This design is based on the AV-8B Harrier flown by VMA-311 “Tomcats” between 1988 until the squadron was decommissioned on October 15, 2020. During this time, Harriers of VMA-311 took part in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. It is planned that VMA-311 will be recommissioned in 2022 as VMFA-311 in order to start transitioning to F-35Cs which is due to be concluded by 2024.