Photo By Airman 1st Class Ellen Ozkaptan | From left to right, U.S. Air Force Gen. Steven Nordhaus, Chief of Staff of the...... read more read more
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BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mass. – The 104th Fighter Wing marked a historic milestone on September 13, 2026, as it officially welcomed the F‑35A Lightning II to Barnes Air National Guard Base with a ceremony.
The arrival of the F-35A marks a transformational leap in capability, positioning the 104th Fighter Wing at the forefront of national defense for generations to come. The event brought together distinguished visitors, international dignitaries, service members, alumni, and community partners. Representatives from the Kenyan and Paraguayan militaries attended as part of the state partnership program, underscoring the global significance of the transition.
“For generations, men and women at the 104th Fighter Wing have answered the call, protected the skies, served our state, and defended our country,” said Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey. “The arrival of the F-35A represents a new chapter for this great military installation here. And it's also an affirmation of the extraordinary professionalism and readiness of this wing that has existed decade after decade after decade.”
The F-35A is the U.S. Air Force’s latest fifth-generation fighter. It will replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt II’s, which have been the primary fighter aircraft for more than 20 years, and bring with it an enhanced capability to survive in the advanced threat environment in which it was designed to operate.
The wing received the official record of decision in December 2024, finalizing the replacement of the F‑15 Eagle with the F‑35A. U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David “Moon” Halasi‑Kun, former 104th Fighter Wing Commander, emphasized the amount of effort it would take the wing to complete the conversion and the advanced capabilities the fifth-generation fighter would bring.
“The F-35A brings with it incredible capabilities that will be able to support combatant commanders around the world, as well as continued defense of the United States from our 24-hour alert site,” said Halasi-Kun. “I know that our Barnestormers will be up to the challenge as we start to begin our conversion.”
U.S. Air Force Col. Michael ‘Shot’ Glass, the 104th Fighter Wing Commander, assumed command of the wing in December 2025, tasked with leading the unit into this new era. “I am honored to officially welcome the most advanced and capable fighter aircraft in the world to the 104th Fighter Wing in the F-35A,” said Glass. “Welcoming in these fifth-generation aircraft provides our wing with increased and unmatched capabilities to safeguard both our country and the great city of Westfield as we execute our new 104th Fighter Wing mission and vision.” U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard and former member of the wing, presided over the ceremony.
“The acquisition of the F-35A Lightning II is a strategic investment that positions the 104th Fighter Wing at the forefront of our nation’s defense for the remainder of the century,” said Keefe. “We are securing our role as a cornerstone of national security for the next fifty years and beyond. “
The F‑35A’s advanced capabilities include stealth technology that allow it to operate undetected in contested environments, sensor fusion that provides pilots with unparalleled situational awareness, and precision strike systems that enable accurate engagement of targets across multiple domains. These features ensure the aircraft can dominate in air‑to‑air combat, conduct effective ground strikes, and support joint operations with other branches of the military.
“The combat proven F-35A is the most lethal, survivable and connected fighter aircraft in the world, giving pilots an advantage against any adversary and enabling them to execute their mission and come home safe,” said Chauncey McIntosh, Vice President and General Manager of the F-35A Lightning II Program. “The aircraft’s arrival at Barnes Air National Guard Base allows the 104th Fighter Wing to add to its storied history.”
The official arrival of the F-35A symbolizes the culmination of years of effort and ushers in a new era of world-class mission readiness. Preparation for the transition included building the infrastructure to support the F-35A through constructing sunshades, divesting special F-35A equipment, and training Airmen to prepare for the conversion.
Now that Airmen are trained, the Barnestormers stand ready to employ the F‑35 and complete the historic transition from the F‑15 Eagle to fifth‑generation airpower.
“It was an honor to be a part of the final three-ship of Eagles to leave Barnes back in October of 2025,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Kyle ‘Nuke’ Eckert, an F-35A pilot at the 104th Fighter Wing. “To now be one of the first F-35A pilots at Barnes Air National Guard Base is an amazing full circle moment.”
“[Barnestormers] are our most critical asset,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. Steven Nordhaus, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau. “And with this F-35A, I know [Barnestormers] will be trained, they will be ready, and they will be capable. And when you get the call, ‘America needs you,’ I know that [Barnestormers] will be always ready and always there.”
The ceremony concluded inside the main hangar, where the newly arrived F‑35 stood as a powerful symbol of the wing’s new mission era.
“Today, a new chapter begins with the 104th Fighter Wing,” said Healey. “As the governor and the commander in chief of the Massachusetts National Guard, I cannot be more proud.” Glass closed by recognizing the community’s role in the transition.
“I extend our deepest gratitude to the distinguished visitors whose leadership and partnerships played a monumental role in bringing these advanced capabilities to our wing,” said Glass. “We also thank the citizens of Westfield for their continued, unrelenting support to make this historic day a reality. Together, we have ushered in a new era of combat capability and critical deterrence, and are ready to execute our mission with unmatched precision, dedication, and determination.”
The arrival of the F‑35A Lightning II at Barnes Air National Guard Base represents years of planning and preparation, the beginning of a new mission era, and the assurance that the 104th Fighter Wing will continue to deliver world‑class capability for generations to come.
The wing’s mission endures: Forge combat‑ready Airmen prepared to defend our Nation and employ lethal F‑35A airpower.
| Date Taken: | 09.13.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.13.2026 14:50 |
| Story ID: | 574573 |
| Location: | WESTFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Web Views: | 52 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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