Monday, October 11, 2010

Globe In the Valley: Westfield Air Base on Alert

Scramble the planes!

"Guard base takes on 24/7 air alert role

Members of Barnes Air National Guard base in Western Massachusetts begin a new mission today with the base’s fighter aircraft and crew on 24-hour alert to respond to airborne threats in New England. The 104th Fighter Wing will provide homeland security air defense as part of the national Air Sovereignty Alert mission for an area between Canada and New Jersey. The mission follows months of construction, training, and exercises, including conversion from A-10 “Warthog’’ ground combat support planes to F-15 air-to-air fighter jets (AP)."

"Air show draws 150,000; gates close early

Organizers of a Western Massachusetts air show say it drew so many spectators that it reached full capacity and they had to close the gates early. The Westfield International Air Show at Barnes Air National Guard Base started yesterday and continues today. A spokeswoman said the free show drew an estimated 150,000 spectators by midday yesterday, filling the parking lots by 2:30 p.m. Police also reported heavy traffic in the region (AP)."  

Also see: The $9 Billion Dollar Fuel Bill

Hope the $how wa$ worth it.