Rome's B-52 bomber to be restored to its former glory; Oneida County allocating $150,000 for repairs
ROME, N.Y. (WSYR) — Destructive winds from last summer's tornado were strong enough to damage and displace Rome's historic B-52 bomber from its concrete pedestal. Oneida County has now decided to allocate $150,000 for the iconic aircraft's restoration.
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The B-52 Stratofortress flew operations during Operation Desert Storm. After last July's storm, the symbol of Rome and Griffiss Air Base was left damaged.
'One of the things it also did was move an important landmark in this community…the B-52 that has been on display since 1991 after it was decommissioned…was moved,' Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. said.
Now the bomber, known as Mohawk Valley, is ready to be restored to its former glory.
'They're getting the fixtures all welded in…preparing to hook it up to the gantry crane to move,' Mike Grogan, chairman of the B-52 restoration committee, said.
Mohawk Valley weighs approximately 170,000 pounds and will be returned to its rightful spot next Tuesday, Feb. 11, a testimony to Rome's strength.
Rome resident Cynthia Rogers-Witt said she is excited to see a piece of Rome's history be restored. Her parents met back in the 1950s while her father was stationed in the city and she feels the bomber is a symbol of strength for all local veterans.
'It's a testament to their bravery, their loyalty, and that they were here,' Rogers-Witt said.
Extra repair work on Mohawk Valley will take place in the coming months.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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