Press Releases

Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey, Governor Maura T. Healey, Major General Gary W. Keefe, Colonel David L. Halasi-Kun, State Senator John Velis, and Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe in celebrating the stationing of a new fleet of F-35 aircraft at Barnes Air National Guard Base (ANGB), which was made official after Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall signed the Record of Decision (ROD).

After the Secretary of the Air Force approved Barnes ANGB as the preferred location for the new fleet of F-35s on April 17, 2023, the selection required favorable completion of an Environmental Impact Statement. Upon favorable completion, the Secretary of the Air Force needed to sign and report to Congress the ROD. Once reported to Congress, the decision to station the new aircraft at Barnes became official, putting in motion the assignment of twenty new F-35A Lightning II aircraft at Barnes ANGB.

“This is a great day for the City of Westfield and all of western Massachusetts, as Barnes has solidified its place in our community for years to come. The decision to station a new fleet of F-35 aircraft at Barnes comes after years of advocacy by the Western Massachusetts Delegation, as well as Major General Keefe and state and local officials. Ultimately, the Air Force recognized not only Barnes’ critical role in defending our nation, but also something we in Massachusetts already know – we take care of our servicemembers,” said Congressman Neal. “I want to thank the dedicated airmen and women of Barnes who faithfully serve our nation. It is their integrity that has upheld the superb reputation of the 104^th – an integral factor in this decision-making process.”

“This decision is a big win for Massachusetts. I worked hard to get this commitment for Barnes to enhance our national security, position our F-35s at a more climate-resilient base, and strengthen our economy in western Massachusetts,” said Senator Warren. “I’ll keep working to bring home more wins for Massachusetts servicemembers and their families through my work on the Senate Armed Services Committee.”

“This decision by the Air Force enhances our national security and strengthens our regional economy,” said Senator Markey. “The members of the 104th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard serve our Commonwealth and our country with bravery and distinction, and today’s announcement is a testament to the confidence our nation places in each of them. I join residents across Massachusetts in expressing our collective pride and appreciation for their service.”

“Finalizing the decision to assign F-35s to the 104th Fighter Wing ensures Barnes Air National Guard Base will remain a key part of our nation’s air defense and a vital contributor to the western Massachusetts economy,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This decision not only reinforces the Wing’s historic legacy but also provides a lasting economic impact, creating high-quality jobs and enhancing the region’s resilience. This decision is a testament to the 104th’s extraordinary history and their ongoing dedication to the defense of our state and our country.”

The decision to station the new fleet of F-35 aircraft came after a rigorous selection process by the U.S. Air Force that reviewed F-15C units throughout the nation. Barnes was ultimately selected in April 2023 after the Air Force considered several factors, including community support, environmental factors, and cost. The review process also included an assessment of the location’s ability to facilitate the mission and infrastructure capacity.

“The Department of the Air Force’s decision to allocate F-35s to the 104th Fighter Wing marks a monumental moment for our unit and its critical role in our nation’s air defense,” said Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard. “The 104th Fighter Wing has long been a cornerstone of our nation’s air defense capabilities, and this transition to the next-generation airframe solidifies our readiness and relevance for decades to come. This decision not only enhances our operational capabilities but also ensures the Wing’s ability to continue its proud tradition of excellence as we look forward to future missions and challenges.”

“This Record of Decision continues the 78-year legacy of fighter aircraft operating at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport and solidifies a bright future for the 104th Fighter Wing and the 1100 dedicated airmen and civilians who work on this base. We look forward to our nation’s most capable fighter aircraft, the F-35, inheriting the air defense mission from our venerable F-15C,” said Col. David L. Halasi-Kun, Commander of the 104th Fighter Wing. “This new aircraft ensures the critical defense of the airspace of New England and New York and the protection of the 40 million Americans beneath that blanket of freedom.   None of this is possible without the support of our local communities and our elected officials.  Local, state, and federal representatives were instrumental in this decision-making process.  Their efforts ensured the future of this fighter wing for generations to come, and soon the premier aircraft will be placed in the most capable hands at the best location to defend this nation we love.”

“I am beyond thrilled that the Secretary of the Air Force has solidified the assignment of the F-35As to the 104th Fighter Wing today, ensuring that the 104th remains a critical piece of our country’s national defense strategy for decades to come. This final signature is the product of the Commonwealth’s steadfast dedication to remain one of the best states in the nation for our service members and families to call home,” said Senator Velis, Chairman of the Legislature’s Veterans’ Committee and a U.S. Veteran. “Through the passage of legislation such as the SPEED Act, and subsequently parts of the HERO Act, Massachusetts has demonstrated to the Department of Defense our commitment to continually surpass all expectations related to our care for service-members and military families and today's announcement is a recognition of that support for our military."

“With the stationing of the F-35s at the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 104^th Fighter Wing, the 104^th will continue its proud stewardship as the first line of defense for the northeastern seaboard of the United States,” said Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe. “The City of Westfield is honored to host them and would like to thank everyone who worked with us to make this happen.”

For nearly eight decades, the 104^th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard has played a critical mission in our nation’s air defense. One of the oldest flying units within the Commonwealth, the 104^th provides operationally ready combat units, combat support units, and qualified personnel for active duty, all of which support the Wing's goal to organize, train, and equip personnel to provide an operationally ready squadron to the Air Combat Command. The assignment of a new fleet of F-35A aircraft at Barnes ANGB guarantees the long-term viability of the base, ensuring the 104^th Fighter Wing can continue its vital mission for years to come.

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