Barnes Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts, United States, has officially ceased operations with its F-15C Eagle fighters, marking the end of an era for the 104th Fighter Wing.
On October 23, 2025, three aircraft made their last flight over Westfield before heading to the “plane graveyard” at Davis-Monthan Base, Arizona. Farewell symbolizes the transition from unity to modernity F-35A Lightning IIwhose arrival is scheduled for next summer, opening a new chapter in the base’s history.
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Pilots 1st Lieutenant Kyle “Nuke” Eckert, Colonel David “Moon” Halasi-Kun and 1st Lieutenant Eric “Gronk” Flynn were responsible for the final flight. For “Nuke” and “Gronk,” the moment had special meaning, as they both began their careers as mechanics before becoming F-15 pilots. While Commander “Moon” ends his journey with the fighter, the two officers will continue to train with the F-35 and must later return to Barnes.
For 18 years, F-15Cs from the 104th Wing provided the air defense of the northeastern United States under the command of NORAD, becoming a symbol of readiness and security. Now, the base is preparing to receive 20 new F-35As, while the old Eagles retire.
Despite this, part of the F-15C/D fleet will remain active in other units until 2030, when it will be replaced by the F-15EX. More than 75% of current F-15s already have structural wear, which limits their performance and reinforces the need to transition to new generation aircraft.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @kadonkey | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
