The newest addition to the park is the AV-88 Harrier II.

Col. Mikel R. Huber shared that 6 new operational squadrons will be coming to MCAS Cherry Point, the first of which will be the F-35B. VMA-542, the AV-88, when it returns from deployment, will officially retire and will transition to the F-35B, VMFA-542.

Col. Huber stated "...from a historical perspective I thought it was important that we capture 542 markings with the tiger tail on the airplane and we put it here in the historic [aircraft] park so that we can remember the history that is the future..."

During his remarks Col. Huber thanked Mr. Robert Bittner (Joyce Associates),  Captain Jim Belmont (Commanding Officer, Fleet Readiness Center East), Facilities & MCCS Teams, and Bill Sidoran (MCAS Cherry Point Historian).

Members of the Havelock Chamber and Havelock Military Affairs Committee enjoyed a reception with military and community members following the ribbon-cutting.

We're grateful for our partnership with MCAS Cherry Point and look forward to what the future will bring for the air station.

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