In a bittersweet ceremony at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit, the curtain closed on an era as the final class of AV-8B Harrier II power plant mechanics graduated on Jan. 29. These five Marines, armed with 60 days of rigorous training on the Harrier’s jet engine and gas turbine starter, will now report to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14, the last remaining Harrier unit in the U.S. Marine Corps.
The Harrier, affectionately known as the “Jump Jet” for its vertical take-off and landing capabilities, has served the Marine Corps with distinction since 1985. Its versatility and adaptability have been instrumental in countless operations, from the deserts of Afghanistan to the skies above Iraq. However, the Marine Corps, in line with Force Design 2030, is aggressively shifting towards a smaller, more agile force, prioritizing newer technologies and capabilities.
Gunnery Sgt. Ryan Fife, a power plant mechanic instructor and veteran Harrier technician, expressed his mixed emotions about training the final class. “It’s bittersweet,” he said. “I am proud to pass on knowledge to the last generation of students, but it’s also the end of an era for the Corps.”
For Pfc. Landyn Powers, one of the graduating Marines, the weight of history is palpable. “It’s mind-boggling to me, knowing that I’m going to the fleet soon and there is nobody else taking this class after me,” he said.
The Marine Corps’ future lies with the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation fighter jet boasting unparalleled stealth and lethality. While the Harrier may be stepping down, its legacy lives on in the Marines who maintained it. These final graduates will ensure the Harrier’s smooth operation until its retirement in two years, after which they will have the opportunity to transition to new roles within the evolving Marine Corps.
As the final class receives their diplomas, it marks not only the end of a chapter but also the beginning of a new one.
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