After 18 Years Flying Eagles, Barnes Pilots Get the F-35A

After 18 years flying Eagles, Barnes pilots get the F-35A

The Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing formally welcomed the F-35A Lightning II to Barnes Air National Guard Base on September 13, 2026, marking the aircraft’s arrival after a transition process that began more than three years ago. The ceremony drew Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, military officials and representatives from Kenya and Paraguay, whose […]

Westfield’s 104th Fighter Wing celebrates impending arrival of F-35 jets

WESTFIELD — In a matter of weeks, the first of the F-35 fighter planes built for 104th Fighter Wing will be arriving, bringing with them some of the most sophisticated technology the U.S. Air Force offers.

U.S. Air National Guard brings F-35A to Barnes, replacing F-15 Eagle and reinforcing Massachusetts’ 24-hour homeland defense mission

The 104th Fighter Wing formally welcomed the F-35A Lightning II to Barnes Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts on September 13.

104th Fighter Wing marks historic transition to fifth‑generation fighter

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.