Gov. Healey Welcomes New Fighter Jets to Barnes Air Base

F-35 Lightning II jets to replace F-15s at Barnes Air National Guard Base

Massachusetts Air National Gruad welcomed the F-35 Lightning II to Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield.

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.

Gov. Healey welcomes new fighter jets to Barnes Air Base

The Massachusetts Air National Guard welcomed in the new generation of fighter jets

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.