F-15s stage at Westover: Expect increased noise

  • Published
  • By 439th AW Public Affairs
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  F-15 fighter jets will begin arriving here July 23 as part of a temporary relocation while the runway at Barnes Municipal Airport undergoes several months of repairs.

The F-15s, assigned to the Massachusetts Air National Guard's 104th Fighter Wing, will fly training missions out of Westover for approximately six months. An estimated 14 F-15 aircraft will be parked on Westover's flight line.

Surrounding communities may experience increased noise from the additional aircraft operations, as the Air National Guard Fighters are scheduled to fly on an average of twice a day.

"We're pleased we can help our Guard brothers and sisters in maintaining continuity with their vital air defense mission role," said Col. Steven Vautrain, 439th Airlift Wing commander.

The 104th Fighter Wing will also operate F-15 aircraft at Otis Air National Guard base on Cape Cod in order to maintain their 24-hour alert missions.

Barnes ANGB and Westover ARB have shared a long history of teamwork. Each base supports each others' efforts during their air shows, and Barnes' fleet of fighters spent time on the Westover tarmac in the late 1970s during other runway repairs at Barnes.

Media are welcome to cover the arrival of the F-15s at Westover on Tuesday. For more information, please contact the Westover Public Affairs office regarding arrival times and gaining access onto the base.