ROME, N.Y. — The B-52 bomber displaced and damaged during last July’s tornado in Rome is one step closer to being put back into place.
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. announced the county will allocate $150,000 to assist with moving, securing, and repairing the plane’s display at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park.
“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 release announcing the funding. “It is important that it is returned to its rightful place and restored to its former glory as our continued commitment to assist the people of Rome in recovering from the devastation of last summer’s tornado.”
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The plane was knocked off its concrete pedestal, suffering damage to its engine area, landing gear, fuel tank, and wing tip, during the July 16, 2024, tornado that swept through the city.
The bomber has been parked at Griffiss since about 1991, when it landed at the former Air Force base for the last time. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force owns the plane, and the Henry P. Smith American Legion Post 24 serves as its caretaker. The post has raised about $30,000 through donations for repairs.
“I applaud the efforts to restore the B-52 display here at Griffiss,” Oneida County Board of Legislators Chairman Gerald J. Fiorini (R–Rome) said. “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 county expects the plane to be moved by crane back to its original spot sometime during the week of Feb. 10-14. It will be welded permanently into place and repairs will occur over the next several months.
