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After four years of restoration, a Vietnam-era attack jet was unveiled at the Illinois Aviation Museum at Bolingbrook Clow International Airport.

An impressive group of veterans, local politicians and onlookers from both near and far came out Oct. 17 to celebrate the roll out of the A-4C Skyhawk. Two former veterans, Walt Brand and Robert Wideman, who flew the plane back in 1965 were among those who attended the event.

Honored to present the plane to the community and celebrate its unveiling, Museum President Larry Greenwich told of its rich history.

Attack Squadron VA93, part of Air Wing 5, were nicknamed the “Blue Blazers” from 1954 through 1976. In 1965, the Skyhawk was assigned to the USS Enterprise. The Douglas A4 Skyhawk, called “scooter” by those who flew it, is a single-engine, delta wing light attack jet with a top speed of more than 600 mph. It was used by the U.S. Navy Blue Angles demonstration team, as well as the U.S. Marines and most notably in Vietnam and in the Falklands.

As Greenwich told the story, the USS Enterprise came down the runway in all its glory, brought out by Bolingbrook resident Bill Anderson, who was also on board that plane in 1965 and who currently sits on the museum’s board of directors.

Mayor Roger Claar said he was proud of the museum, its efforts and of the airport, and reiterated his support of the decision by the village to purchase the airport in 2004.

The airport continues to see improvements and is currently undergoing a complete rehaul of its runway – a $6.3 million project largely funded by federal and state dollars. The village will share a cost of $300,000.

Greenwich also gave an update about the museum’s offerings, which include educational tours, monthly safety seminars for existing pilots and interested pilots, ground schools to help local youth become future aviators, and AA chapter 461 Young eagle flights, which offer free flights to kids from 7-17.

The museum also participates heavily in the airport’s annual Cavalcade of Planes, as well as local parades and other community events.

Also highlighted during the event was the museum’s “build a plane” project, where the community can learn about and help build a flyable aircraft, the Zenith CH 750 Cruzer. Attendees were able to “pull a rivet” and sign the log book.

Build sessions are ongoing and held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first and third Saturday of the month at the museum, 130 W. Clow International Parkway. Children, families and groups are welcome to attend.

For more information and to check availability, visit http://www.illinoisaviationmuseum.org.