The Book  ·  Squadrons  ·  Interviews  ·  Maintainers & Ordnance  ·  In Memoriam  ·  Share Your Story

Stack of magazines titled 'CALL SIGN' with a silhouette of a fighter jet during sunset on the cover, placed on a rustic wooden table.

Harrier Legacy Book

The Harrier Legacy book is a 136-page commemorative deluxe coffee-table softcover from CALLSIGN Publishing, an independent military aviation publisher. Full color, printed on heavy stock and driven by images from cover to cover, it's built to be kept, revisited, and passed forward.

This book wasn't written from a library of archives. It was reported from the flight line.

For more than three years, CALLSIGN Publishing writer and photojournalist Alan De Herrera was embedded with the final generation of Marine Corps Harrier squadrons. The reporting went wherever the jets did: into the high desert at China Lake with VX-31 “Dust Devils” for the Harrier's final test mission and sundown ceremony, and aboard USS Makin Island, where VMA-211 launched and recovered jets amid the heat, noise and jet exhaust of a flight deck at sea. It went into the hangars, thick with the smell of fuel and hydraulic fluid, where maintainers turned wrenches through long shifts to keep aging Harriers airborne. It went into the ready rooms as crews debriefed. And it ended on the ramp at Cherry Point on June 3, 2026, when the last Marine Corps Harrier came home for good.

The Marine Corps granted access few outsiders ever get, and the community trusted him with its stories, from the Marines who flew and fixed the first AV-8As, to the program leaders and test pilots who built the AV-8B, to the crews who prepped and flew the last sortie with VMA-223. That trust is the foundation of this book.

Told by the Community

More than 70 recorded interviews form the backbone of this book. LtGen Harry “Vulture” Blot and LtGen Jon “Dog” Davis shared their memories, as did Harrier pilots from every era: LAWMAN, MONSTER, PUGS, SHINE, TRAPER, PORKY, GUMP, LOOB, MUDDUCK, SPONGEBOB, JIMBO, ZIEG, ZAK, SMELLS and several more. Maintainers, ordnance Marines and crew chiefs added what only they could see from the hangar floor and the flight deck.

Some of the stories are funny. Others are hard to hear. They come from Marines who went to war, buried friends and punched out of dying jets. Their words carry the book, and their memories fill the gaps no official record covers. This is the Harrier story as the community tells it: plainly, proudly and sometimes painfully.

Inside the Book

At the heart of the book are nine squadron histories: VMA-211, -214, -223, -231, -311, -331, -513, -542 and VMAT-203, each with its own culture, callsigns and way of doing the job, and each told by the Marines who served in it. The book follows the Harrier to war, from Desert Storm through the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria and Yemen, through the eyes of the Marines who flew, commanded, fixed and armed those combat sorties. It goes aboard ship for the deck cycles, the night recoveries and the flexible basing that made the Harrier essential to the Marine Corps’ expeditionary mission.

It also traces how the Marine Corps built Harrier pilots. When the AV-8A arrived in 1971, the Corps had no two-seat Harrier of its own; only the RAF flew a two-seat trainer, and the first Marine AV-8A pilots went straight from the classroom into a single-seat jet. After the TAV-8A arrived in 1975, the two-seater became the gate every Harrier pilot had to pass through, and washing out was always a real possibility. Test pilots from Patuxent River, VX-4, VX-5, VX-9 and VX-31 at China Lake describe how the jet was wrung out, modified and made more survivable and lethal in combat. And the maintainers and ordnance Marines get their due as the hands that kept the jump jet healthy, armed and in the air.

The book honors all 51 members of the Harrier community lost over 55 years, and the ways those who flew west have been remembered. It closes with VMA-223 “Bulldogs” and the final flight, photographed as it happened and told by the pilots who flew the last Marine Corps Harrier sortie.

If you flew it, fixed it, armed it, launched it or waited at home for someone who did, this book belongs to you.

About the Author

Alan De Herrera is a military aviation photojournalist, feature writer, and editor-in-chief of CALLSIGN Publishing, with more than 20 years covering the military. His work has appeared in Smithsonian Air & Space, Skies Magazine, The Hook, Military Times, Pensacola News Journal, and other publications.

Front view of a fighter jet aircraft with large missiles attached under the wings, parked on the runway. Large bold text reads 'Flying Off the Boat', with a subtitle mentioning 'Marine Attack Squadron 211 Wake Island Avengers'. There's a small circular logo with a dragon and the words 'Wake VMA 211' in the bottom right corner.

The CALLSIGN Kickstarter campaign launches in November 2026 to fund the printing of this first edition. Waiting-list members are notified first and get access to a limited early-bird price and bonus materials in the first 48 hours. First edition ships at the start of Q2 2027.

RESERVE YOUR COPY

KICKSTARTER

Campaign Launch

Be the first to reserve a copy of the book

A definitive visual and narrative tribute to the AV-8 Harrier community. More than seventy interviews with the pilots, maintainers, and ordnance Marines who flew, fixed, and armed the jet. A photographic record made over more than three years, through the last sundown flight on June 3, 2026.

CALLSIGN will soon launch a Kickstarter campaign to fund the design and printing of the first edition of Harrier Legacy, a commemorative 136-page deluxe coffee-table softcover book. Every backer reserves a first-edition copy. Higher tiers add special editions, Harrier sundown archival prints, patches, and other exclusive rewards.

The first 48 hours will open with a limited early-bird price, and the waiting list gets notified first. When those special copies are gone, they're gone.

Join the waiting list and be first in line when the campaign opens.

Fighter jet flying above the ocean during sunset with the title 'Harrier Legacy' and a description about the Harrier Legacy project by Alan de Herrera.
A soldier in camouflage uniform standing with arms crossed inside a workshop. Behind him is a large jet engine, and the workshop has industrial metal beams and shelves.
A military fighter jet flying in the sky with text overlay that reads 'VMA-223' and 'Bulldogs'.
Fighter jet aircraft on an aircraft carrier at sunset with a clear sky.
Magazine article about the VMA-223 Dust Devils Harrier aircraft, with a photo of a pilot's view from inside a fighter jet cockpit showing the desert landscape below.
A pilot in military gear and helmet flying a helicopter over a desert landscape with mountains in the distance.
A fighter jet on the ground with another jet flying overhead in the sky, with a partial overlay of a black and white graphic on the right side containing text about the Harrier Legacy Project.
A fighter jet aircraft is stationed under a canopy at an airbase with a person in uniform standing beside it, holding a helmet with an oxygen mask, seemingly preparing for a flight.
An open magazine featuring a photograph of a military aircraft on a runway with the headline "Flying Off the Bat" and the subheading "Marine Attack Squadron 211 Wake Island Avengers."
Military aircraft carrier sailing in open sea with multiple jets on deck and radar antennas.
An open magazine displaying a photo of a military fighter jet in flight against a cloudy sky, placed on a wooden table with a cup of coffee nearby.
A military fighter jet flying over a desert landscape with mountain ridges.
A black background with text and symbols. At the top, small text says 'VX-31'. In the middle, large red text says 'THE LAST BOMB'. Below, a paragraph describes Major Alec 'Cosmo' Rackish conducting preflight checks on an AV-8B Harrier aircraft before
Close-up of the front landing gear of an aircraft, showing the wheel and strut assembly.
The flight deck of an aircraft carrier at sea with four fighter jets parked and military personnel walking around.
Several military fighter jets parked on a runway with a few crew members walking nearby. The sky is clear with some clouds and mountains are visible in the background.
A formation of fighter jets flying in a tight V formation against a clear blue sky.
Four gray military fighter jets lined up on an aircraft carrier deck, secured with chains, with their canopies closed and markings indicating US military.
A military fighter jet flying low over the ocean with the runway visible below and a second jet flying in the distance.
A fighter pilot in an aircraft cockpit flying through clouds, wearing a helmet with a reflective visor, with cloud formations visible outside.
A man in a pilot uniform stands on the cockpit of a fighter jet, holding the canopy with his right hand, wearing a helmet, and looking toward the camera.
Fighter jet aircraft taking off from the runway
Military personnel in camouflage uniforms standing in formation on an airfield, next to a row of fighter jets parked on the tarmac.
A male pilot in beige flight suit sitting on the tarmac in front of a fighter jet, with a helmet placed on the ground featuring a colorful eagle design and the word "COSMO."
Group of military pilots and crew members posing on and around a military jet aircraft on an airfield under a clear blue sky.
Close-up of a beige military uniform with a round badge featuring a cartoon lion holding a sword and shield, and crossed swords behind it. The badge has the text 'VX.31' at the bottom.
A military fighter jet taking off from a runway with trees in the background.
Three technicians repairing a military helicopter inside a hangar, with an open hangar door and sunlight outside.
Group of seven male pilots in flight suits standing arm in arm on a runway with a fighter jet in the background.
Close-up of a person's chest showing a patch with a bulldog wearing boxing gloves on a yellow and red background, with the text 'NYANA-223'. The person is wearing a green jacket with a partially visible badge or name tag.
A military personnel in camouflage uniform standing next to a fighter jet on runway, giving a high five. The fighter jet is gray with markings, and mountains are visible in the background.
A person in a military flight suit and helmet sitting inside the cockpit of a fighter jet, raising their fists in a celebratory manner.
A military aircraft on the deck of an aircraft carrier with personnel in uniform. One person in a yellow jacket in the foreground gestures towards the plane, while others walk or stand nearby. The aircraft is facing forward with its cockpit visible.
A military aircraft on the deck of a ship with crew members in red, green, and yellow uniforms preparing for a mission or exercise.
A man in pilot gear sitting in the cockpit of a jet aircraft, smiling under a clear blue sky.
A fighter jet flying in front of a setting sun with an orange sky.
A fighter jet descending towards a runway with clouds in the sky.
A fighter jet flying over a snowy landscape.
A smiling man in a green military flight suit holding a helmet, standing in front of a fighter jet in a hangar.
A fighter jet flying low over the deck of a navy aircraft carrier, with a crew member in a yellow vest and helmet signaling on the deck.
An aircraft, likely a military fighter jet, taking off from an aircraft carrier. It is moving forward at high speed, with smoke and vapor trailing from its engines, and the sky in the background is cloudy and overcast.
A yellow safety sign with a cartoon bulldog wearing boxing gloves and a black-and-white striped shirt, standing on its hind legs with fists raised, and the code VMMA-223. The sign appears to be in a fire station or safety area, and next to it, there
Gravestone with an engraved image of Harrier pilot Todd "Cuddles" Denson in military uniform, surrounded by grass and fallen leaves.
A fighter jet flying through a blue sky with scattered clouds, viewed from below.
Seat backs in a stadium or arena with letter and number cushions on top of each headrest, and posters on the wall in the background.
A fighter jet flying close to the ground against a vibrant orange and yellow sunset sky.
Front view of a fighter jet on a runway, facing towards the camera, with a clear sky in the background.
A metal surface with a circular cutout containing an Ace of Spades playing card, surrounded by multiple screws.
Photo of a fighter jet flying over the ocean at sunset with the sun low on the horizon, and the text 'Harrier Legacy' in large font on the left side, and a description about the Harrier Legacy project on the right.
A man in military camouflage uniform with crossed arms standing in front of a large aircraft engine inside an industrial hangar or workshop.
A military fighter jet in flight with text overlay reading "VMA-223" and "Bulldogs". The jet has a black and gray color scheme with markings and a yellow emblem on the nose.
A military fighter jet on the deck of an aircraft carrier during sunset.
A magazine spread with a black background and large red text that reads 'END OF AN ERA,' and smaller beige text about the VMA-223 Dust Devils Retire Harrier Fleet. To the right, a photograph of a military aircraft cockpit shows various controls, a se
A military pilot wearing a helmet and oxygen mask inside a fighter jet cockpit during a flight over a mountainous desert landscape.
A fighter jet on an airport runway, with another jet flying overhead against a clear blue sky, and a graphic design with the number 55 and text about the Harrier Legacy Project.
A man stands beside a fighter jet on a tarmac, holding a helmet with a visor in one hand and a helmet with a microphone in another, with a clear sky in the background.
Magazine open to article titled 'Flying Off the Bat,' featuring a photograph of a military fighter jet.
A large aircraft carrier sailing on the ocean with a clear sky.
Open magazine showing a photograph of two fighter jets flying in the sky against gray clouds, placed on a wooden table with a coffee mug nearby.
Military fighter jet flying over desert mountains.
Document related to VX-31 mission, featuring a logo with a red devil holding a gun and a missile, and a paragraph describing Maj. Alec Cosmo Rackish's preflight checks on an AV-8B Harrier at Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake.
Close-up view of an aircraft jet engine and landing gear under the wing of an airplane, with a cloudy sky in the background.
Military aircraft, likely fighter jets, parked on the deck of an aircraft carrier at sea with personnel and equipment around.
A military jet aircraft parked on an airstrip with several personnel nearby and forested hills in the background.
Six fighter jets flying in formation against a clear blue sky.
Three military fighter jets lined up on an aircraft carrier with chains securing them, under a cloudy sky.
An F-35 fighter jet landing on an aircraft carrier deck with a clear sky in the background.
Pilot in fighter jet cockpit flying through clouds.
A man in military flight gear and helmet standing inside the cockpit of a fighter jet on an airfield.
Fighter jet plane taking off from runway with water spray and a cloudy sky in the background.
Line of military personnel standing on an airfield runway with fighter jets parked in the background.
A man in military gear sitting on the ground in front of a fighter jet, with a helmet featuring a colorful eagle design placed in front of him.
Group of military personnel in uniform standing in front of a fighter jet at an airbase on a clear day.
Close-up of a beige military-style jacket with a circular patch showing a snarling creature holding a military weapon and a plane, with the letters VX.31 beneath it.
A military fighter jet taking off from a runway with trees in the background.
Three maintenance workers inspecting or repairing the interior of a military helicopter inside a hangar, with open side door revealing bright sunlight outside.
A group of seven smiling male pilots in flight suits standing side by side outdoors, with a fighter jet in the background.
Close-up of a person's uniform showing a patch with a bear wearing boxing gloves and the text 'YANA-223' above it. The person also has a badge with a name tag partially visible.
A person in military uniform standing next to a fighter jet on an airport runway, with mountains in the background.
A pilot wearing a helmet and uniform, seated inside the cockpit of an aircraft with the canopy open, raises fists in celebration.
An aircraft carrier deck with a fighter jet parked, several crew members walking and standing, some in yellow vests, and crew members near the aircraft, with a person in the foreground giving a thumbs-up.
A crew member in a yellow jacket is preparing to move on an aircraft carrier deck, with several other crew members in red and green jackets observing, and a fighter jet with a pilot in a cockpit in the background.
A smiling man wearing a pilot helmet and tan flight suit sitting in the cockpit of a military jet aircraft against a clear blue sky.
Fighter jet aircraft flying in front of a bright orange sunset sky.
An image of a fighter jet aircraft flying low, with landing gear extended over a runway, against a cloudy sky.
Military fighter jet flying over snow-covered landscape
A man in a green flight suit holding a black and white helmet, standing in front of a fighter jet inside an aircraft hangar.
A fighter jet is on the deck of an aircraft carrier, with a crew member wearing a yellow shirt and helmet crouching nearby, preparing for takeoff against a blue sky and ocean background.
Fighter jet aircraft taking off from an aircraft carrier, with smoke and vapor trailing behind, under a cloudy sky.
A yellow safety plaque with a cartoon bulldog wearing boxer gloves and a striped shirt, labeled 'VMA-223', and the letters 'CO'. There are helmets with similar bulldog decals hanging below the plaque, in a setting that appears to be a fire station or
Gravestone with an engraved portrait of a man in military uniform, surrounded by grass and small plants.
A fighter jet flying in the sky with clouds.
Empty row of brown leather chairs with pillow covers featuring the Washington Football Team logo, in a sports bar or stadium setting, with framed sports posters on the wall in the background.
A military fighter jet flying through a colorful sunset sky with shades of orange, yellow, and gold.
Front view of a military fighter jet on runway during daytime, with landing gear down, under a cloudy sky.
A circular sign depicting the Ace of Spades playing card, mounted on a gray metallic surface with visible screws.

The Harrier Legacy Project is presented in partnership with

A circular badge for The Harrier Association featuring a front view of an AV-8 Harrier jet flying over water, with a missile on each wing, a battle group in the background, and ribbon banners that read "Preserving the Legacy" and "Honoring Service."

Preserving the Legacy and Honoring the Service of the
AV-8 Harrier Community.

THE HARRIER ASSOCIATION

CALLSIGN Publishing partnered with The Harrier Association — a not-for-profit built and run by the Harrier community itself — to ensure this story is told with the accuracy, technical rigor, and justice it deserves. The Association serves as an advisory partner throughout the project, connecting us directly with the Marines who flew and maintained the Harrier and providing the community insight and technical expertise needed to get it right. Together, we’re creating a story truly by the community, for the community — especially as the aircraft’s operational chapter closes after 55 years of service.

The Harrier Association is a professional, not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history, traditions, and camaraderie of the AV-8 Harrier community. It honors the aircraft’s role in military aviation history and celebrates the pilots, maintainers, and support personnel who served with distinction.

The Association’s mission is to foster connections among members, support members and their families, and advance public understanding of the Harrier’s significance in military aviation history. Through its programs, it works to ensure this heritage endures for future generations. As a 501(c)(19) veterans’ organization devoted to camaraderie, education, and historical preservation, the Association shares CALLSIGN’s core purpose: turning firsthand memory into a lasting, accurate record of the Harrier community’s place in Marine Corps aviation history.

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