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Grumman retirees to repair deteriorating planes

BARBARAELLEN KOCH FILE PHOTO | The F-16 on display at Grumman Memorial Park in Calverton.

This September, the F-14 and A-6E fighter jets on loan from the U.S. Navy and on display at Grumman Memorial Park in Calverton will receive much-needed repairs, Riverhead Town officials said.

After concerns raised by Calverton civic members and a News-Review article in May highlighting the planes’ deteriorating condition, the town is partnering with Nassau County’s Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City to make the proper repairs.

On Thursday, Riverhead Town engineer Ken Testa received word that the museum has assembled a small volunteer group of Grumman retirees to paint, repair and power-wash the aircraft, free of charge.

The town will be required to pay only the cost of materials, Mr. Testa said.

Work will begin in early September, when the weather cools.

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