News

Repairs to deteriorating Grumman planes will begin this week

BARBARAELLEN KOCH FILE PHOTO | The F-14 on display at Grumman Memorial Park in Calverton.

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 this week, Riverhead Town officials have announced.

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.

“I wish to express my utmost appreciation to the Cradle of Aviation Museum for providing the volunteer labor necessary to provide the necessary facelift to the F-14 and A-6 Navy aircraft,” Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter said in a statement. “This memorial recognizes the significant efforts that Grumman employees played in the history of both the Town of Riverhead and the entire United States of America. I am thrilled that we are able to keep the park open in a pristine manner that is deserving of those who served our country.”

Volunteers, many of them Grumman retirees, will provide their services free of charge for the cleanup. The Town will supply the paint and other materials, such as ladders, a power washer and a bucket truck.

The work on both the F-14 and A-6 aircraft is scheduled to take place Friday.

[email protected]