Will Barnes ANGB in Westfield receive new F-15s or F-35s?
An environmental evaluation is underway to assess the impact of replacing aging F-15C and D-model aircraft at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts. The U.S. Department of Defense has selected the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes to receive 18 new F-35A fighter jets by 2026, as announced by Governor Maura Healey in April 2023.
A proposal from the National Guard Bureau (NGB), detailed in a statement from 104th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Manager Randy Burlingame, considers replacing the old aircraft with either the F-15EX or F-35A models. The Department of the Air Force and NGB are conducting environmental analyses to assess potential impacts associated with the introduction of these new aircraft at three fighter wing locations across the country:
- 104th Fighter Wing, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Massachusetts (F-15EX or F-35A)
- 144th Fighter Wing, Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Fresno, California (F-15EX only)
- 159th Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans, Belle Chasse, Louisiana (F-15EX or F-35A)
Each of these wings will transition to either the F-15EX or F-35A, with Westfield and New Orleans being considered for either replacement option.
The preparation includes a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess potential effects on human and environmental aspects, as well as historic and cultural resources. Studies are also addressing noise impacts and project areas specific to Westfield.