From 1948 until 1995, Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome was key to our country's air defense system.   The former base was home to some of the most sophisticated fighter-interceptors and bombers of their day.

One of those amazing aircraft is now parked at the entrance to the Griffiss Business and Technology Park.   The "Mohawk Valley" is a B-52 Stratofortress that landed at Griffiss for the first time in 1960, shortly after being completed by Boeing Aircraft.  For the next 31 years, the massive airplane would log over 12,000 hours of flight time.  The "Mohawk Valley' would fly over most of the world's oceans, seeing action in the Vietnam War and serve to train crews for the Persian Gulf War.    

B-52 Rome
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And now, the "Mohawk Valley' stands in tribute to all the men and women who dedicate their lives to the defense of our country.  We need to keep these heroes in mind as Memorial Day approaches.

 

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