By Claire Overton, 22 News
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The first F-35 stealth fighter jet is scheduled to arrive at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield next month, in June.
This event is eagerly anticipated by both the base and the city. The arrival of the new aircraft reinforces Barnes’ role in air national defense.
The base also serves as a significant economic entity, injecting an estimated $400 million to $450 million into the city’s economy each year.
Approximately 1,000 Air National Guard members are employed at Barnes and since there is no on-base housing, these individuals and their families reside within the local community.
Mayor Michael McCabe of Westfield emphasized the base’s importance to both national defense and the local economy. “It solidifies Barnes as being a major player in air national defense,” McCabe said. “It also solidifies an economic entity worth about $400-450 million dollars to the city every year.”
Congressman Richard Neal, a Democrat representing Massachusetts, echoed McCabe’s sentiments regarding the base’s economic role. “They are a huge supplement to the local economy, to vendors and the base, I’ve watched grow and prosper,” Neal said.
However, some Westfield residents not directly affiliated with the base have expressed concerns regarding the increased noise levels expected from the new jets.
The F-35s are capable of being twice as loud as the F-15s they are replacing.
In response to these concerns, the base has stated it will implement new training paths for takeoffs, air maneuvers and landings.
These paths are designed to minimize noise disruptions for local residents.
Additionally, the base is developing a program to provide sound insulation for residential homes located in areas close to the base’s loudest operations.
The arrival of the F-35 fighter jet is set for next month. The base continues to develop minimized flight paths and its residential sound insulation program.
