Photo: Getty Images
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The future is looking bright for the Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing in Westfield.
The Pentagon announced this week the Air Force will be locating a fleet of new F-35A Lightning II fighter jets at Barnes Air National Guard Base, home of the 104th Fighter Wing.
The base is located at Barnes-Westfield Regional Airport.
Federal. state and municipal leaders, including former Governor Charlie Baker, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and U.S. Representative Richard Neal, have all been lobbying for the move for years.
Governor Maura Healey said in a statement that the Air Force’s decision benefits the base and the state.
“I’m thrilled that Massachusetts 104th Fighter Wing was selected by the U.S. Department of Defense to receive the F-35A fighter jets,” she said in the statement. “This is great news for Barnes and Massachusetts. It will keep good jobs in Western Mass., create new jobs, and spur economic development. This is a testament to Massachusetts’ strong support for our military, our economic competitiveness, our unmatched education system and our bright future.”
Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe said his city went all out to demonstrate to the Pentagon the support it has for the Air National Guard, and it’s looking forward to welcoming the new jets.
McCabe also said mitigating community concerns that include noise and environmental impacts from the jets have been included in the approval process.
The Air Force said the earliest that F-35s would land at Barnes, other than this spring’s air show when one of the jets will visit, may be during fiscal year 2026.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App