The Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 102nd Fighter Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base last week dispatched the first two of its F-15 fighters to their new home with the 104th FW, also of the Massachusetts ANG, at Barnes Airport. BRAC 2005 transfers the Otis F-15s to Barnes, which loses its A-10s. Last month, the folks around Barnes got a presentation on the mission switch from Warthog close air support to Eagle air defense. The Republican reports that Barnes will get two or three F-15s each month until it reaches its full complement of 18.
When Airmen eject, the mission is clear: America leaves no warrior behind. Airmen are trained to survive, evade, resist, and escape the enemy, and everyone from ground crew to rescue personnel and commanders are committed to doing everything necessary—and possible—to bring downed Airmen home.