JULY 23, 2024 – The 104th Fighter Wing donated an F-15 Eagle to the New England Air Museum July 22 as the wing prepares for the conversion to the F35A Lightning II.
Col. Michael Glass, 104th Operations Group commander, flew the F-15C aircraft 85-101 on its final flight, landing at Bradley Air National Guard Base, East Granby, Connecticut.
The aircraft will be on static display at the New England Air Museum.
“As we sunset the F-15 here at the 104th, we must also remember that the mighty Eagle is retiring from the U.S. Air Force,” said Col. David Halasi-Kun, 104 FW commander. “Donating this remarkable aircraft to the New England Air Museum ensures that its history of air superiority will be remembered for generations to come.
“In the future, our Barnestormers can visit the museum, remember their proud service to this country, and reminisce upon the days they spent fixing, flying and supporting the F-15C,” he said.
Glass said it was a “bittersweet feeling” to fly aircraft 85-101 one final time.
“But I am honored that 101 is going to a museum, especially one that is in the local area,” said Glass. “When I took command of the 131st Fighter Squadron in October of 2020, I was lucky to have my name placed on 101.”
Donating the aircraft to the museum ensures that the history and air dominance the aircraft has displayed since 1979 will be preserved.
“The New England Air Museum does not currently possess an F-15C, so enshrining 101 at the New England Air Museum provides them with an amazing addition to their collection,” said Glass. “Additionally, being able to tell 101’s aerial victory story in a local museum is very compelling.”
The green star decal on the side of the F-15C signifies its victory in air-to-air combat and is a reminder of the F-15 Eagle’s dominance throughout its military history.
“Aircraft 85-101 received this star on January 19, 1991, when pilot Capt. Rick Tollini shot down an Iraqi Air Force MiG-25,” said Glass.
Mike Thornton, curator for the New England Air Museum, expressed excitement about receiving the F-15C.
“Collections Manager Josh Taylor and I could not be happier about good old 101 F-15C from the 104th coming into our collection,” said Thronton. “As an aircraft, it has such a rich legacy from the lessons of the Vietnam War onto the air combat of Desert Storm. With the MiG kill, the story is incredible, and we look forward to sharing contemporary veteran stories with our audience here at the New England Air Museum.”
By Jerry Hewitt
104th Fighter Wing