Combat Aircraft: AV8B Harrier II Units of Operation Enduring Freedom

The Harrier II first saw conflict in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm (Gulf War) in 1990-91, and since then the aircraft has matured into a multi-role platform through the addition of a night vision systems, radar, an external targeting pod and laser-guided weapons.

In the 1970s the USMC bought the AV-8A Harrier from the UK whose VTOL capabilities allowed it to serve as a tactical aircraft that could deploy with Marine forces on amphibious assault ships and provide air cover and close air support from large deck aircraft carriers. Third in a trilogy on US Marine Corps Harrier IIs in combat, this is the first volume to cover the whole story of the AV-8B's service employment during peacekeeping operations and then in Afghanistan.

With profile artwork for all frontline AV-8B units detailing the unique colours and markings applied by each squadron, this volume presents the widest variety of first-hand accounts of AV-8B air operations and missions by pilots and ground forces involved in Operation Enduring Freedom published to date.