Cold War Jet At Great Falls' Lions Park Gets A Fresh Coat

Traveling 10th Avenue South in Great Falls, Montana, it is hard to miss the massive airplane that takes up the corner of 27th Street. The Convair F-102 Delta Dagger has been a part of the park as long as I can remember.

via GIPHY

As with many things in the Montana weather, the elements have taken a toll on the popular display, causing much of the colors to fade over the 13 years since it was last updated. But now, those colors are back thanks to the Montana Air National Guard and the 120th Airlift Wing.

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Lions Park Plane Attraction Gets New Look Thanks to MANG

As part of the Lions Park, the Delta Dagger represents "America's first operational supersonic interceptor serving in the Cold War of the 1900's."

gray control panel — Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash

According to the Great Falls Park and Recreation Department, the "memorial honors the men and women of the Montana Air National Guard who served during the Cold War. It represents Great Falls' long history of military aviation and the city's important role in national defense."

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To help with keeping the supersonic jet in its best condition, members of MANG's 120th Airlift Wing volunteered time and effort recently to refresh the paint and markings of the piece of aviation heritage in the park.

Staff Sgt. Leon Redfern/Montana Air National Guard - 120th Airlift Wing via Facebook

New Look with New Paint for Display in Lions Park in Great Falls

Airmen from the 120th Airlift Wing brought their expertise to put a fresh coat of paint on not just the jet, but also the supports holding it place in the Great Falls wind and storms.

Seeing the members of MANG on the wing while working give some perspective of just how big the plane really is, even with it at almost ground level.

As part of the announcement, Staff Sgt. Leon Redfern said the event helps to "strengthen the bond between the Montana Air National Guard and the communities we serve, ensuring this local landmark continues to inspire future generations."

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