BOSTON (10/22/2020)
On Thursday the Massachusetts State Senate adopted a resolution to support the assignment of F-35A fighter jets to the National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing in the City of Westfield. The resolution, which was filed by Senate President Karen Spilka and adopted unanimously, was directed towards U.S. Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett and Major General Gary Keefe, the State Adjutant General.
The resolution noted that the “assigned F-15C aircraft will meet the end of its service life within the decade, requiring 104th Fighter Wing to convert to the next generation of fighter aircraft to sustain its relevance in the national defense strategy and the continued vitality of Barnes Air National Guard Base.”
Senator John Velis, who represents Westfield, was among those in support of the resolution. Last month, Velis sent his own letter to Secretary Barrett to express his support for the 104th Fighter Wing to be selected to receive the F-35A assignment.
“In that letter I noted some of the key reasons why the 104th is so uniquely poised for these F-35As. The accomplished legacy of the Wing, the strategic and optimal location between major metropolitan cities and our Eastern Seaboard, the high caliber level of guardsmen and training… these are all things I mentioned and are clear indications in my mind that the 104th Fighter Wing should be selected,” said Velis. “It’s phenomenal to have the support of the entire State Senate on this, and I couldn’t be happier to see this resolution get adopted today.”
Senator Velis also noted the great impact that this would have on the future of the base and the overall benefits this investment would bring to the City of Westfield. “The 104th Fighter Wing is one of the most respected Fighter Wings in the Combat Air Forces and one of the oldest flying units in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Going through this airframe conversion will allow the Fighter Wing to operate through 2070.” said Velis. “The benefits that the Fighter Wing brings to our local economy and community are known far and wide, and this investment would just be so great for our long-term stability.”
Currently, the 104th Fighter Wing is in consideration for the F-35A, and are awaiting notification for an Air Combat Command led site survey. After the completion of the site survey, the Secretary of the Air Force will likely select Preferred and Reasonable Alternative locations by the end of the winter. The final decision for basing is anticipated in summer 2021.