In the News

The Secretary of the Air Force has signed off on stationing F-35 jets at Barnes Air National Guard Base and the National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing.

The signature of Biden appointee Frank Kendall III on a record of decision closes a yearlong environmental review and achieves a bureaucratic milestone just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House with a new group of Pentagon leaders.

Now that the record of decision is reported to Congress, the decision to station the new aircraft at Barnes became official, putting in motion the assignment of 20 new F-35A Lightning II aircraft at Barnes, according to a Friday news release from U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield.

“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 Gen. (Gary W.) 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,” Neal said. “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 104th — an integral factor in this decision-making process.”

Keefe is the state’s adjutant general, head of the Massachusetts National Guard.

“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 U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. “I’ll keep working to bring home more wins for Massachusetts servicemembers and their families through my work on the Senate Armed Services Committee.”

State Sen. John C. Velis, D-Westfield, also commented on the signing.

“I am beyond thrilled that the Secretary of the Air Force has finalized the assignment of the F-35As to the 104th Fighter Wing, ensuring that the 104th remains a critical piece of our country’s national defense strategy for decades to come,” Velis said in a statement. “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.”

Pilots and ground crews are already training. The first F-35 is expected to arrive in June 2026.

“I’m super happy about it,” Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe said Friday.

Not only does the move ensure jobs and spending in Westfield, “but more importantly, Eastern Seaboard defenses are solidified,” he said. “That is their mission. It’s pretty cool.”

The environmental review centered around noise, with the Air Force saying the jets’ power and lack of need to use afterburners ameliorates some of the increased din.

The Air Force announced plans nearly two years ago in April 2023 to base 18 of its latest-generation F-35 fighters at the 104th Fighter Wing, guaranteeing the Westfield base’s role in the nation’s air defense and in the city’s economy for decades. A single F-35 costs about $78 million.

The move also brings with it about $55 million in military-funded construction at the base including upgraded runways and taxiways. It also means Westfield will keep its air traffic controllers, an amenity that keeps Gulfstream’s maintenance facility and its employees in Westfield.

Neal, Warren, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, along with former Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican who now serves as president of the NCAA, and current Gov. Maura T. Healey all lobbied for the planes to come to Westfield for years.

“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,” Healey said. “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.”

But the F-35 program has its detractors and Trump advisor Elon Musk has reportedly called for the planes to be scrapped.

The average age of the existing fleet of F-15C Eagles is nearly 40. The 104th has been donating them to museums as it prepares now for the transition.

The 104th has 1,000 part-time traditional Guard members and approximately 500 full-time members.

Supporters say the decision will not only secure the Guard unit’s future but should also be a boon for the future of the municipal airport. Together, the airport and its tenants have an about $138.5 million payroll and a total economic impact of $236 million per year. The airport is responsible directly and indirectly for about 2,100 jobs, some 1,100 of which are at the Guard.