Air Force Secretary Signs Record of Decision for F-35s at Barnes Air National Guard Base

WESTFIELD — On Dec. 20, local and national dignitaries celebrated the stationing of a new fleet of F-35 aircraft at Barnes Air National Guard Base (ANGB), which was made official after Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall signed the record of decision (ROD).

After Barnes was chosen as the preferred location for the new fleet of F-35s on April 17, 2023, the selection required favorable completion of an environmental impact statement. Upon favorable completion, the secretary of the Air Force needed to sign and report the ROD to Congress. Once reported to Congress, the decision to station the new aircraft at Barnes became official, putting in motion the assignment of 20 new F-35A Lightning II aircraft at Barnes ANGB.

“The Department of the Air Force’s decision to allocate F-35s to the 104th Fighter Wing marks a monumental moment for our unit and its critical role in our nation’s air defense,” said Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard. “The 104th Fighter Wing has long been a cornerstone of our nation’s air-defense capabilities, and this transition to the next-generation airframe solidifies our readiness and relevance for decades to come. This decision not only enhances our operational capabilities, but also ensures the Wing’s ability to continue its proud tradition of excellence as we look forward to future missions and challenges.”

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal added that “this is a great day for the city of Westfield and all of Western Massachusetts, as Barnes has solidified its place in our community for years to come. The decision to station a new fleet of F-35 aircraft at Barnes comes after years of advocacy by the Western Massachusetts delegation, as well as Major General Keefe and state and local officials. Ultimately, the Air Force recognized not only Barnes’ critical role in defending our nation, but also something we in Massachusetts already know — we take care of our servicemembers.”

The decision to station the new fleet of F-35 aircraft came after a rigorous selection process by the U.S. Air Force that reviewed F-15C units throughout the nation. Barnes was ultimately selected in April 2023 after the Air Force considered several factors, including community support, environmental factors, and cost. The review process also included an assessment of the location’s ability to facilitate the mission and infrastructure capacity.

“With the stationing of the F-35s at the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing, the 104th will continue its proud stewardship as the first line of defense for the northeastern seaboard of the United States,” Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe said. “The city of Westfield is honored to host them and would like to thank everyone who worked with us to make this happen.”