD26?opendocument
Ellie
Submitted by: MCAS Cherry Point
Story Identification #: 2004104164341
Story by Lance Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. (Sept. 30, 2004) -- Marine Attack Training Squadron-203 retired the original AV-8B Day Attack Harrier in a flyby ceremony Sept. 30 at Cherry Point.
Combining tactical mobility, responsiveness, reduced operating costs and flexibility the AV-8B Day Attack Harrier has been an essential element for the special combat and expeditionary requirements of the Marine Corps.
"I've been flying AV-8B Harriers for 18 years," said Lt. Col. Richard W. Regan, the Commanding Officer at VMAT-203. "They have been globally deployed since the summer of 1986. They served exceptionally well in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm and during the Kosovo Conflict. During Desert Storm, they were the closest to the front of any tactical aircraft."
Harriers have been able to serve a special purpose flying off of aircraft carriers. Part of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Unit, they have been an invaluable element of strategic planning.
"Flying off of aircraft carriers we give the MEU commander deeper striking ability," said Regan. "This in turn changes the shape of the battlefield."
Employed as a ground-attack fighter-bomber they have proved there worthiness after 20 years of faithful service.
"Over the years we have improved on the original model," said Regan. "The updated AV-8B Day Attack Harriers have now become operationally obsolete, and will either be sold to foreign countries or scrapped for parts."
The original Harrier has been constantly improved. The AV-8B II Night Attack was designed for flying at night and has a forward looking infrared system. Its engine was upgraded from the 406 to the 408 engine, giving the aircraft more thrust, better performance and the ability to carry heavier ordnance loads. Another added feature is a multi-purpose color display, or a moving map.
"The Harrier has changed over the years as the way the Marine Corps war-fighting tactics have changed," said Regan. "The need for a more powerful engine is critical to the Harriers ability to fly off and land on air craft carriers. Smart bombs, advanced precision bombs, better censors are all changes that the Harrier has experienced over the years."
The AV-8B Night Attack II+ is the latest addition to the growing Harrier family. With radar installed, it's the most advanced Harrier in VMAT-203's arsenal.
"At one time we had eight Squadrons of 20 Harriers each," said Regan. "They have served us skillfully over the years, in fact the bird I landed today is fully operational and completely ready to fly right now."
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2004104185313/$file/vmat203low.jpg
Lt. Col. Richard W. Regan, the Commanding Officer at VMAT-203, lands original AV-8B Day Attack Harrier for the last time at Cherry Point. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2004104193153/$file/harriers1low.jpg
As the four different generations of Harriers fly in formation, the AV-8B Day Attack Harrier begins the final departure of its Marine Corps career. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200410419345/$file/harrier2low.jpg
As the four different generations of Harriers fly in formation, the AV-8B Day Attack Harrier begins the final departure of its Marine Corps career. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/622617A9C04AA3C785256F230071DD26?opendocument
Ellie