The 104th Fighter Wing activated a new munitions squadron during a ceremony at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Mass., Sept. 12 2026, and U.S. Air Force Capt. Stephanie Walker assumed the role of it's first commander.
The 104th Munitions Squadron, previously operating as the 104th Munitions Flight, was activated as a result of the growing operational needs the wing has related to flying new fifth-generation multirole aircraft.
"Our Air Force is moving with urgency," said U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Randall, 104th Maintenance Group Commander and presiding officer over the activation ceremony. "The reality of our great power competition is that our forces must disperse, generate combat turns in austere forward locations, and deliver devastating combat mass at a moment's notice."
The conversion from a flight to a squadron enables the wing further opportunities to do just that. As a result of the conversion, the wing will now be able to field approximately double the current munitions manpower, participate in higher-level exercises and trainings, and organize in a way that further enhances munitions capabilities at home or abroad.
And it isn't just aircraft munitions that the squadron will be responsible for handling - the squadron will continue to also be responsible for stockpiling the small-arms munitions used by Security Forces Defenders, the explosives used to train by EOD, and other hazardous ancillaries like chaff, flares, and the charges used in the ejector seats of the wing's F-35A Lightning II aircraft.
"Munitions work is highly unforgiving," Randall said. "High explosive precision rocket motors, and laser-guided missiles do not allow second chances."
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Vincent Rizzo, the newly formed squadron's Senior Enlisted Leader, also spoke about the heritage of the grenadier, a legacy that predates our nation's independence, during the ceremony.
"In the late 16th century, soldiers hurled iron spheres filled with black powder," Rizzo said. "By 1667 those men organized into the first grenadier regiments under the symbol of the bomb, shell, and flame. This stands to this day as the oldest continuously used insignia in the United States Armed Forces."
Finally, after the squadron was activated, U.S. Air Force Capt. Stephanie Walker was selected to assume its inaugural command.
Walker, who previously served as an enlisted avionics technician, and currently serves as the wing's Sortie Production Officer, was chosen for her distinguished ability to develop airman, strategize, and consistently organize on-time and lethal airpower in support of the nation's military objectives.
"The 104th Munitions Flight is now the 104th Munitions Squadron," Walker said. "This isn't just a name change or a new sign on a building -- this represents growth in our mission, growth in our responsibilities, and growth in what this team will be expected to deliver."
Walker further outlined her three main priorities as commander in her speech; technical precision, taking care of one another, and readiness.
Other organizational changes are expected as part of the wing's conversion to a new aircraft and a new mission.