Oneida County Allocates $150,000 for Tornado-Damaged B-52 Display at Griffiss

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that Oneida County has allocated $150,000 to assist with moving, securing and repairing the B-52 display at Griffiss Business & Technology Park that was damaged by last summer’s tornado in Rome.

“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. “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.”

“I applaud the efforts to restore the B-52 display here at Griffiss,” said Oneida County Board of Legislators Chairman Gerald J. Fiorini, R-7, Rome. “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 B-52 was knocked off of its concreate pedestal during the tornado that struck Rome on July 16, 2024. It sustained damage to its engine area, landing gear, fuel tank and wing tip.

The bomber, a B-52G named the “Mohawk Valley,” has been parked at the Griffiss Business & Technology Park since approximately 1991, when it landed at then-Griffiss Air Force base for the last time. It is owned by the National Museum of the United States Air Force, which is located at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Henry P. Smith American Legion Post 24 serves as the caretaker of the bomber and has thus far raised approximately $30,000 through donations to assist in its 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,” said Michael Grogan, former Smith Post Commander and Chair of the B-52 Restoration Committee. “We thank County Executive Picente and the Board of Legislators for allocating this funding that greatly assists our efforts to restore the B-52.” 

The $150,000 in County funding will be utilized to move the plane back onto its pedestal, secure it and repair the damages. It is expected to be moved by crane back to its original spot next week. Shortly thereafter it will be permanently welded in place. Repair work to the rest of the aircraft is expected to take place in the coming months.