The F-102 Delta Dagger static display aircraft in Lions Park was recently repainted by airmen of the 120th Airlift Wing, in partnership with Great Falls Park and Recreation.

Col. Jason Green told City Commissioners during their Aug. 4 meeting that the airmen had refurbished the aircraft.

The city provided the paint, paid through the parks division budget.

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The aircraft was placed in the park in August 1970, according to the 120th, and airmen last repainted it in September 2013.

The local Guard unit flew the F-102 model from 1966 until 1972 when the unit began converting to the F-106 Delta Dart, according to the 120th.

The aircraft display was presented to then Great Falls Mayor John McLaughlin at Lions Park on Aug. 31, 1970, according to the 120th.

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During the ceremony, then-Montana Air National Guard Chief of Staff for Air, Brig. Gen. Rodger Young, dedicated the aircraft display to “all Air National Guardsmen, past, present and future,” according to the 120th.

*City of Great Falls photo