A must for fans of the Jump Jet
A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 223, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis on the runway at Bodø Air Station, Norway, March 3, 2022. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adam Henke)
This week’s Fighter Pilot Podcast is on the Harrier, specifically the AV-8B, and has as guests the final skipper, Lt. Col. “Traper” Cumbie, and XO Major Eric “Porky” Scheibe, of the last Marine Harrier squadron, VMA-223, the “Great American Bulldogs.”
The ‘Dogs have a hell of a history, flying Brewster F2A-1 Buffalos at the beginning of WWII, then moving to Wildcats and Corsairs (bagging 146 victories 1942-45), Panthers in Korea, Skyhawks in Vietnam, and the Harrier since 1987.
And yes, 223 supported True Lies back in the day with actual Harriers– you can even see the Bulldog on the side. The trio of Harriers used in the Schwarzenegger flick was real and loaned from the USMC to the production for $100,000 per day, plus $2,400 per flying hour per aircraft.
It is a treat and well worth your time.