The City of Homestead in coordination with the Homestead Air Base Reserve 482nd Fighter Wing Squadron removed the F-4 Jet that sits on US1 and 310 Street for painting and renovation.
The Homestead landmark, which was last painted eight years ago, was carefully transported to the Homestead Air Reserve Base where it will be painted back to its now faded brown and green colors.
It took much man power, proper handling and effort to safely move the piece of Air Force equipment to the Homestead Air Reserve Base. Mayor Steven Bateman helped during the move that started at 5:30 am and took about four hours until completion. Parks and Recreation Director Dennis Maytan expressed the move was made possible with the help of contributions and discounts from Redland Construction, Georges Crane Service, the Military Affairs Committee, the City of Homestead Police Department and Air Reserve Base officers.
Members of the Structural Repair Section of the 482nd Fighter Wing Maintenance Squadron will thoroughly clean and paint the aircraft. The constant outdoor exposure of the jet resulted in a significantly higher level of decay than with an active aircraft. The project is estimated to be completed in about three months given its decay and historical importance. When the jet is renovated it will be returned to its original location and remain a Homestead landmark.
