104th Fighter Wing F-15C/D Eagle Legacy (2007 – 2025) Part 3 – 2019 to 2025
Story and photos by Ken Middleton
The 104th Fighter Wing, part of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, is based at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts. They recently retired their fleet of F-15C/D Eagles in October 2025, as they prepare to bed down the F-35A Lightning II in mid-2026.
This is Part 3 of the series, covering 2019 to 2025.
The Air Force wanted to replace its aging F-15C/D Eagle aircraft, and Barnes was in the running for the F-35A Lightning II or F-15EX Eagle II.
In the Spring of 2023, Barnes was selected for the F-35A Lightning II aircraft by the Secretary of the Air Force. This decision required a favorable Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which was achieved in November 2024. Based on this report, the Secretary of the Air Force signed and reported to Congress the Record of Decision (ROD). The ROD was approved in December 2024, which made the F-35 decision official.
Over the course of 2024 and 2025, jets leaving for other units or the “boneyard” accelerated. In 2025, the unit made its final exercise deployment to NAS Key West, which was the location of its first exercise with the Eagle.
On 30 September 2025, the final operational flights took place with the F-15 Eagle. Wing commander Colonel David “Moon” Halasi-Kun also flew his last operational flight as the wing command was being handed over to Colonel Michael “Shot” Glass.
On 8 October 2025, 85-0108, 85-0111 and 85-0118 left for the 159th Fighter Wing of the Louisiana Air National Guard in New Orleans.
On 23 October 2025, the final 3 Eagles – 83-0039, 86-0163 and 86-0178 left for the “boneyard” at Davis Monthan AFB, AZ, officially known as the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG).
The first F-35A Lightnings are due to arrive in June 2026.
Operations and Exercises
2019:
Arctic Challenge Exercise, Norway
Joint Operations, Patrick SFB, FL
2020:
Operation NOBLE EAGLE, Barnes ANGB, MA
2021:
Sentry Savannah, Savannah CRTC, GA
2022:
Operation NOBLE EAGLE, Barnes ANGB, MA
Weapons Eval, Tyndall AFB, FL
2023:
Joint Operations, Eglin AFB, FL
William Tell, Savannah CRTC (Winner)
Air Defender, Germany
2024:
Red Air, Nellis AFB, NV
Operation NOBLE EAGLE, Barnes ANGB, MA
2025:
Ready Eagle 25, NAS Key West, FL (Last TDY)
I photographed the 104th FW F-15C/D Eagles for 17 years, and greatly appreciate the support of the men and women of the 104th FW and Westfield Barnes Regional Airport. During this time, I made many lasting friendships that I am grateful for – Ken
