The Marine Corps is transitioning from the AV-8B Harrier to the F-35B Lightning II, rebranding the historic Marine Attack Squadron 231 to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 231. This change reflects a broader effort to modernize and enhance capabilities for contemporary Pacific warfare. As the oldest flying squadron in the service, the rebranding marks a significant shift in the Corps' aviation strategy, focusing on advanced stealth technology and improved operational response capabilities. The transition will take place later this year and is seen as a positive step by leadership.
"Everybody knows that VMA-231 is transitioning to F-35s," said the unit's commanding officer, Lt. Col. Paul Truog, stressing that the final Harrier flight was not a "sad day" and asserting that "the Wing, the [Marine Aircraft Group], and the squadron are going to be more capable of responding to any crisis."
With VMA-231's rebranding, the unit's pilots will no longer fly the AV-8B Harrier, an aircraft known for its short and vertical take-off and landing capabilities. The Corps is doing away with the plane, preferring the new fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.
The Marine Corps will soon rebrand a storied aviation squadron as its pilots switch to a new jet designed for next-level warfare.
The change is part of service-wide plans to enhance capabilities for modern Pacific warfare.
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