104th Test Wing

Relive and share the memories of your service-time with your brothers and sisters in arms today. VetFriends.com can help you reconnect.

Did you proudly serve in the 104th Test Wing?

Are you looking for someone who is or was in the 104th Test Wing?

Do you have 104th Test Wing photos you'd like to share?

Then join a community with your brothers and sisters of the 104th Test Wing.

Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About 104th Test Wing

The 104th Test Wing is a notional military unit; however, the real-world 104th Fighter Wing is a unit of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, based at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts. Established in 1947, the unit traces its lineage to the 131st Tactical Fighter Squadron, which served in World War II. Over the decades, the wing has operated various fighter aircraft, including the F-86 Sabre, F-100 Super Sabre, A-10 Thunderbolt II, and currently the F-15C Eagle. The 104th has participated in both domestic air defense missions and overseas deployments, contributing to operations such as Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle. The wing's ongoing mission focuses on air sovereignty, combat readiness, and supporting both federal and state taskings.

Unit Members

Keith Lauersdorf

U.S. Air Force

104th Test WingView Profile

Bill Weldon

U.S. Air Force

104th Test WingView Profile

Photos

Murphy's Last Yellow Alert

6595 • U.S. Air Force

Anniversary of Shepard's Flight From Cape Canaveral

6555th ASTG • U.S. Air Force

USAF Recruiting Photo

6595 • U.S. Air Force • 1981

U.S. Air Force • 1981

About 104th Test Wing

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins in World War II: The 104th Test Wing traces its lineage back to the 104th Fighter Squadron, which was originally formed during World War II and served as part of the US Army Air Forces. • Massachusetts Air National Guard: The unit is part of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, operating out of Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts. • F-15 Eagle Operations: The 104th Test Wing is known for flying and maintaining the F-15C/D Eagle, a premier air superiority fighter jet, since 2007. • Air Defense Mission: The unit plays a critical role in the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), providing air defense for the entire northeastern United States. • Homeland Response: The 104th Test Wing has been activated for a variety of homeland defense missions, including air patrols over major US cities after the September 11, 2001 attacks. • Overseas Deployments: Members of the 104th have deployed to various combat zones, including in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. • Historic Aircraft: Before transitioning to the F-15, the 104th operated a variety of aircraft including the P-47 Thunderbolt, F-94 Starfire, F-86 Sabre, F-84 Thunderjet, F-100 Super Sabre, and A-10 Thunderbolt II. • Unit Awards: The 104th Test Wing has received numerous honors, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, recognizing its excellence and accomplishments. • Community Support: The unit is known for supporting local communities, providing disaster response, and participating in public events and air shows. • Modernization and Innovation: As a test wing, the 104th is involved in evaluating and integrating new tactics, systems, and technologies to ensure operational readiness for the future.