Fighter jet touches down on James Clemens High School campus
The refurbished TF-9J fighter jet made its way on a rainy Wednesday up County Line Road to the campus of James Clemens High School.
James Clemens High School, Madison, Madison County Record, News, RSS Twitter, Schools, Z - News Main
 By  John Few Published 
8:54 am Thursday, June 15, 2023

Fighter jet touches down on James Clemens High School campus

The refurbished TF-9J fighter jet in storage before leaving for its new home on the campus of James Clemens High School.

MADISON – A long-awaited addition to James Clemens High School has finally landed on the school’s campus. The school’s mascot, a refurbished TF-9J fighter jet was moved Wednesday from storage to the high school in Madison. The project was led by general congtractor The Highland Group, NOLA VanPeursem Architects and the Madison City Board of Education.

Acquired by the Madison City Board of Education in 2014, the Northrop Grumman-built Navy TF-9J Cougar fighter jet is on permanent loan from the U.S. Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. Although never seeing combat, the jet was used as an advanced flight trainer during the Vietnam War era and flown by the Navy’s elite Blue Angels flying team. The TF-9J, initially designated as the F9F-8T, is a two-seat trainer variant of the basic F9F-8 Cougar carrier-borne fighter.

Recently, skilled craftsman Randy Beavers completed the refurbishment of the aircraft.  Throughout the years, junior ROTC members from James Clemens High School, shop students, and other individuals have contributed to the restoration process. All restoration efforts adhered to strict guidelines regarding paint schemes and display requirements for the pedestal-mounted aircraft.  This initiative was made possible thanks to a sizable grant from Northrop Grumman and community donations.

The authentic retired Navy aircraft will soon be on permanent display outside the school. On Wednesday, the fighter jet was transported to the back parking lot of James Clemens High School, escorted by the Madison Police Department.

Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols added, “The entire community – students, parents, faculty, boosters – is excited to see this project become a reality. Having a fighter jet displayed as the centerpiece of the campus not only speaks to the spirit of the James Clemens Jets but to the heritage of the rich military and defense history that so permeates this area.”

Michael Barnes, Vice President of North Alabama for The Highland Group, also commented,  “We are thrilled and honored to be the chosen general contractor for this monumental project at James Clemens. As a proud North Alabama native, I am beyond excited to see our team at The Highland Group play a part in creating a lasting symbol of our community’s dedication to innovation and progress. This fighter jet will inspire generations to come, and we can’t wait to help make this dream a reality.”

For more information about The Highland Group and this project, please visit www.highlandgroup.org.

Also on The Madison Record
Members of Madison Interfaith Council mark its third anniversary
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
October 22, 2025
MADISON – Madison Interfaith Council recently celebrated its third anniversary, marking three years of unity, compassion and impactful service in the ...
“Pup Mayor Mid-Term Paw-ty” planned for Oct. 30
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
October 22, 2025
MADISON - A special rally will held next Thursday, Oct. 30, in downtown Madison. A “Mid-Term Paw-ty” is planned from 5 to 8 p.m. along Main Street whe...
Best-selling author Robert Bailey to speak at the Madison Senior Center
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
October 22, 2025
MADISON – A local author whose work has reached the “Wall Street Journal’s” best-selling list has scheduled a session at Madison Senior Center, 1329 B...
Leah Green is ‘Employee of the Month’ at Madison Hospital
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
October 22, 2025
MADISON – Madison Hospital recognizes an “Employee of the Month” for exceptional job performance, positive interactions with patients and healthy asso...
Chamber to host annual “Celebrate Madison” Thursday at Toyota Field
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
October 22, 2025
MADISON – The atmosphere at “Celebrate Madison” promises an upbeat night as residents give/ take a good dose of pat-on-the-back praise. On Oct. 23, Ce...
S2S takes national awards at Military Child Education Coalition’s Global Training Summit
Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
Gregg Parker 
October 22, 2025
MADISON – Student 2 Student or S2S teams in Madison succeeded in their groups’ objectives for a kinder yet stronger student base. Their efforts transl...
Tickets for Conference USA 2026 basketball championships at Von Braun Center on sale
Madison County Record, News, Sports, ...
Bob Labbe 
October 22, 2025
HUNTSVILLE - A packed in-person attendance and a national TV audience will be the toast of the town when Conference USA hosts its 2026 conference bask...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *