WESTFIELD — A U.S. Department of Defense decision to assign at least 18 latest generation Air Force fighter jets to the Barnes Air National Guard Base is an indication of how state legislation supporting service members and military families benefits Massachusetts as a whole, according to state Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield.

The F-35A Lighting II fighter jets, being placed with the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes as a result of the recent signature of a “Record of Decision” by Frank Kendall III, secretary of the Air Force, also guarantees the long-term viability of the base where fighter aircraft have operated for 78 years.

“This final signature is the product of the commonwealth’s steadfast dedication to remain one of the best states in the nation for our service members and families to call home,” Velis, chair of the Legislature’s Veterans’ Committee, said in a statement.

Velis, who himself is a veteran, points to the passage of legislation like the SPEED Act, and later parts of the HERO Act, as showing Massachusetts has demonstrated to the Department of Defense a commitment to care for service members and military families.

“I am beyond thrilled that the secretary of the Air Force has finalized the assignment of the F-35As to the 104th Fighter Wing, ensuring that the 104th remains a critical piece of our country’s national defense strategy for decades to come,” Velis said.

The Department of Defense considered several contenders from across the country in its final decision, with legislation championed by Velis helping the state meet the necessary criteria. In 2022, the SPEED Act, authored by Velis and signed into law by then Gov. Charlie Baker, expedited the professional licensing process for military spouses, advanced enrollment of military children to prevent disruptions in education, and expanded benefits for service members and their families.

Later, Velis expanded Gov. Maura Healey’s HERO Act to include resources for military families, such as a state military spouse liaison, increasing access to child care on military installations and improving school support services for military-connected students.

“The Department of Defense has made themselves abundantly clear that this decision to assign the F-35 jets to the 104th Fighter Wing, as well any future investments in our commonwealth’s installations, are directly tied to our state’s work to improve services, not only for our service members, but also their families as well,” Velis said.

The 104th Fighter Wing is among the oldest flying units within the state, providing operationally ready combat units, combat support units and qualified personnel for active duty, supporting the unit’s goal to organize, train and equip personnel to provide an operationally ready squadron to the Air Combat Command.

After a rigorous selection process by the Air Force that reviewed F-15C units across the country and considered factors, including community support and cost, in April 2023 the secretary of the Air Force approved Barnes as the preferred location for the new fleet of F-35s. Following this, a favorable completion of an environmental impact statement was required.

U.S. Congressman Richard Neal also praised the decision, pointing to advocacy from those in the western Massachusetts delegation, local and state officials, and Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, the adjutant general for the Massachusetts National Guard.

“Ultimately, the Air Force recognized not only Barnes’ critical role in defending our nation, but also something we in Massachusetts already know — we take care of our service members,” Neal said, adding his thanks to the airmen and airwomen of Barnes.

The base has 1,100 personnel, including civilians.

As a member of the Senate’s Armed Services Committee, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren called the placement of the F-35s a big win for the state. “I worked hard to get this commitment for Barnes to enhance our national security, position our F-35s at a more climate-resilient base and strengthen our economy in western Massachusetts,” Warren said.

“The 104th Fighter Wing has long been a cornerstone of our nation’s air defense capabilities, and this transition to the next-generation airframe solidifies our readiness and relevance for decades to come,” Keefe said. “This decision not only enhances our operational capabilities, but also ensures the wing’s ability to continue its proud tradition of excellence as we look forward to future missions and challenges.”

Col. David Halasi-Kun, commander of the 104th Fighter Wing, offer appreciation to the support of local communities and elected officials.

“This new aircraft ensures the critical defense of the airspace of New England and New York and the protection of the 40 million Americans beneath that blanket of freedom,” Halasi-Kun said.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.