PRESS RELEASE
The Tillamook Air Museum is excited to announce the upcoming arrival of a combat-proven AV-8B Harrier II (BuNo 165002), marking a significant enhancement to its expanding collection of historically important military aircraft. This aircraft will be flown directly from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, a key U.S. Navy research and test facility located in California’s Mojave Desert. The Harrier’s arrival under its own power will be a rare and momentous occasion for the region, providing the public with a unique opportunity to witness modern military aviation history in action. Accompanying the Harrier’s delivery will be a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, transporting the Marine Corps demilitarization crew tasked with preparing the aircraft for static public exhibition.
Weather and operational factors permitting, the Harrier and C-17 are scheduled to arrive in Tillamook on Monday, August 4th. The public is encouraged to follow the museum’s social media channels for real-time updates as the date approaches. Once on the ground, the AV-8B will undergo demilitarization and preparation for long-term display. The aircraft is being provided on extended loan by the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
“This aircraft represents an extraordinary chapter in modern military aviation,” said Christian Gurling, Curator of the Tillamook Air Museum. “We are proud to accept this historic piece of Marine Corps history. Acquisitions such as this are rapidly establishing the Tillamook Air Museum as a world-class destination for aviation heritage. We look forward to interpreting the legacy of this aircraft in a way that honors both its service and the aviators who flew it.”
Delivered to the United States Marine Corps on March 30, 1995, this Harrier logged an impressive 5,518 total flight hours, including 631 combat hours across 88 missions, and completed 5,457 landings. It served in multiple operational theaters over a 30-year career, participating in Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria while operating from the USS Boxer and air bases such as Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The aircraft also flew missions from the USS Peleliu, USS Nassau, and USS America, supporting combat and humanitarian operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, and the Arabian Gulf. In one deployment, its unit provided aerial support following the collision of the USS John S. McCain near Singapore. This particular Harrier is a production radar model Harrier II+, designed for frontline service and equipped with enhanced capabilities. After its operational deployments, it concluded its service with VX-31 at China Lake, serving as a developmental and evaluation test platform.
“We are honored to welcome this distinguished aircraft to Tillamook,” said Rita Welch, Director of the Tillamook Air Museum. “The arrival of a combat-tested Harrier flown directly from China Lake is a historic milestone for our institution and among the most significant acquisitions in our history. This aircraft adds exceptional value to our collection and enhances our ability to educate the public about the legacy of military aviation. We are especially grateful to Bonnie Towne at the National Naval Aviation Museum for her dedication and efforts in securing this important long-term loan. Her work was instrumental in making this transfer possible.” The museum also extends heartfelt thanks to Pablo “Louie” Sanchez, AV-8B Assistant Program Manager for Logistics (APML), who leads the AV-8B Museum Task Force. His leadership and coordination have been essential to arranging the transfer. The museum additionally acknowledges the contributions of his entire team, whose support has been vital in bringing this project to fruition. Special thanks are also extended to Visit Tillamook Coast for assisting with lodging logistics and to the Tillamook Inn and Suites for graciously hosting the demilitarization crew during their stay. For more information about the Tillamook Air Museum, visit www.tillamookair.com
