Base delivers static display jet back to its pedestal in city of Homestead

  • Published
  • By Ross Tweten
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Airmen from the 482nd Fighter Wing here returned one of the city of Homestead, Fla.'s, storied landmarks back to its home April 12.

An F-4 Phantom - a twin-engine tactical fighter bomber jet - static display, recently underwent a large-scale maintenance and restoration overhaul at Homestead ARB and the end result came to fruition as the static display was returned to its pedestal on U.S. Highway 1.

Taking roughly five hours, the F-4 was transported by a flatbed trailer from the base, escorted by police through Homestead, then hoisted and lowered by crane back on top of its pedestal and fastened tight by Airmen from the base.

This particular static display was dedicated to its spot on U.S. 1 in November of 1989. Homestead ARB hosted a squadron of F-4s from 1981 to 1989. The fighter jet was introduced throughout the Air Force in 1958 and retired by the Air Force in 1996. But between the base and the city of Homestead, the static display represents much more.

"The static display represents the long history of the base and the camaraderie we have with our local community," said Chief Master Sgt. Katdo Robinson, 482nd Maintenance Squadron superintendent. "Whether it be the outstanding support we receive from our Military Affairs Committee or the support the base gives to the city, Homestead Air Reserve Base and the city of Homestead have a long and storied history and the base is dedicated to maintaining and continuing that history."

The restoration of the jet took more than 1,000 man hours to complete. The 482nd Maintenance Squadron's Structural Maintenance shop undertook the task, dedicating roughly two dozen Airmen to the project. Among the litany of repairs, the shop sanded down the jet's exterior, inspected it for structural damages, made several corrosion and structural repairs, fabricated several pieces, and applied three coats of paint.

"The Air Force still owns this aircraft," said Robinson. "Even though we keep the jet on U.S. Route 1 as a static display, it is our responsibility to conduct routine maintenance on it every eight years."

While the Airmen tackled the project, they had to maintain their high level of operations in support of the base, maintaining the rest of the base's fleet of F-16s while also enduring inspections and exercises.

According to Senior Master Sgt. Luis Ayala, 482nd MXS Structural Maintenance supervisor, the restoration also provided valuable training opportunities for the structural maintenance personnel.

"Our team was able to hone their skills in assessing, designing and completing complicated structural repairs on a severely damaged aircraft; training reminiscent of aircraft battle damage repair, which is hard to come by," he said.

The shiny new static display currently rests just north of 304th Street on U.S. 1, preserving the bond between Homestead ARB and the city of Homestead.