104th Fighter Wing and 144th Fighter Wing To Deploy in Support of NATO Air Surveillance Mission

Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey | The Massachusetts 104th Fighter Wing and California 144th Fighter Wing Air National Guard Wings, deploy over 350 unit members and F-15 Eagle aircraft from Barnes Air National Guard Base in support of multiple NATO objectives in Europe as a part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. While in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Area of Responsibility the Wings will support the NATO Air Surveillance mission in Iceland as part of a Theater Security Package in support of NATO alliance commitments. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Julie Avey)  

WESTFIELD, BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, MA, UNITED STATES

04.01.2016

Story by Master Sgt. Julie Avey  

104th Fighter Wing

Twelve F-15C Eagles and approximately 350 Airmen and support equipment from the 131st Fighter Squadron, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, and the 194th Fighter Squadron, Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, will deploy to the European theater beginning April 1, 2016.

While in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Area of Responsibility, the 104th FW will support the NATO Air Surveillance mission in Iceland as part of a Theater Security Package in support of NATO alliance commitments. The unit will also deploy to Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands, and other European NATO and partner nations.
Units will conduct training alongside our NATO allies and partners to strengthen interoperability and to demonstrate U.S. commitment to a Europe that is whole, free, at peace, secure, and prosperous and to deter Russian aggression.

"As Citizen Airmen we continue to support the National Security both home and abroad with partner nations and allies," said Col. James Keefe, Commander of the 104th FW. "Our Guardsmen are on duty accomplishing missions they train for every day at Barnes and are an enduring choice for security cooperation and building partnerships. Our defense relationships with allies like Iceland are critical to ensuring security for the United States and NATO."

The Air National Guard has enduring long-term relationships with countries with similar values and interests, paramount for meeting defense goals in today's global environment. The 104th FW Air Guardsmen provide critical support throughout the USAFE AOR by deploying and interacting with a variety of nations.

We represent America's forward presence, standing alongside our proven, indispensable European allies and partners. Together, we are ensuring our security, protecting our global interests, and bolstering our economic bonds. We are able to maintain a global presence thanks to the combined efforts of our active duty, National Guard, and Reserve Forces.

The 104th FW is an operational flying unit assigned to the Air Combat Command, and proudly claims the honor of being one of the oldest flying units within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Recently the 104th received "Air Control Alert Unit of the Year" by the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region - 1st Air Force (CONR-1AF/AFNORTH). A component of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) provides airspace surveillance and control and directs aerospace control activities for the continental United States (CONUS).

Tasked to provide operationally ready combat units, combat support units and qualified personnel for active duty, the 104th FW supports Air Force wartime contingency requirements and performs a variety of peacetime missions required by the Air Force and compatible mobilization readiness. One mission of the 104th is Aerospace Control Alert (ACA), providing armed fighters ready to scramble in a moment's notice to protect the Northeast from any airborne threat. The unit is responsible for protecting a quarter of the nation's population and one third of the Gross Domestic Product.

• Date Taken: 04.01.2016
• Date Posted: 04.02.2016 18:32
• Story ID: 194186
• Location: WESTFIELD, BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, MA, US