Photo By Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom | British Royal Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nathan J. Gray preps the AV-8B Harrier he is using for...... read more read more
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MARINE COPRS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - For more than 50 years the United Kingdom has been a helping asset in the development of one of the most versatile aircraft in the world, the AV-8B Harrier. However, on Dec. 16, 2010 the last British Harrier landed and shut down for the last time.
For one pilot, the journey was extended. British Royal Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nathan J. Gray, serving with the Marines of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s Marine Attack Squadron 542 and Marine Attack Training Squadron 203, flew a Harrier for the last time Aug. 5.
“It is bittersweet,” said Gray, who is a Harrier pilot instructor with VMAT-203. “I have been flying the Harrier for about 10 years, and after this flight I will never set foot in the cockpit of a Harrier again.”
Gray said he is happy that he is going to be known as the last British Harrier pilot, but the title comes with a cost.
“I have dedicated my time as a Harrier pilot to my instructor,” said Gray. “I went on my final training flight in a TAV-8B two-seated Harrier with my instructor, British Royal Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jak London. I was flying and there was a mechanical malfunction so we had to eject. We ejected parallel to the ground and my shoot deployed while his didn’t. We lost a great pilot and I’m dedicating this last flight to the man who taught me everything.”
Gray said he is happy that he gets to go down in British history and will forever pass on the knowledge his instructor gave him.
“I just found out a few days ago that my flight suit will be put up in the British Museum in London,” said Gray. “It is exciting and an honor.”
Gray said he feels excited to be flying his last flight and going home to the U.K., but he is saddened he will be leaving the family he has found here in the Marines.
“I’m going to miss the amazing Marines who keep the Harrier up and flying,” said Gray. “I'm going to take back two big things I’ve learned from the Marines. The camaraderie and the work ethic the Marines put forth every day is phenomenal and inspirational.”
After being briefed and suiting up, Gray made his way out to the last Harrier he would fly.
“This is a sad moment and a happy one,” said Gray moments before climbing into the cockpit of VMAT-203’s number 22 Harrier. “After I land that’s it; the era of British Harrier pilots will be done. It’s very emotional but I’m honored I get to be the last.”
After going through the final checks of the aircraft, the ground crew cleared Gray for his final flight. Following his flight, which ended with the Harrier version of a bow, he landed and parked the aircraft and dismounted for the last time.
“It was a great flight,” said Gray. “I will never forget the Marines of Cherry Point, or the people who taught me the things I have passed onto the Marines I’ve trained. I will miss this aircraft but will continue my duty to my country and the rest of the world.”
| Date Taken: | 08.05.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.12.2011 15:02 |
| Story ID: | 75262 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 565 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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