OUR MISSION

The end of an incredible era is near... Capturing the oral histories of those who flew and supported the Harrier for half a century ensures that their courage, devotion, innovation, and sacrifice are not lost to time but preserved as a living legacy for future generations to learn from and be inspired by. That is our mission here at CALLSIGN Magazine.

The U.S. Marine Corps first introduced the Harrier in 1971, when the AV‑8A entered service and the first squadron became operational that May. In 1984, the Corps transitioned to the more advanced AV‑8B Harrier II, marking a new chapter in vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aviation.

Today, the VMA‑223 “Bulldogs” stand as the final squadron to fly the legendary Harrier. With sundown plans set for this summer, they will close out more than five decades of Marine Corps Harrier operations—honoring 55 years of innovation, dedication, and history in the skies.

The Harrier Legacy Project is our ongoing effort to document and preserve the extraordinary 55‑year history of the AV‑8B Harrier and the Marines, sailors, and civilians who brought it to life. As this iconic aircraft nears the end of its service in 2026, we have been working alongside squadrons such as VMA‑214 “Black Sheep,” VMA‑231 “Ace of Spades,” and VX‑31 “Dust Devils,” capturing their final missions, deployments, and sundown ceremonies. Our goal is to ensure that every stage of the Harrier’s life—from active service to preservation—is recorded for future generations.

This project will culminate in a comprehensive archive of photographs, articles, and oral histories, accompanied by a commemorative publication scheduled for release in fall 2026. To date, we have conducted nearly twenty interviews with Harrier pilots, dating back to the Alpha era, as well as several former maintainers and aircrew members, with plans to conduct several more interviews. Our mission is not only to honor the aircraft itself but to preserve the human stories—the triumphs, challenges, and innovations—that define the Harrier's lasting legacy.

We invite anyone who has served with or supported the Harrier community to be part of this effort. Pilots, maintainers, air crew, and leadership. Whether through sharing stories, photographs, or personal recollections, your experiences are vital to ensuring this proud chapter of Marine Corps aviation is remembered for generations to come.

To learn more about our project or to get involved, send us a message. We’d love to hear from you.

Semper Fi!
Alan de Herrera
Owner/Editor-in-Chief
CALLSIGN Magazine
editor@callsignmagazine.com