Talyn
Emissary
“If they don’t have enough F-35Bs to do the job, then, well, it’s up to the last of the Harriers," an expert said.
On 18 November 2025, U.S. Southern Command U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II jets conducted live-fire training from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean Sea.
The images show aircraft from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) dropping ordnance as part of a broader deployment in support of Operation Southern Spear, the large-scale campaign targeting transnational drug-trafficking networks across the Western Hemisphere.
taskandpurpose.com
A Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean Sean, Sept. 7, 2025. Marine photo by Sgt. Tanner Bernat.
Reports of the demise of the Marine Corps’ legendary AV-8B Harrier II are greatly exaggerated, as evidenced by a U.S. Southern Command video released this week showing Harriers from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima conducting a live-fire ordnance exercise in the Caribbean.
www.armyrecognition.com
FYI - USMC AV-8B+ Ops footage from the USS Kearsarge
On 18 November 2025, U.S. Southern Command U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II jets conducted live-fire training from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean Sea.
The images show aircraft from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) dropping ordnance as part of a broader deployment in support of Operation Southern Spear, the large-scale campaign targeting transnational drug-trafficking networks across the Western Hemisphere.
Marine Harriers are in the Caribbean just ahead of retirement
Harriers may not be as advanced as F-35s, but the Marines have found one last mission for them amid Caribbean build-up.
taskandpurpose.com
A Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean Sean, Sept. 7, 2025. Marine photo by Sgt. Tanner Bernat.
Reports of the demise of the Marine Corps’ legendary AV-8B Harrier II are greatly exaggerated, as evidenced by a U.S. Southern Command video released this week showing Harriers from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima conducting a live-fire ordnance exercise in the Caribbean.
U.S. Marines AV‑8B Harriers Roar from USS Iwo Jima Amphib Ship in Southern Spear Drill
U.S. Southern Command shares AV-8B Harrier live fire from USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean, highlighting Operation Southern Spear's hybrid anti-cartel mission.
www.armyrecognition.com
FYI - USMC AV-8B+ Ops footage from the USS Kearsarge
. Son used to be at MCAS Cherry Point. I always liked watching the AV8B’s do their magic.