Photo By Melanie Casineau | U.S. Air Force Colonel David Halasi-Kun, 104th Fighter Wing Commander, and Colonel...... read more read more
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BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mass. – For the past 18 years, the men and women of the 104th Fighter Wing have watched the F-15 Eagle fly above Westfield and return from missions both overseas and across the country. They’ve maintained this aircraft, ensuring its place in history as one of the most dominant fighter jets ever built.
The Wing has launched alert scrambles, defended the skies over New England and New York, protected over 40 million Americans, and accounted for nearly a third of the nation’s GDP. The Eagle has not only served its mission, it has earned a place in the hearts of those who worked on, flew, and supported it.
Before the farewell event began, Col. David “Moon” Halasi-Kun, Commander of the 104th Fighter Wing, addressed the crowd with a tearful, yet very prideful speech.
“If you threaten this nation from the Atlantic or from the poles, you’ll be met by a Barnestormer,” Halasi-kun said. “That’s your first point of contact from the air with the United States, a Barnestormer.”
Halasi-Kun, who began his career flying the F-15 and chose to finish with the Eagle, delivered a heartfelt message. With over 21 years of service and more than 3,100 hours in the F-15, his connection to the aircraft runs deep.
He reflected on the places the Eagle has taken the 104th Fighter Wing over the past 18 years; Romania, Germany, the Netherlands, and many others. “I hope when I mention these places, it brings a smile to your face, it does for me,” Halasi-kun said. “Remember the people, the planes, and the missions. I’m never going to forget any of it.”
Family, teamwork and friends were central themes in Halasi-Kun’s speech. “We’ve been around the world together, think about that,” he said. “We’ve been around the world with this aircraft.”
The event also honored individuals who have had a lasting impact. Master Sgt. Josh Daniels, 104th Fighter Wing Crew Chief, who originally arrived from Otis ANGB was given jet number 013 in 2011. He was recognized for maintaining the same aircraft for over 17 years. Also recognized was the youngest 104th Fighter Wing Crew Chief, A1C Luke Florek, who will transition to the F-35F. Florek was "coined" by Halasi-Kun and challenged to maintain his jet for his entire career, just as Daniels did. Daniels plans to continue working with the F-35 when they arrive. “I am looking forward to learning the new technologies and seeing what the capabilities are with the F-35."
Halasi-Kun then took a moment to thank the many members who transitioned from Otis, as well as those who stayed through the retirement of the A-10 to welcome the F-15.
“Eighteen years later, we are an unstoppable team,” he said. “With 104 victories and zero losses, the F-15 Eagle clearly belonged at the 104th Fighter Wing.”
He extended his gratitude to every Airman in the Wing: “You gave life to the Eagle. Keeping a 40-year-old aircraft combat-ready again and again became routine. Focusing on one mission and doing it better than anyone else, that’s who we are.”
As tradition, the Wing hosted a farewell celebration to honor the hard work and legacy built over nearly two decades. The hangar was alive with music, games, and memories. The F-15, jet number 178, stood proudly at the center of it all, a backdrop for group photos, final looks, and selfies. A band played, members played pickleball, enjoyed video games with Frost Call, and cornhole matches, all surrounding the jet that defined an era.
Attendees included current Wing members, their families, alumni, and supporting organizations. Among them was Colonel Marcel Kerdavid, the first commander to welcome the F-15 to the 104th in 2007.
Throughout the hangar, groups of former members shared stories and reflected on their time with the Eagle. Some who left when the A-10 departed returned to meet up with old friends who had stayed with the transition. In the coming weeks, the last F-15s will depart Westfield, marking the final chapter of the Eagle’s legacy.
“The Eagle’s legacy doesn’t end here,” Halasi-Kun said in closing. “It lives on in the lessons we've learned and in the culture we’ve built. That’s what we pass on to the next generation. Our Wing is no stranger to change, from the P-47, P-51, F-94, F-86, F-100, A-10, F-15, and now to the F-35, we’ve always adapted. Because it’s not just about the machine. It’s the people of the 104th who make the difference. It’s generations of excellence. That is our legacy.”
| Date Taken: | 09.04.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.04.2025 12:45 |
| Story ID: | 547219 |
| Location: | WESTFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Web Views: | 79 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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