F-35A Lightning II Arrival at the 104th Fighter Wing
F-35A Lightning II Arrival at the 104th Fighter Wing
11 June 2026 1:04 PM
Story and photos by Ken Middleton
At exactly 1:04 PM on 11 June 2026, 4 F-35A Lightning II’s in formation roared over Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts, marking the arrival of the new aircraft to the unit. The skies over Barnes had been fairly quiet since the departure of the F-15C Eagles in October 2025, marking the end of 18 years operations with the Eagle.
The F-35A was selected over the F-15EX Eagle II for the unit to transition to. The arrival of the F-35A marks a significant milestone after months of many unit members travelling across the country to other F-35A locations for training. With the F-35A being able to carry air to ground weapons along with air to air, this will expand the 104th FW’s role and responsibilities.
The aircraft arriving are loaners from 2 other Air National Guard units and will allow the 104th FW to start flying and maintenance operations. Jets destined specifically for the 104th FW are scheduled to start arriving in the Fall of 2026.
Below is information on the 4 F-35A’s that arrived.
22-5955 115th Fighter Wing Wisconsin ANG, Madison WI
22-5954 115th Fighter Wing Wisconsin ANG, Madison WI
22-5816 125th Fighter Wing Florida ANG, Jacksonville FL
22-5817 125th Fighter Wing Florida ANG, Jacksonville FL
Congratulations to the 104th FW on the arrival of its new state-of-the-art aircraft!
