06-02-2025
Picente allocates $150,000 for Rome B-52 repair
ROME, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — During the tornadoes that hit Rome last July, the iconic B-52 airplane that sits on Griffiss Air Force Base was knocked off of its pedestal. Now, Oneida County has provided some money to restore the fighter plane to its former glory.
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente announced on Wednesday, February 5 that the county has allocated $150,000 to move, secure and repair the B-52.
The bomber — named the 'Mohawk Valley,' has sat at the Business and Technology Park — just in front of DeLutis Field — since approximately 1991, when it landed at the Air Force Base for the last time. During the tornado, the plane sustained damage to its engine, landing gear, fuel tank and wing tip.
'The 'Mohawk Valley' B-52 has long stood as a monument to the glorious past of Griffiss Air Force Base and the significance it once held in Oneida County,' Picente said in a statement. 'It is important that it is returned to its rightful place and restored to its former glory as a symbol of Rome's resilience. Oneida County is pleased to provide this funding as our continued commitment to assist the people of Rome in recovering from the devastation of last summer's tornado.'
Smith American Legion Post 24 has served as the plane's caretaker, which is owned by the National Museum of the Air Force in Ohio. Since the plane was damaged by the tornado, the post has raised approximately $30,000 to assist in the repairs.
'Smith Post has been honored to serve as stewards of this historic symbol for the City of Rome and we are grateful to Oneida County for assisting us in our hour of need,' Michael Grogan, former Smith Post Commander and Chair of the B-52 Restoration Committee, said in a statement. 'We thank County Executive Picente and the Board of Legislators for allocating this funding that greatly assists our efforts to restore the B-52.'
According to a statement by Picente's office, the $150,000 the county will provide will help move the plane back onto its pedestal, secure it and repair the damages. Shortly after the move, the plane will be welded into place.
'I applaud the efforts to restore the B-52 display here at Griffiss,' Oneida County Board of Legislators Chairman Gerald J. Fiorini said in a statement. 'The 'Mohawk Valley' bomber has been a staple at Griffiss Business and Technology Park for years, reminding residents and visitors of Rome's history as an Air Force base.'
The plane is expected to be moved back to its original spot via crane next week. Repair work to the rest of the aircraft is expected to take place in the coming months.
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