Massachusetts' 104th Fighter Wing formally begins its F-35A era.

The Massachusetts Air National Guard's 104th Fighter Wing formally welcomed the F-35A Lightning II at Barnes Air National Guard Base on September 13. The unit says the ceremony marked the culmination of a conversion effort involving military officials, state and federal lawmakers, and local partners.

A final environmental decision in December 2024 selected the F-35A to replace the wing's F-15 Eagle mission. The 104th says preparation included new support infrastructure, specialised equipment and personnel training. The ceremony documents the start of the new mission; it is not evidence of combat performance or completion of every conversion milestone.