One of the largest nonprofit aviation museums witnessed a historical moment as a retiring U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II Plus flew into Hickory Aviation Museum. The pilot, Lt. Col. John “Traper” Cumbie, performed a memorable flight over the crowd before landing, where he handed over the jet in a ceremonious manner, emphasizing the honor and privilege it was to retire the aircraft at the museum. With plans for a new museum building and a state-of-the-art Workforce Innovation Center in the works, the aviation museum in Hickory is set to become a significant destination for aviation enthusiasts and visitors alike.