Iowa City’s airport Sabre jet rededicated after restoration effort

The F-86 Sabre jet that has stood at the Iowa City Municipal Airport since the early 1960s was rededicated Sunday after a community effort to restore it and provide for its upkeep.

Official response and confirmed impact

The ceremony was held at the Ockenfels Hangar.

The Save the Sabre Project set out to raise at least $25,000 for repairs and a maintenance fund.

The project repainted the jet in Iowa Air National Guard colors and made structural improvements to protect it from the weather.

The Community Foundation of Johnson County holds the endowment for the jet’s ongoing care.