Free Republic

Last British exchange pilot bids farewell to Harrier Story by Lance Cpl. Jakob Schulz From across the pond he came. His goal, to fly the AV-8B Harrier. Now, however, as the time for his return draws near, Flight Lieutenant Douglas McKay, takes not only the British Harrier pilot exchange program, but a wealth of experience gained during his stay. In June 2009, McKay, 34, stepped off a plane with his wife and children after an exhausting 10 hours of flight, only to board another one heading into the desert of the American Southwest. Upon arrival, McKay, a native of Hamilton,...

Harrier squadrons combine in Iraq to provide air supportSubmitted by: 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Story Identification #: 20041224153725 Story by Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte AL ASAD, Iraq (Dec. 24, 2004) -- The salt-stained jets streaked across the sky signaling the arrival of the newest squadron on the block. They were exhausted from a trans-Atlantic flight that started at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., and ended at Al Asad, Iraq in a few short days in mid-November. The "Tomcats" of Marine Attack Squadron 311, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, found their "welcome aboard" period short-lived as the...