Barnstorming in Central Massachusetts, Part 2
Story by Daniel O. Myers. Photos by Scott Zeno, Kevin Burke and Bob Finch
And finally, what the crowd had long anticipated and waited for, the F-35A Demo, and the timing could have not been better! It was just three weeks prior to the show that the Air Force had announced their decision to assign twenty-two brand new F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to the MA ANG 104th FW / 131st FS. The air show offered the public a first glance at Barnes’ ANGB next and newest jet.
Maj. Kristin ‘Beo’ Wolfe in her F-35A Lightning II was the headlining act. Her 15-minute performance highlighted the fifth-generation aircraft’s stealth capabilities and what the future of Barnes ANGB will look like.
The selection of Barnes as a primary base to receive the F-35 came after a lot of hard work on the part of the 104th FW. Heading that effort was the Wing’s commander, Col. David L. “Moon” Halasi-Kun. “Moon” is a 1998 U.S.A.F. Academy graduate who has been flying F-15s for twenty-five years and commanding the 104th since July 2022.
The process of obtaining the F-35A began two years prior when the U.S.A.F. received Barnes’ request. The Air Force then sent a team to appraise the base’s capabilities- what facilities were needed to house the F-35 along with an environmental assessment. Since the F-15 is a larger aircraft than the F-35, no new structures were required. The existing facilities were large enough to accommodate the new fighters. Immediately following those evaluations, the community was invited to attend public hearings and were not only welcome but strongly encouraged to offer their input.
The 104th FW has thirty pilots (15 full-time / 15 part-time), flying eighteen F-15Cs- keeping with the Air Force’s generally accepted aircraft ratio of 1.5 to 1.0 pilots per jet. The wing’s current F-15C’s will be replaced with twenty-two new F-35A’s beginning October 2025 to early 2026, requiring new pilot training. Most of those pilots, who live in the New England area, will train at Luke AFB, while others will be sent to Eglin or Hill AFBs. The more experienced pilots will take one to two months of schooling while the less practiced could take up to six months. With the transition; some F-15 pilots will be retiring, necessitating hiring new. They will come to the 104th as experienced F-35 pilots from other squadrons.
As the crowd watched ‘Beo’ put the F-35A through its paces, they were reminded of her full-time job at Luke AFB as an instructor pilot. Major Wolfe said, “No matter what you look like, no matter your background, I can teach anyone to fly the F-35.” It’s very possible, she may be instructing future 104th FW F-35 pilots!
And, it’s not just the pilots requiring advanced training. Unlike the F-15, the F-35 is a muti-role (air-to-air and air-to-ground) fighter carrying a different weapons load. Forty aircraft maintainers, including mechanics and munitions loaders, need to upgrade their skills as well.
Instead of vying for the F-35, Col. Halasi-Kun was asked about the prospect of trading in their F-15C’c for the new 15EX. Halasi-Kun said that was never a consideration. For the viability of the squadron, the F-35 was selected due to the current pool of available pilots and maintenance personnel from which to draw. Currently there are no experienced F-15EX pilots.
The air show concluded with a Heritage Flight when Jim Beasly in his P-51 Mustang “Bald Eagle” joined on ‘Beo’ Wolfe and her F-35, showcasing Barnes’ past and future.
As an estimated 50,000 spectators exited the show, they passed by the “BARNSTORMING” F-15C (Bu #85-104) on display. In appreciation of all they have done, every member of the 104th Wing (1,800 guard personnel) were invited to sign the side of the jet.
An enthusiastic Colonel Halasi-Kun was absolutely ecstatic about an overwhelmingly successful air show. Halasi-Kun said the community’s response was incredible and he expressed his gratitude for their support. Throughout the show, the public was able to witness air-power from the various military services, including the U.S.A.F. F-15, A-10, and especially the F-35. As the overflowing parking lots quickly emptied of attendees, making their way off base via well organized traffic flow, Colonel Halasi-Kun once again thanked service members and supporting civilian agencies in both putting on a great air show and securing the Wing’s future as they transition to the F-35A. The 104th will join other state ANG units- VT, FL, WI and AL- currently flying the F-35A.
Col. Halasi-Kun will be retiring by 2025. His objective before departing was to leave Barnes as a viable base long into the future. And to that end, the F-35 will provide a long-term commitment to the Air National Guard’s presence at Barnes-Westfield Regional Airport. The new jet will not only provide economic stimulation to the community but allow Barnes to have a operational airframe for the next generation. The MA ANG 104th FW mission-role will remain the same- sitting alert as part of their NORAD commitment.
No date has yet been scheduled for the next Barnes-Westfield Airport Air Show. Whenever it’s held, it is sure to be a history making event personifying Barnes’ ANGB long tradition.
