Things in Tillamook are Looking Up
The Tillamook Air Museum’s newest exhibition will be flying in under its own power, an event quite rare for a place that houses mostly historical and decommissioned aircraft.
The combat-tested AV-8B Harrier II, a major addition to the museum’s growing collection of historically significant aircraft, will be flown directly to Tillamook from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, a major U.S. Navy research, development and test facility located in California’s Mojave Desert.
The projected arrival on Monday, Aug. 4, will be weather dependent. Updates will be posted on the Tillamook Air Museum Facebook page as the date approaches.
The Harrier’s arrival will be a rare and historic moment for the region, offering the public a unique opportunity to witness military aviation history in motion. In addition to the Harrier, a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster lll will also be flying into Tillamook, transporting the demilitarization crew responsible for preparing the aircraft for public display.
The aircraft is being provided on long-term loan by the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
“This aircraft represents an extraordinary chapter in modern military aviation,” said Christian Gurling, museum curator. “We are proud to accept this historic piece of Marine Corps history. We look forward to interpreting its legacy for the public in a way that honors its service and the people who flew it.”
Originally delivered to the United States Marine Corps on March 30, 1995, the Harrier has logged 5,518 total flight hours, including 631 combat hours flown across 88 missions, and completed 5,457 landings. It saw combat in multiple theaters over a 30 year career, including missions during Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria. It also supported humanitarian and combat operations from the USS Peleliu, USS Nassau and USS America, including roles 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.
“The arrival of a combat-tested Harrier flown directly from China Lake is a momentous occasion and one of the most significant acquisitions in the museum’s history,” said Rita Welch, museum director. “This aircraft greatly enhances our collection and strengthens our ability to educate the public about military aviation. We are honored to care for this remarkable piece of history and look forward to sharing its story with our visitors.”
The Tillamook Air Museum is located at 6030 Hangar Road. For more information, go to tillamookair.com or call 503-842-1130.