The Tillamook Air Museum has added a combat-tested AV-8B Harrier II (BuNo 165002) to its collection, marking a significant expansion of the Museum’s historically significant aircraft exhibits. The aircraft arrived on August 4 directly from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, a U.S. Navy research, development, and test facility in California’s Mojave Desert. The Harrier’s arrival under its own power was a rare and historic event, giving the public an extraordinary opportunity to witness a piece of military aviation history in motion. A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transported the demilitarization crew responsible for preparing the aircraft for public display. The Harrier was subsequently demilitarized and readied for permanent exhibition. The aircraft is on long-term loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
Christian Gurling, Curator at the Tillamook Air Museum, emphasized the aircraft’s historical importance. “This Harrier represents an extraordinary chapter in modern military aviation,” Gurling said. “Its addition strengthens the Museum’s role as a destination for aviation heritage and allows us to interpret its legacy for the public, honoring both the aircraft and the Marines who flew it.”
Delivered to the United States Marine Corps on March 30, 1995, the Harrier II+ accumulated 5,518 total flight hours, including 631 combat hours across 88 missions, and completed 5,457 landings. It participated in operations worldwide, including missions during Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria, and supported humanitarian and combat operations from the USS Boxer, USS Peleliu, USS Nassau, and USS America, as well as forward bases such as Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Its service also included aerial support following the USS John S. McCain collision near Singapore.
As a production radar model, the Harrier II+ was designed for frontline service with enhanced capabilities. Its final assignment with VX-31 at China Lake involved testing and evaluation programs that contributed to ongoing aircraft development. Rita Welch, Museum Director, highlighted the significance of the acquisition. “Welcoming a combat-tested Harrier flown directly from China Lake is a momentous occasion for the Museum. This aircraft enriches our collection and enhances our ability to educate the public about military aviation history. We extend our sincere gratitude to Bonnie Towne at the National Naval Aviation Museum for facilitating this loan, and to Pablo ‘Louie’ Sanchez and the AV-8B Museum Task Force for their expert coordination.”
The Museum also acknowledged the support of Visit Tillamook Coast and local lodging partners, including Tillamook Inn and Suites, for assisting the demilitarization crew during their stay. The AV-8B Harrier II will soon be prepared for public display at the Tillamook Air Museum, where it will serve as a centerpiece of the Museum’s ongoing effort to preserve and share the legacy of modern military aviation. For more information about the Tillamook Air Museum, visit www.tillamookair.com.
