Governor Healey Welcomes F-35A Aircraft to Barnes, Marks New Era for 104th Fighter Wing

Governor Healey Welcomes F-35A Aircraft to Barnes, Marks New Era for 104th Fighter Wing

Transition strengthens long-term future of 104th Fighter Wing, supports Western Massachusetts jobs and national defense

WESTFIELD – Governor Maura Healey today joined the Massachusetts Air National Guard to welcome F-35A Lightning II aircraft to Barnes Air National Guard Base, marking a major milestone in the 104th Fighter Wing’s transition to the next generation of fighter aircraft.

Governor Healey joined Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon, Major General Gary W. Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, Congressman Richard Neal, Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe and members of the 104th Fighter Wing for a ceremony celebrating the arrival of the new aircraft. Following a multi-year U.S. Air Force basing process, Barnes was selected for the F-35A mission, positioning the 104th Fighter Wing to remain a critical part of the nation’s defense for decades to come.

“The 104th Fighter Wing is a point of immense pride for Massachusetts, and today marks an exciting new chapter in its extraordinary history of service,” said Governor Maura Healey. “For generations, the men and women of the 104th have answered the call to defend our country and support our communities here at home. The arrival of the F-35A strengthens that mission for decades to come while supporting good jobs and economic growth across Western Massachusetts. From day one, our administration made supporting the future of the 104th a priority, invested in Barnes and worked alongside leaders at every level to help prepare for this moment. I’m grateful to every Airman and family who makes this mission possible.”

“As the mother of a member of the National Guard, I know the pride that comes with seeing the men and women of the Guard answer the call to serve,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The arrival of the F-35A is an investment in the future of the 104th, in our national defense and in Western Massachusetts. We’re going to continue supporting our Guard members and their families and making sure they have the tools, training and infrastructure they need, whether they are serving around the world or answering the call here at home.”

“Today is a great day for the family, friends, and community of the 104th Fighter Wing to celebrate the remarkable dedication and achievements that our proud Guardsmen demonstrate every day at Barnes Air National Guard Base,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “With the basing of the F-35s—a mission that I, our congressional delegation, Governor Healey, and our local elected partners championed for many years—Barnes will continue to have the tools and resources necessary to protect our nation, while remaining a powerful economic engine for Western Massachusetts for decades to come.”  

“On behalf of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, we congratulate the Massachusetts National Guard and thank the 104th for their outstanding service to our nation,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “This project illustrates the power of working together as a community to secure an enhanced military capability and create a generational engine of economic opportunity. We appreciate the leaders in Westfield and across the Pioneer Valley for their strong partnership and steadfast support for public safety.” 

"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 Maj. Gen. Keefe. “This platform ensures our Airmen will remain a ready, relevant, and lethal force, capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly evolving global security landscape. We are not just getting a new aircraft; we are securing our role as a cornerstone of national security for the next fifty years and beyond."

Barnes Air National Guard Base and the 104th Fighter Wing have been part of Massachusetts’ aviation and military history for more than a century. Aviation began at the Westfield site in 1914, and the airport was formally established in the 1920s and named for local aviation pioneer Vincent E. Barnes. After World War II, the Massachusetts Air National Guard established its fighter presence at Barnes, with the unit that would become the 104th Fighter Wing holding its first meeting in 1946. 

Since then, generations of Massachusetts Airmen have flown and maintained a succession of combat aircraft—from the P-47 Thunderbolt and F-84 Thunderjet to the F-86 Sabre, F-100 Super Sabre, A-10 Thunderbolt II (“Warthog”), and F-15 Eagle. The 104th has evolved alongside the nation’s defense needs, from Cold War air defense to its post-9/11 mission protecting the Northeast and supporting operations around the world. 

The F-35A is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft with advanced stealth, sensor and avionics capabilities designed to operate in increasingly complex missions. The transition will provide the 104th with new capabilities while continuing its longstanding role in national and homeland defense.

Governor Healey has made supporting the long-term future of Barnes and Massachusetts’ military installations a priority. In 2024, the Healey-Driscoll Administration advanced the $32 million Taxiway B South project at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport, the largest single infrastructure investment in the airport’s 100-year history. The project improved safety for civilian and military operations and prepared the airport for the transition to the F-35A. 

The administration has also strengthened statewide efforts to enhance and grow Massachusetts’ military missions and defense economy. Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll lead the Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force, which brings together state, federal, military and local leaders to enhance missions, jobs and investments at Massachusetts’ six military installations. 

In 2025, Governor Healey launched the Strategic Hub for Innovation, Exchange and Leadership in Defense (SHIELD) Strategy to strengthen Massachusetts’ leadership in national security and better connect the state’s military installations with its world-class companies, universities, researchers and workforce. Earlier this year, the administration released the SHIELD strategy, outlining a statewide roadmap to grow the defense economy, attract investment, create jobs and strengthen national security.   

Together, these efforts are designed to ensure that installations like Barnes remain strong for generations while creating economic opportunities for workers and communities across Massachusetts.