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104th Fighter Wing
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104th Fighter Wing
104th Fighter Wing F-15C-38-MC Eagle 84-0016
Active1956–present
Country United States
Allegiance Massachusetts
Branch  Air National Guard
TypeWing
RoleFighter/Air Defense
Part ofMassachusetts Air National Guard
Garrison/HQWestfield-Barnes Regional Airport (Barnes ANGB), Westfield, Massachusetts
NicknameBarnestormers
Tail Code"MA" Red tail stripe
Commanders
CommanderCol. David Halasi-Kun
Command Chief Master SergeantCMSgt. Michael Gardner
Insignia
104th Fighter Wing emblem
Aircraft flown
FighterF-15C/D

The 104th Fighter Wing (104 FW) is a unit of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, stationed at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport (Barnes Air National Guard Base), Westfield, Massachusetts. When activated to federal service, the Wing is gained by the United States Air Force Air Combat Command.

In its dual state mission, the 104th Fighter Wing is an Air Force component of the Massachusetts National Guard.

Overview

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The 104th Fighter Wing flies the F-15 Eagle and supports Air Force wartime contingency requirements, performing a variety of missions to include a 24/7 active Air Control Alert (ACA) to protect the Northeast corridor of the United States.

In addition to the ACA mission, the highly decorated Wing provides operationally ready combat units, combat support units and qualified personnel for active duty. Its mission is to organize, train and equip assigned personnel to provide an operationally ready squadron to the Air Combat Command that flies, fights and wins.

The 104th Fighter Wing was selected for replacement of the aging F-15 Eagle with the F-35A Lightning II.[1] Replacement is supposed to occur sometime in 2026.

Units

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The 104th Fighter Wing is composed of the:

  • 104th Operations Group
131st Fighter Squadron
  • 104th Maintenance Group
  • 104th Mission Support Group
  • 104th Medical Group

Heraldry

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The 104th Fighter Wing has nine Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards.

The multi-color 104th Emblem is proudly worn by both the 131st Fighter Squadron and the 104th Fighter Wing, and has a symbolic meaning as explained below:

  • Blue and Yellow: the Air Force colors
  • Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations
  • Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel
  • Aircraft in Cloud: Represents the primary mission - combat capability through air power
  • Bolt of Lightning: Represents the eagerness to strike
  • Five Stars: Represents the 131st Fighter Squadron, symbolized by their 1-3-1 configuration
  • Crown & Crown Points: Represents the ethnic diversity of the men and women who founded the 104th
  • Two Fleur-de-lis: Represents the unit deployments to and from France during the 1961 blockade of Berlin by the Soviet Union

Emblem designed by: MSgt. Robert J. Della Penna, Original artwork by: SSgt. Donald Bein, Computer Generated by: MSgt. Robert J. Sabonis

History

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In 1946 , the National Guard Bureau authorized an Air National Guard unit in Western Massachusetts. On 24 February 1947, the unit was federally recognized as the 131st Tactical Fighter Squadron, 131st Utility Flight, 131st Weather Flight, and Detachment B of the 202nd Air Services Group.

The unit received its first plane, the P-47 Thunderbolt I, in the winter of 1949, and was chosen to conduct a flyover for President Truman's inauguration. That year the first edition of the unit paper, called the "Thunderbolt" was also published. The paper was later named the "Airscoop" and has won three Department of Defense (DOD) awards in nationwide competitions since publication began.

The 131st FIS becoming the group's flying squadron. Other squadrons assigned into the group were the 104th Headquarters, 104th Material Squadron (Maintenance), 104th Combat Support Squadron, and the 104th USAF Dispensary.

In 1950, the unit was awarded the Spaatz Trophy based on its accomplishments in maintenance, personnel, training, safety, supply, and overall proficiency. Then, in 1951, the 131st Fighter Squadron underwent its first of eight conversions and flew the P- 51 Mustang Fighter for three years until the F-94 Starfire Fighter permanently put the 131st into the jet business. The Guard Base at Barnes Airport was dedicated on 19 October 1952.

In 1954 the 131st stood up a dawn-to-dusk air defense alert with its F-94 jets, a rotation of pilots, and a 10-person support crew (a precursor of things to come). In April 1956 came the organization as the 104th Fighter Group, from the previous squadron-hierarchy.

The mission of the 104th Fighter Group was the air defense of Massachusetts.

Tactical Air Command

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The air defense mission ended on 10 November 1958 when the Massachusetts Air Guard and its units were reassigned to Tactical Air Command (TAC) and converted to F-86H Sabre fighter-bombers. During the 1950s and early 1960s, better training and equipment, and closer relations with the Air Force greatly improved the readiness of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.

1961 Berlin Federalization

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131st Tactical Fighter Squadron - North American F-86H Sabre 52-2030

During the summer of 1961, as the 1961 Berlin Crisis unfolded, the 131st TFS was notified on 16 August of its pending federalization and recall to active duty. On 1 October the 131st was federalized and 730 members were placed on active duty.

The mission was to reinforce the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) and deploy to Phalsbourg-Bourscheid Air Base, France. In France, the unit was to provide close air support to NATO ground forces and air interdiction. This involved keeping its aircraft on 24/7 alert. Between 28 and 30 October, the Wing departed for Phalsbourg.

Starting on 5 December, the Wing began deploying to Wheelus Air Base Libya for gunnery training. During its time in Europe, the 104th participated in several USAF and NATO exercises, including a deployment to Leck Air Base, West Germany near the Danish border. At Leck, ground and support crews from both countries exchanged duties, learning how to perform aircraft maintenance and operational support tasks.

On 7 May 1962, USAFE Seventeenth Air Force directed that the 104th would deploy back to the United States during the summer, and the unit returned to the United States in July 1962. The last of the ANG aircraft departed on 20 July.

Vietnam era

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131st TFS F-100D 55-2830

After the Berlin Crisis, the readiness status of the 104th Tactical Fighter Group greatly improved under the "gaining command concept", whereby the U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Command was responsible for overseeing the training of the Group. Operational readiness inspections also honed the edges of the wing.

In 1964, the 131st TFS was switched from F-86H Sabres to the F-84F Thunderstreak. Exactly why this equipment change was made can not be determined. The F-86H was a viable aircraft in the ANG's inventory, with the Sabres from both the 101st and 131st TFS's being sent to the New Jersey ANG, and the 119th and 141st TFS's sending their F-84Fs to the Massachusetts squadrons. The 131st flew the Thunderstreaks throughout the 1960s, and although the squadron was not activated during the Vietnam War, several of its pilots volunteered for combat duty in Southeast Asia. In 1971, the 104th began re-equipping with the F-100D Super Sabre; the Air Guard was always one generation of fighter aircraft behind the Air Force during this time.

Close Air Support

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131st Tactical Fighter Squadron A-10 78-0628

The 104th remained as a tactical fighter unit flying the F-100 until July 1979 when the F-100s were retired and the unit was re-equipped with new A-10 Thunderbolt IIs as part of the "Total Force" concept which equipped ANG units with front-line USAF aircraft. This marked the first time the 131st had received new aircraft.

For most of its existence, the Air Guard had been a reserve force for use only in wartime. By the 1980s, the Air Guard was an integral part of daily Air Force operations. As a result, the Massachusetts Air Guard took on more missions. With the receipt of the A-10, the 104th began a commitment to the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), beginning frequent deployments to West Germany, England, Italy, Turkey, and other NATO bases.

As the Cold War was ending, the Massachusetts Air National Guard was called upon to meet new challenges. Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 led to a U.S. response with air, ground and naval attacks during Operation Desert Storm. While no flying units of the Massachusetts Air Guard were mobilized, mission support units provided personnel to backfill deploying Air Force units in the U.S. The Total Force Policy of the Department of Defense stipulated that the Reserve Components were to play a large role in the nation's defense.

Air Combat Command

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In March 1992, with the end of the Cold War, the 104th adopted the Air Force Objective Organization plan, and the unit was re-designated as the 104th Fighter Group. In June, Tactical Air Command was inactivated as part of the Air Force reorganization after the end of the Cold War. It was replaced by Air Combat Command (ACC). In 1995, in accordance with the Air Force "One Base-One Wing" directive, the 104th was changed in status back to a Wing, and the 131st Fighter Squadron was assigned to the new 104th Operations Group.

Two 131st Fighter Squadron A-10s in flight

From August to October 1995, some 400 Airmen of the 104th Fighter Wing deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy as part of the NATO mission to repel Serbian forces in Bosnia. This was the first time that the 131st Fighter Squadron flew combat sorties. Four years later, in 1999, elements of the 104th mobilized and flew sorties over the skies of the former Republic of Yugoslavia. As part of an Air Guard A-10 group, the 131st attacked Serb forces in Kosovo.

In mid-1996, the Air Force, in response to budget cuts, and changing world situations, began experimenting with Air Expeditionary organizations. The Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) concept was developed that would mix Active-Duty, Reserve and Air National Guard elements into a combined force. Instead of entire permanent units deploying as "Provisional" as in the 1991 Gulf War, Expeditionary units are composed of "aviation packages" from several wings, including active-duty Air Force, the Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard, would be married together to carry out the assigned deployment rotation.

As a result of the global war on terrorism, in 2003, the 131st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron flew hundreds of combat missions with the A-10 in support of U.S. Army and Marine operations in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom). During March and April 2003, as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, 131st Fighter Squadron A-10s supported the U.S. Army by flying combat missions that interdicted enemy forces. The 104th played a major role with its air support.

131st FS F-15C 78-0476

In its 2005 BRAC Recommendations, DoD recommended to Barnes Municipal Airport Air Guard Station and send its A-10s to the Maryland Air National Guard 104th Fighter Squadron, Warfield Air National Guard Base, Middle River, Maryland. In return, the 104th received the mission of the 102d Fighter Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base, which required converting from the A-10 to the F-15 Eagle. In turn, the 102nd converted into a non-flying Intelligence Wing. The realignment marked the end for the 104th's nearly 30-year mission of flying close-air support missions with the A-10. The 104th took over the homeland security mission of the 102d. In 2007, the A-10s began flying to Maryland and the F-15s began arriving from Otis ANGB. By the end of 2007, eighteen F-15C and a trainer F-15D arrived.

In addition to the air defense mission, the men and women of the 104th Fighter Wing deploy on Air Expeditionary missions to the Middle East in support of combat operations as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The last such deployment was completed in July, 2012.

In May 2013, it was announced that one third of the 104th Fighter Wing's F-15 aircraft would be moving to Otis Air National Guard Base to take up an alert mission for four to six-month, as Barnes' runway underwent renovation.[2][3]

On 27 August 2014, a jet from the wing crashed into the ground near Elliot Knob, Virginia just before nine in the morning.[4] The pilot, Lt. Col. Morris "Moose" Fontenot Jr., had reportedly made an emergency call before the crash and was on its way to Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans.[5] Officials scoured George Washington National Forest in an attempt to find the pilot.[6] It was later revealed that the pilot was unable to eject from the aircraft and was killed instantly.[7]

On 4 February 2023, F-15s from the wing assisted F-22 Raptors of the 1st Fighter Wing in shadowing a Chinese spy balloon that had been floating southeastward over the continental United States for several days. One of the F-22s later shot down the balloon with an AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missile over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Carolina.[8]

Lineage

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  • Established as the 104th Fighter Group (Air Defense) and allotted to the Air National Guard on 15 April 1956
Activated in the Massachusetts Air National Guard on 1 May 1956 and federally recognized
Redesignated 104th Tactical Fighter Group on 10 November 1958
Redesignated 104th Fighter Group on 15 March 1992
Redesignated 104th Fighter Wing on 1 October 1995

Assignments

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Gaining Commands

Air Defense Command, 1 May 1956
Tactical Air Command, 10 November 1958
Air Combat Command, 1 June 1992 - present

Past Commanders

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1947-1956 Col. Lyle E. Halstead

1956-1963 Brig. Gen. John J. Stefanik

1963–1970, Col. Edward D. Slasienski

1970–1973, Col. John J. Sevila

1973–1978, Col. Bruno J. Grabovsky

1978–1981, Col. Myrle B. Langley

1981–1986, Col. David R. Cummock

1986–1990, Col. Alan T. Reid

1990–1995, Maj. Gen. Richard A. Platt

1995–1997, Col. David W. Cherry

1997–1999, Col. Daniel P. Swift

1999–2005, Col. Michael Boulanger

2005–2008, Col. Marcel E. Kerdavid Jr.

2008–2012, Brig. Gen. Robert T. Brooks Jr.

2012–2016, Col. James J. Keefe

2017-June 2018, Col. James M. Suhr

June 2018 - June 2020, Col. Peter T. Green

June 2020 – June 2022, Col. William T. Bladen

June 2022 - Present, Col. David Halasi-Kun

Components

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Stations

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Aircraft

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

104th Fighter Wing

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 104th Fighter Wing (104 FW) is a unit of the stationed at Barnes Air National Guard Base in , which retired its F-15C Eagle in October 2025 after 18 years of service and is transitioning to the F-35A Lightning II, with the first of 18 aircraft scheduled to arrive in summer 2026. It maintains a dual-role mission, providing combat-ready forces to the for federal operations and to the for state emergencies, with a focus on homeland defense, air sovereignty, and expeditionary support. The wing's primary tasks include maintaining alert postures against aerial threats over the and deploying personnel and aircraft for global contingencies. Tracing its lineage to the activated on August 23, 1942, during , the unit was federally recognized as the 131st Fighter Squadron of the on May 24, 1946, initially equipped with P-47D Thunderbolts. Over decades, it transitioned through aircraft such as the F-86H Sabre, F-100D Super Sabre, and A-10A Thunderbolt II before adopting the F-15C Eagle in September 2007, reflecting adaptations to evolving air combat requirements. The 104th has participated in major operations, including Desert Storm in 1991, Balkan air campaigns in the , and post-9/11 missions under Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Renowned for operational excellence, the 104th Fighter Wing has earned the Spaatz Trophy three times—in 1950, 1960, and 1995—for superior performance in training, maintenance, and readiness among units, alongside nine Outstanding Unit Awards. Recent evaluations, including a 2024 unit effectiveness inspection, identified it as a benchmark for fighter wings, with 29 individual and nine team recognitions for superior execution in combat training and deployment readiness. These accomplishments underscore its role as one of the most decorated units in the , sustaining high mission effectiveness amid transitions like the recent retirement of the F-15 fleet.

Mission and Capabilities

Core Mission and Strategic Role

The core mission of the 104th Fighter Wing is to organize, train, and equip assigned personnel to provide operationally ready squadrons flying combat-configured F-15C/D aircraft for air sovereignty and alert missions defending the northeastern sector of the . This includes maintaining combat-ready fighter pilots capable of executing air defense intercepts and supporting broader objectives during federal activations. The wing prepares and deploys forces in support of domestic humanitarian operations and global combat missions as required. Strategically, as a unit stationed at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, the 104th Fighter Wing fulfills a dual-role capability, responding to state emergencies such as while serving as a force under . This posture enables rapid mobilization to augment active-duty air superiority efforts, ensuring homeland defense against aerial threats and contributing to expeditionary operations worldwide. The wing's emphasis on readiness is demonstrated through regular exercises simulating deployment and combat scenarios, maintaining high operational tempo compatible with mobilization requirements.

Operational Readiness and Deployment Posture

The 104th Fighter Wing sustains operational readiness through periodic base-wide exercises simulating contested environments and deployment scenarios, emphasizing , sustainment, and response to near-peer threats. A four-day exercise conducted November 2–5, 2023, at Barnes Base tested the wing's ability to maintain operations amid simulated adversary engagement, including rapid aircraft generation and logistics support. Earlier iterations, such as the June 10–13, 2021, event featuring 24-hour operations, focused on skill refinement in prolonged missions and unit cohesion. These activities align with evaluations of wartime combat capability, ensuring personnel and equipment meet federal mobilization standards for air superiority roles. The wing's deployment posture reflects its dual federal-state mission, enabling rapid mobilization for global combat operations while supporting domestic defense and humanitarian responses. Since September 2001, it has contributed to Operations Noble Eagle for North American aerospace defense, Enduring Freedom in , and Iraqi Freedom, including air sovereignty patrols and expeditionary fighter deployments. Historical engagements include Operation Desert Storm in January 1991 for coalition air campaigns, Operation Restore Hope in December 1992 for Somali stabilization, Operations Deny Flight and Deliberate Force in August–October 1995 over the , and Operations Allied Force and Noble Anvil in May–July 1999 against Yugoslav forces. Recent posture enhancements involve exercises like Operation Noble Defender in 2022–2024, practicing F-15 scrambles for alert missions to demonstrate deterrence and readiness. As an associate unit, the 104th integrates with active-duty forces under the total force concept, deploying squadrons and support elements for theater air superiority while basing at Barnes Air National Guard Base for homeland vigilance. This structure facilitates short-notice activations, as evidenced by 2015 deployments to for advanced weapons training, underscoring logistics and maintenance proficiency essential for expeditionary operations.

Organization and Personnel

Primary Flying and Support Units

The primary flying unit of the 104th Fighter Wing is the 131st Fighter Squadron, assigned to the 104th Operations Group and responsible for conducting air superiority missions using F-15 Eagle aircraft. This squadron maintains combat-ready fighter pilots who perform air sovereignty and alert duties defending the , as well as delivering air-to-air capabilities for theater operations with conventional munitions. Support for flying operations falls under the 104th Operations Group, which includes the 104th Operations Support Flight handling airfield management, , and tactics, and the 104th Weather Flight providing meteorological support essential for mission planning and execution. Aircraft maintenance and sustainment are managed by the 104th Maintenance Group, comprising the 104th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron for direct F-15 servicing, the 104th Maintenance Squadron for component repair and munitions, and the 104th Maintenance Operations Flight overseeing and training. The 104th Mission Support Group provides base-wide logistics and security, with squadrons dedicated to for infrastructure, communications for network operations, logistics readiness for supply and deployment, for base defense, and force support for personnel services including morale and administrative functions. The 104th Medical Group ensures health readiness for all wing personnel through preventive care and aeromedical services.

Manpower Composition and Training

The 104th Fighter Wing consists of approximately 1,000 personnel, including over 700 traditional Air National Guardsmen who serve part-time and around 300 full-time federal technicians and members who maintain daily operations. This composition reflects the dual state-federal mission of units, with traditional members balancing civilian careers and periodic drill weekends, while full-time personnel handle sustainment, administration, and readiness tasks. The wing's structure spans four groups—Operations, Maintenance, Mission Support, and Medical—encompassing roles from pilots and maintainers to , logisticians, and medical staff, ensuring comprehensive support for fighter operations. Personnel selection emphasizes operational qualifications, with officer applicants, particularly for pilot slots, required to demonstrate potential through Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) pipelines and unit evaluations before commissioning. Enlisted members typically enter via basic military training followed by technical school, aligning with standards for combat readiness. In preparation for the F-35A transition announced in April 2023, the wing selected 21 Airmen in 2024 for a two-year core cadre program, focusing on advanced training to build expertise in the new platform, with projected personnel growth of about 80 members to support increased operational demands. Training regimens prioritize mission readiness through recurring exercises, such as the Readiness Exercise (REX), which simulates contested environments with 12-hour shifts to test deployment skills across units. Specialized programs include the Resiliency Training initiative to enhance mental and physical toughness, reducing attrition and boosting morale amid high-tempo operations. Tactical Combat Casualty Care () courses, expanded to 40-hour sessions with hands-on scenarios, equip Airmen for combat medical response beyond standard requirements. These efforts ensure the wing maintains qualified personnel for air sovereignty, homeland defense, and expeditionary deployments, with pilots conducting basic fighter maneuvers and air combat training in exercises like .

Equipment and Technology

Current Aircraft and Armament

The 104th Fighter Wing's primary combat aircraft was the McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle, a single-seat, twin-engine introduced to the wing in 2007 following the of the A-10 Thunderbolt II, with operations concluding in October 2025 following the final departure of aircraft on October 23, 2025. The F-15C provided all-weather capability for detecting, acquiring, tracking, and engaging enemy aircraft in contested airspace, supporting the wing's mission of air defense for the and expeditionary air superiority operations. The wing maintained an inventory of approximately 21 F-15C aircraft assigned to the 131st until their complete retirement in October 2025, with the final three aircraft departing on October 23 for the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (boneyard) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Key performance specifications include a top speed exceeding Mach 2.5 (1,875 mph), a service ceiling of 65,000 feet, and a ferry range of up to 2,666 nautical miles with conformal fuel tanks and two external tanks. Powered by two F100-PW-220 engines each producing 23,450 pounds of , the features a wingspan of 42.8 feet, length of 63.8 feet, and maximum takeoff weight of 68,000 pounds. Armament consisted of conventional air-to-air munitions optimized for beyond-visual-range and close-combat engagements. The F-15C was equipped with an internal M-61A1 20mm Vulcan cannon carrying 940 rounds, up to six AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), and two AIM-9M/X Sidewinder missiles in a typical configuration, though loadouts could accommodate additional missiles or targeting pods as mission requirements dictated. Advanced avionics enhanced lethality and survivability, including the APG-63(V)3 (AESA) radar for multi-target tracking, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) for rapid targeting, an electronic warfare suite, and inertial navigation systems. These systems enabled the F-15C to operate effectively in high-threat environments, contributing to the type's combat-proven record, such as 34 of 37 U.S. air-to-air kills during Operation Desert Storm. The wing's F-15C operations concluded with final training missions on September 30, 2025, marking the end of 18 years of service with the unit.

Historical Aircraft Transitions

The 131st Fighter Squadron, the primary flying unit of the 104th Fighter Wing, operated the F-86H Sabre from 1957 to 1965 as its first swept-wing jet fighter, emphasizing air defense and tactical roles during the early era. This aircraft, a fighter-bomber variant optimized for Air Force missions, represented a shift from earlier straight-wing interceptors like the F-94 Starfire, enabling higher speeds and improved maneuverability for intercept duties. Transitioning in the mid-1960s, the squadron adopted the F-84F Thunderstreak from 1964 to 1971, a swept-wing suited for low-level strike and missions, reflecting evolving doctrinal needs for nuclear and conventional deterrence in Europe and the continental U.S. By 1971, the unit re-equipped with the F-100D Super Sabre, the first operational supersonic fighter in U.S. service, which it flew until July 1979; this aircraft enhanced capabilities for high-speed interception and ground attack, aligning with Tactical Air Command's emphasis on rapid response. In July 1979, the 104th became the first Air unit to receive newly produced A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft directly from the factory, marking a pivotal doctrinal shift to and tank-busting roles optimized for battlefield interdiction with its cannon and durability against ground fire. The A-10 fleet, numbering around 18 aircraft, supported deployments including Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where the squadron flew combat sorties emphasizing precision strikes on armored targets. The squadron relinquished its A-10s in 2007, transferring them to the Maryland Air National Guard, and received F-15C Eagle fighters starting September 8, 2007, restoring an air superiority mission focused on beyond-visual-range engagements and homeland defense. This transition, involving 18 single-seat F-15Cs and two-seat F-15Ds, integrated advanced avionics and missiles, enabling the wing to participate in operations like Northern Watch and Iraqi Freedom rotations while maintaining alert postures. The F-15 era, spanning nearly two decades, underscored the wing's adaptability from ground-attack platforms to high-end air dominance fighters.
PeriodAircraft TypePrimary RoleKey Features
1957–1965F-86H SabreAir defense/tactical fighterSwept wings, fighter-bomber variant for TAC missions
1964–1971F-84F ThunderstreakStrike/reconnaissanceLow-level capabilities, nuclear delivery
1971–1979F-100D Super SabreSupersonic interception/attackFirst supersonic USAF fighter, high-speed response
1979–2007A-10A Thunderbolt IIArmored, GAU-8 cannon for anti-armor
2007–2025F-15C/D EagleAir superiorityAdvanced radar, long-range missiles

F-35 Integration and Future Capabilities

The U.S. selected the 104th Fighter Wing to transition to the F-35A Lightning II in April 2023, planning to base 18 of the fifth-generation fighters at Barnes Base to replace the legacy F-15C Eagles and sustain the unit's air dominance role. In December 2024, Frank Kendall signed the Record of Decision, formalizing the basing decision after environmental assessments and infrastructure upgrades, including a $6.7 million in base facilities begun in November 2023. The wing anticipates receiving its first F-35A aircraft in fall 2025, with the 131st leading operations following the of its final F-15Cs. To prepare for integration, the wing initiated personnel training in 2024, selecting 21 Airmen in April for a two-year core cadre program at active-duty F-35 bases to develop expertise in maintenance, operations, and systems. Capt. Timothy Boersig of the 131st became the first wing pilot approved for F-35 formal in April 2024, focusing on advanced piloting skills for the joint . By April 2025, leadership affirmed the conversion's progress, emphasizing its role in modernizing homeland defense amid evolving threats. The F-35A will equip the 104th with stealth, , and multirole versatility, enhancing interception, surveillance, and precision strike capabilities for continental air defense under and NORTHCOM. This upgrade ensures the wing's long-term operational relevance, bridging fourth- to fifth-generation technology while integrating with joint forces for network-enabled warfare, as validated by the Air Force's strategic basing rationale.

Heraldry and Traditions

Wing Emblem and Insignia

The official emblem of the 104th Fighter Wing, approved by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry, is a circular design on an ultramarine blue disc edged in a narrow golden yellow border. At the center, a stylized silver gray fighter aircraft emerges from a white cloud formation, intersected by a jagged yellow lightning bolt extending diagonally. Above the aircraft, five golden yellow five-pointed stars are arranged in a 1-3-1 configuration. Ultramarine blue symbolizes the sky as the primary theater of operations, while golden yellow represents the sun and the high standards of excellence demanded of personnel. The central piercing the cloud denotes the wing's core mission of delivering combat air power. The lightning bolt signifies rapid response and striking capability. The five stars collectively represent the numerical designation of the wing's primary flying unit, the 131st , arranged to evoke its "1-3-1" identity. This emblem serves as the unit insignia, appearing on patches, flags, and official documents. It is worn by personnel of the 104th Fighter Wing and its subordinate 131st Fighter Squadron, reflecting shared heritage and operational focus.

Motto and Unit Heritage

The 104th Fighter Wing operates without a distinctive unit-specific motto, instead aligning with the U.S. Air Force Core Values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do, which guide its personnel in mission execution and daily operations. These values underscore the wing's commitment to ethical leadership, selfless service, and superior performance in air superiority roles. The unit's heritage traces directly to the , activated on August 23, 1942, under the U.S. Army Air Forces as part of wartime expansion efforts. In January 1943, the squadron was assigned to the 318th Fighter Group within the 7th Air Force, contributing to Pacific Theater operations during . Following the war, on May 24, 1946, it was federally recognized and redesignated as the 131st Tactical Fighter Squadron, , with its inaugural organizational meeting convened on April 10, 1946. Stationed at Barnes Municipal Airport (present-day Barnes Air National Guard Base) in , since October 1946, the 131st Fighter Squadron represents one of the oldest continuously active flying units in the state, embodying a legacy of tactical fighter proficiency that evolved into the modern 104th Fighter Wing, redesignated in October 1995. This lineage reflects the wing's enduring role in blending state militia traditions with federal air defense responsibilities.

Historical Evolution

Origins and World War II Roots

The lineage of the 104th Fighter Wing traces to the 333rd Fighter Squadron, activated on August 23, 1942, as part of the United States Army Air Forces. Assigned in January 1943 to the 318th Fighter Group under the 7th Fighter Command and 7th Air Force, the squadron deployed to the Central Pacific Theater, initially operating P-40 Warhawk fighters from bases in Hawaii and later advancing to islands such as Eniwetok and Saipan. Throughout , the 333rd conducted long-range fighter sweeps, bomber escorts, and missions against Japanese installations, shipping, and aircraft, contributing to Allied island-hopping campaigns from 1943 to 1945 with a focus on air superiority and interdiction in the Gilbert, Marshall, and . The unit transitioned to P-38 Lightning fighters by mid-1943, logging combat hours in high-risk environments that honed tactics for aerial combat and ground attack under challenging logistical conditions typical of Pacific operations. Following Japan's surrender in 1945, the 333rd Fighter Squadron was inactivated, but its heritage persisted through postwar reorganization. On May 24, 1946, it was redesignated and federally recognized as the 131st Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, forming the core operational element that would evolve into the 104th Fighter Wing's primary flying component. Equipped initially with P-47D Thunderbolts at Barnes Municipal Airport in Westfield, Massachusetts, the squadron maintained readiness for state and federal missions, embodying the transition from active-duty WWII combat experience to the dual-role structure of the nascent Air National Guard established under the National Defense Act of 1947.

Cold War Federalization and Tactical Fighter Years

During the Berlin Crisis, the 131st Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 104th Fighter Group was federalized on October 1, 1961, as part of the broader mobilization of Massachusetts Air National Guard units in response to escalating tensions over Soviet actions in Berlin. The squadron, equipped with F-86H Sabre jet fighters, deployed approximately 75 aircraft and 1,706 personnel to Phalsbourg Air Base, France, on November 5, 1961, under Operation Stair Step and assigned to the 17th Air Force of the United States Air Forces in Europe. There, the unit conducted air superiority and offensive counter-air missions in support of the Seventh U.S. Army, maintaining heightened readiness amid the potential for conflict. The 131st Tactical Fighter Squadron returned to state control on August 20, 1962, resuming its role within the 104th Tactical Fighter Group at Barnes Municipal Airport in . Throughout the , the unit operated as a tactical fighter organization, transitioning aircraft to enhance its ground attack and capabilities. From 1957 to 1965, it flew the F-86H , followed by the F-84F Thunderstreak from 1964 to 1971, emphasizing fighter-bomber roles under Tactical Air Command's gaining oversight. In May 1971, the squadron upgraded to the North American F-100D Super Sabre, a supersonic tactical fighter optimized for low-level strikes and nuclear delivery, which it operated until July 1979. This period solidified the 104th's commitment to conventional tactical operations, including training for rapid deployment and integration with active-duty forces, reflecting the Air National Guard's evolving dual state-federal mission during heightened global tensions.

A-10 Close Air Support Period

The 104th Fighter Wing transitioned to the Fairchild Republic A-10A Thunderbolt II in 1979, equipping the 131st Tactical Fighter Squadron with 18 aircraft optimized for close air support (CAS) missions. The A-10's design emphasized low-altitude operations, featuring a 30 mm GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon, titanium armor plating around the cockpit, and redundant flight controls to enhance survivability against ground fire during troop support. This period marked a shift from the wing's prior interceptor and tactical fighter roles with F-100 Super Sabres to dedicated ground attack, aligning with Air National Guard contributions to conventional warfare contingencies. During Operation Desert Storm in January 1991, the 104th Fighter Wing deployed A-10 personnel and supported CAS sorties over and , logging thousands of combined hours across A-10 units to destroy armored vehicles and suppress enemy air defenses. A-10s from the wing's lineage proved effective in destroying over 900 Iraqi tanks and 1,200 artillery pieces in the campaign, demonstrating the platform's precision in FAC-A (forward air controller-airborne) directed strikes. Subsequent deployments included Operation Restore Hope in starting December 1992, where A-10s provided armed overwatch for humanitarian convoys, and Balkan operations such as Deny Flight and Deliberate Force from August to October 1995, enforcing no-fly zones and striking Bosnian Serb positions. In the late 1990s, the wing participated in Operations Allied Force and Noble Anvil from 14 May to 1 July 1999, flying CAS and battlefield interdiction missions over , where A-10s delivered Maverick missiles and cannon fire against Yugoslav forces, contributing to NATO's air campaign success with minimal losses. Post-9/11, during the early phases of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom up to 2007, the 131st Fighter Squadron conducted combat rotations, including CAS support for U.S. Army units in March-April 2003, flying missions that neutralized insurgent positions and protected ground advances. These operations underscored the A-10's endurance in contested environments, with the wing accumulating expertise in joint terminal attack control and integration with special operations forces. The A-10 period ended on 12 September 2007, when the wing relinquished its Thunderbolt IIs to the Maryland Air National Guard, transitioning to the F-15C Eagle for air superiority roles amid Air Force realignment prioritizing multirole fighters over dedicated CAS platforms. Over 28 years, the 104th maintained high readiness, achieving superior inspection ratings and adapting the A-10 for evolving threats through upgrades like improved targeting pods, while basing operations at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts.

Return to Air Superiority with F-15

In 2007, the 104th Fighter Wing completed its transition from the to the , realigning the unit from to air superiority operations. This shift restored the wing's emphasis on air-to-air combat and defense, capabilities inherent to its earlier tactical fighter roles but sidelined during the A-10 era. The change resulted from the 2005 Commission's directive to consolidate F-15 operations by transferring the mission from the 102nd Fighter Wing at to Barnes Air National Guard Base in . The 131st Fighter Squadron, the wing's primary flying unit, equipped with approximately 18 F-15C single-seat fighters and two F-15D two-seat trainers, focused on intercepting potential airborne threats in support of missions. The F-15's design prioritized , featuring twin F100-PW-220 engines enabling speeds exceeding Mach 2.5, a service ceiling of 65,000 feet, and the AN/APG-63 radar for beyond-visual-range engagements with and missiles. During this period, the squadron conducted routine alert duties, generating quick-reaction alert (QRA) scrambles to maintain sovereignty over northeastern U.S. airspace, with pilots accumulating thousands of flight hours in to hone dogfighting and beyond-visual-range tactics. Key enhancements included the adoption of advanced technologies, such as the SPYDR system in September 2021, which the 131st became the first F-15C unit to integrate, improving sensor and safety during operations. The wing participated in multinational exercises, deploying eight F-15Cs to Hohn Air Base, , for Air Defender 2023, demonstrating interoperability with allies through simulated air superiority scenarios involving over 200 aircraft. These activities underscored the F-15's role in deterring aggression and ensuring rapid response, with the aircraft logging over 10,000 flight hours on individual airframes before retirements began in 2024. By mid-2025, the wing had divested most F-15s, including a notable donation of an F-15C with a confirmed MiG-25 kill mark from prior service to the on July 22, 2024, marking the end of nearly two decades of Eagle operations.

Major Operations and Contributions

Berlin Crisis and Vietnam-Era Support

During the , prompted by Soviet threats to Western access to following the construction of the on August 13, the 104th Tactical Fighter Group was not federalized as a flying unit, unlike some other elements such as the 102nd Tactical Fighter Wing. However, support components within the 104th contributed personnel to federal service overseas; notably, the 104th Transportation Squadron deployed to Phalsbourg Air Base, , where its commander oversaw logistics operations amid the heightened U.S. military posture in Europe. This activation, part of President John F. Kennedy's mobilization of over 148,000 reservists and Guardsmen on August 30, 1961, underscored the wing's role in bolstering allied reinforcement capabilities without direct combat aircraft commitment from the 131st Tactical Fighter Squadron, which remained stateside operating F-86H Sabre jets for air defense. In the immediate aftermath of , which saw ANG units return to state control by August 1962, the 104th Tactical Fighter Group enhanced its operational readiness under the Air Force's "gaining command" framework, aligning with for rapid deployability. This period marked a transition to more capable , with the 131st Tactical Fighter Squadron receiving the North American F-100D Super Sabre starting in 1961, replacing the F-86H and enabling supersonic tactical fighter missions focused on and training. The F-100 fleet, including like serial number 55-2830, supported intensive alert duties and exercises, maintaining approximately 18-24 at Barnes Air National Guard Base. During the Vietnam War era (roughly 1965-1973), the 104th provided indirect support through sustained stateside readiness and pilot training, as Air National Guard tactical fighter units were not involuntarily federalized for Southeast Asia deployments, unlike some active-duty counterparts. The 131st TFS flew the F-100D throughout the decade, logging thousands of training sorties annually in air-to-ground and air superiority roles, which honed skills transferable to active forces via individual augmentations; a small fraction of personnel (around 4% over the era) volunteered for extended active duty, contributing to USAF operations without unit-level rotations. This posture emphasized domestic air defense amid escalating global tensions, with the wing achieving high readiness ratings by the late 1960s, though it avoided the combat attrition seen in Vietnam-deployed F-100 squadrons like the 428th TFS. The era's focus on F-100 operations ended around 1971-1972 as the unit prepared for further transitions, reflecting ANG's strategic reserve function rather than frontline expeditionary roles.

Operation Desert Storm and Gulf War Role

The 104th Tactical Fighter Group participated in Operation Desert Storm in January 1991, supporting the U.S.-led coalition's air campaign against Iraqi forces. At the time, the group's 131st Tactical Fighter Squadron operated A-10A II aircraft, designed for and tank-busting roles with its 30 mm cannon and precision-guided munitions. The operation, commencing on January 17, 1991, involved over 100,000 sorties by coalition , with A-10s from active-duty units logging thousands of combat hours targeting Iraqi armor and ground positions in and southern . While the 104th did not deploy as a complete flying unit to the theater, its participation aligned with broader activations, where approximately 40,000 Guard members served across various roles during the , including maintenance, logistics, and individual augmentations to active forces. Specific contributions from the 104th included activated personnel providing expertise in A-10 sustainment and operations, reflecting the unit's readiness evaluated through prior inspections and exercises. This mirrored patterns in other Guard fighter groups, where volunteer pilots and ground crew filled gaps in active-duty squadrons flying combat missions from bases like in . The group's involvement underscored the 's surge capacity, with no reported losses or major incidents tied to its members during the 42-day air war phase ending February 28, 1991.

Post-9/11 Deployments and War on Terror

Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the 104th Fighter Wing mobilized in support of , the ongoing North American Aerospace Defense Command () mission for continental air defense and sovereignty. From 12 September 2001 onward, wing personnel and F-15C Eagle aircraft—transitioning from prior A-10 operations—conducted alert scrambles, air patrols, and interception missions over U.S. airspace, contributing to heightened homeland security measures that included thousands of combat air patrols nationwide. This role persisted into the present, with the wing maintaining quick-reaction alert status at Barnes Air National Guard Base and participating in exercises simulating rapid response to aerial threats. The wing's A-10 Thunderbolt II squadrons, under the 131st Fighter Squadron, also deployed for overseas combat in the early phases of the War on Terror. In March and April 2003, as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, 131st Fighter Squadron A-10s flew interdiction and missions against Iraqi ground forces, supporting U.S. Army advances by targeting enemy armor and positions. On 2 April 2003, approximately 510 personnel from the 104th Fighter Wing, alongside A-10 aircraft contributed from multiple units including the 104th, deployed to Tallil Air Base, , to execute these operations amid the coalition invasion. Concurrent with Iraqi operations, elements of the wing supported in during 2003, providing with A-10s against and targets in rugged terrain, leveraging the aircraft's low-altitude precision strike capabilities. These deployments marked the wing's shift from stateside training to expeditionary combat roles, with A-10 crews accumulating flight hours in contested environments before the unit's transition to F-15s in 2014 curtailed further ground-attack-focused overseas missions. Subsequent wing contributions emphasized air superiority training and homeland defense under Noble Eagle, aligning with evolving U.S. strategic priorities.

Recent Exercises and Homeland Defense Missions

The 104th Fighter Wing maintains a continuous role in homeland defense through , conducting air sovereignty alert missions to deter, detect, and defeat aerial threats to North American airspace in coordination with . F-15C pilots from the wing perform rapid scrambles from Barnes Air National Guard Base, ensuring 24/7 coverage as part of the Continental U.S. Region's defensive posture. In support of these missions, wing maintenance personnel conduct inspections, repairs, and inspections on aircraft to sustain operational readiness. In November 2022, the wing participated in Operation Noble Defender, a exercise simulating homeland defense scenarios, where F-15 Eagles practiced scramble procedures to demonstrate rapid response capabilities against simulated threats. teams operated battle management systems to integrate data and direct intercepts, enhancing with joint forces. Recent exercises have emphasized distributed operations and rapid generation. In November 2023, the wing executed a four-day base-wide readiness exercise at Barnes ANG Base, evaluating deployment of personnel, , and equipment under simulated contingency conditions. This included security forces neutralizing opposing forces and logistics teams supporting sustainment. In June 2025, the 104th conducted Distributable Integrated Combat Turn (D-ICT) exercises at , involving F-15C Eagles in rapid rearming and refueling drills alongside F-35A Lightning IIs from the ANG's 158th Fighter Wing. The July 2025 capstone event integrated airlift support from the for simultaneous hot-pit refueling and weapons loading, testing agile combat employment concepts in a joint environment. These drills focused on minimizing turnaround times to enable high sortie rates in contested environments.

Achievements and Evaluations

Awards, Inspections, and Performance Metrics

The 104th Fighter Wing has received multiple Outstanding Unit Awards, including its tenth for the period ending December 2019, recognizing superior mission accomplishment, , and contributions to national defense. An additional award was granted for accomplishments from January 2020 to December 2021, highlighting the wing's operational excellence and deployment support. In 2018, the wing earned recognition as an outstanding unit for deploying over 250 personnel to in support of , demonstrating sustained high performance in air superiority missions. Other notable awards include the 2019 Air National Guard Safety Award to the 104th Fighter Wing Maintenance Squadron for exemplary safety practices amid F-15 operations. In 2016, the wing was named Air Control Alert Unit of the Year and designated the best maintenance unit at Red Flag 16-1, reflecting proficiency in alert postures and sustainment. In inspections, the wing achieved "outstanding" results in two high-level higher headquarters evaluations in , with over 97% compliance across assessed areas, underscoring robust unit compliance and readiness. During the 2024 Unit Effectiveness Inspection, the 104th was designated a "benchmark" for fighter wings by , earning 29 individual and 9 team superior performer awards for exceptional execution in core competencies like mission generation and force development. A 2021 midpoint readiness exercise further validated the wing's ability to maintain operational tempo under simulated inspection conditions. Performance metrics from these evaluations emphasize the wing's high readiness rates, with the 2024 inspection highlighting leadership in fighter wing standards for sortie generation, maintenance reliability, and integrated combat capabilities, positioning it as a model for units. Historical operational readiness inspections, including alert mission assessments in 2017, have consistently affirmed the 104th's capacity to scramble F-15 Eagles within mandated timelines, supporting NORAD's aerospace defense of the Northeast.

Combat Effectiveness and Innovation Examples

The 104th Fighter Wing has demonstrated high combat effectiveness through superior performance in unit inspections and operational evaluations. In the 2024 Unit Effectiveness Inspection Capstone, the wing was designated a "benchmark" for fighter wings, earning 29 individual and 9 awards for excellence across , execution, and improvement categories. This outperformed typical Combat Air Forces averages, with 14 strengths identified against only 10 significant deficiencies in key areas like mission readiness and . Additionally, in a 2017 Inspector General Alert Mission Inspection, the wing achieved the highest "Mission Ready" rating across all graded areas, including aerospace control alert operations at Barnes Base. In live-fire and tactical exercises, the wing has maintained high sortie generation and weapons delivery rates. During Weapons System Evaluation Program 25.09, over 250 Airmen and 9 F-15 Eagles executed missions on time and on target, advancing air dominance through precise live-fire training. In Checkered Flag 25-2, the unit completed 212 of 221 planned sorties with real weapons employment against live targets, showcasing reliability in high-threat scenarios. Participation in the rebooted William Tell competition in 2023 further highlighted tactical proficiency, with F-15C pilots competing in air-to-air gunnery and missile engagements against advanced threats. On innovation, the wing has integrated advanced manufacturing and training methodologies to enhance operational agility. Implementation of in maintenance, led by Staff Sgt. Ryan Krasnecky, has boosted productivity by producing custom parts on-site, reducing costs and downtime for F-15 sustainment. Collaborations with units have pioneered "ready airman training," combining maintenance skills with combat fieldcraft to prepare personnel for austere environments, including advanced tactical casualty care in a 40-hour course culminating in capstone scenarios. In tactics development, a exercise tested novel counterair measures, integrating multiple squadrons for offensive and defensive operations to refine F-15 employment in contested airspace. These efforts, validated in readiness exercises simulating degraded environments, underscore a focus on adaptive, total-force integration.

Lineage and Leadership

Official Lineage and Designations

The 104th Fighter Wing's lineage originates with the 333rd Fighter Squadron, constituted on 18 August 1942 and activated on 23 August 1942 under the United States Army Air Forces. In January 1943, the squadron was assigned to the 318th Fighter Group within the Seventh Air Force, conducting operations in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The squadron was inactivated on 12 January 1946 following the war's end. On 24 May 1946, the inactive 333rd Fighter Squadron was redesignated as the 131st Tactical Fighter Squadron and allotted to the Air National Guard, receiving federal recognition as part of the Massachusetts Air National Guard on 20 August 1962, when the squadron and its parent 104th Tactical Fighter Group were transferred to state control. The 131st Tactical Fighter Squadron operated various aircraft, including the F-100 Super Sabre from 1971 to 1979 and the A-10 Thunderbolt II from 1979 to 2007, before transitioning to the F-15C Eagle on 8 September 2007. On 1 June 1992, the 131st Tactical Fighter Squadron was redesignated as the 131st Fighter Squadron, concurrent with the 104th Tactical Fighter Group becoming the 104th Fighter Group. In October 1995, the 104th Fighter Group was redesignated as the 104th Fighter Wing, its current designation, under the Objective Wing organization structure of the . The wing remains assigned to the , with primary missions in air superiority and homeland defense, stationed at Barnes Air National Guard Base, .

Key Stations and Assignments

The 104th Fighter Wing, through its lineage including the 131st Fighter Squadron, has maintained its primary station at Barnes Air National Guard Base in , since federal recognition of the unit on 24 May 1946. This base, co-located with , has served as the wing's home for training, maintenance, and operational missions, supporting both state and federal roles with evolving aircraft from P-47 Thunderbolts in the late 1940s to current F-15C Eagles. A notable temporary assignment occurred from 1 October 1961 to 20 August 1962, when the unit, then the 131st Tactical Fighter Squadron, was mobilized for Operation Stair Step and deployed to Phalsbourg-Bourscheid Air Base, , under the 17th Air Force of United States Air Forces in to reinforce commitments amid tensions. Following demobilization, the squadron returned to Barnes, resuming state control under the . Organizationally, the wing falls under the for administrative purposes and is gainfully employed by for federal combat missions, including air sovereignty alerts and expeditionary deployments. No permanent relocations have occurred since 1946, with the base enabling dual missions in homeland defense and overseas operations.

Notable Commanders and Transitions

Colonel Peter T. Green III commanded the 104th Fighter Wing until June 2020, having previously led the unit through key operations including Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, drawing on his extensive experience in expeditionary roles. On June 8, 2020, Colonel Tom "Sling" Bladen assumed command from Green during a formal ceremony at Barnes Base, marking a transition amid ongoing modernization efforts. Colonel David L. Halasi-Kun subsequently served as , logging over 3,000 flight hours in the F-15 Eagle across multiple combat deployments and emphasizing operational excellence that positioned the 104th as a benchmark for fighter wings. Halasi-Kun relinquished command in late September 2025 following his final F-15 training mission on September 30, with a farewell ceremony held on October 2, 2025, after an 18-year tenure of impactful leadership in air and ground operations. Earlier commanders, including General Dick Platt, Colonel Bud Scheller, and Lieutenant Colonel Mal Snow, steered the wing through pivotal transitions in aircraft platforms and mission sets, as reflected in a 2014 commander's assessment of their enduring guidance. These leadership handovers have consistently aligned with broader Air Force priorities, such as transitioning from legacy fighters like the A-10 Thunderbolt II to advanced platforms including the F-15 Eagle.

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