Holloman presents phantom to Grove, Okla.

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chase Cannon
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs

 

A piece of aeronautic history began its final journey Jan. 20, 2018, as one of the last QF-4 Phantoms at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, was officially signed over to members of the city of Grove, Oklahoma.

With support from the Phantom II Society and key members of the Grove community, the city was able to obtain the aircraft.

“We learned of this airplane approximately a year and a half ago, and started the process of trying to acquire it,” said Pete Norwood, a Grove citizen.

The city came together to support the petition to acquire the Phantom.

“The city manager, the city council, civil air patrol and even the school wrote letters in a campaign to obtain this aircraft,” said Norwood.

Grove plans on placing the aircraft in a community planned park honoring veterans and those who volunteered their time to obtain the aircraft for the city.

“Honor the past, inspire the future,” said Beverly Helms, a Grove citizen. “That has been our moto through this whole endeavor. This will be the legacy we leave behind for the next generation.”