On Sunday, September 13 Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield officially celebrated the arrival of the F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to the 104th Fighter Wing. The F-35s will replace the F-15 fighter jets currently in use by the 104th. 

Commander of the 104th Colonel Michael Glass speaking to the airmen of the 104th Fighter Wing, "You already heard the vision and the mission. Remember, the vision is what we're striving for, to be America's premier combat wing, projecting decisive unrelenting air power across the spectrum of warfare. That's what we're working towards. The mission is what we are doing right now. It's already here, and we're doing it. We are here to forge combat-ready airmen, prepare to defend our nation, and employ lethal F-35 air power."

The Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard Major General Gary Keefe praised the relationship between Westfield, Hampden County and the U.S. military, "There is probably 85 other Air National Guard wings right now that would kill to have that plane. It's only the second time in our history we're getting a new airplane off the production line. The last time was 1977-78 with the A-10. I can't say enough about the community here in Westfield, and quite frankly, all of Hamden County, the way they embrace this military."

General Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau which oversees the administration of the National Guard said Barnes is the perfect location for the F35A Lightning II jets, "To the Airmen of the 104th, you are our most critical asset. And with this F-35, Barnstormers, I know you will be trained. You will be ready and you will be capable. And when you get the call, America needs you. I know that you will be always ready and always there. Thank you for what you do to keep our nation safe and welcome as the newest Air National Guard F-35 base."

Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Congressman Richard Neal, State Senator John Velis and Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe also addressed the crowd of around 3,000 at the ceremony.

The 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard can trace it's lineage back to 1942. Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield was established in February of 1947.