The 104th Fighter Wing, an operational flying unit assigned to the Air Combat Command, proudly claims the honor of being one of the oldest flying units within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Our heritage extends back to August of 1942 when the 333FS was activated under the U.S. Army Air Force.  On April 10, 1946 the first meeting of the 131st Fighter Squadron was held and six months later Barnes Airport, now known as Barnes Municipal Airport, was selected as the home of this unit. Today we fly A/OA-10 Warthogs from the modern runways at the Barnes Air National Guard Base as well as employ 800 traditional guardsmen and 200 AGR/Military Technicians.  These 1000 guardsmen account for an annual 19.1 million dollar payroll.

Tasked to provide operationally ready combat units, combat support units and qualified personnel for active duty, the 104th Fighter Wing supports Air Force wartime contingency requirements and performs a variety of peacetime missions required by the Air Force and compatible mobilization readiness.  Specifically, the Wing's goal is to organize, train and equip assigned personnel to provide an operationally ready squadron to the Air Combat Command that flies and fights successfully.

The 131st flies the A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog" and is the operational combat arm of the 104th Fighter Wing. The Squadron provides combat ready fighter pilots to attack ground targets with conventional weapons, perform as airborne Forward Air Controllers (FACs) that directly and indirectly control fighter aircraft strikes on enemy targets, and performs Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) providing combat support for the rescue of downed airmen. These and other missions are performed by day or at night.