Those looking skyward before the start of the Pats-Texans game at Gillette Stadium are expected to get an added bonus: An F-15 flyover by the Massachusetts Air National Guard's 104th Fighter Wing, which is based at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield.
F-15 fighter jets from the Massachusetts Air National Guard's 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield will conduct a flyover before the start of Sunday's Patriots game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
FOXBOROUGH — While fans of the New England Patriots are flying high these days, hoping their team continues to advance in the post-season, those lucky enough to attend Sunday's game at Gillette Stadium will get an added bonus: A flyover by the Massachusetts Air National Guard's 104th Fighter Wing.
Based at Westfield's Barnes Air National Guard Base, the 104th Fighter Wing will conduct an F-15 flyover and presentation of colors at about 4:15 p.m. Sunday. The AFC divisional playoff game starts at 4:30 p.m.
"We are very proud to support the Patriots playoff game with an F-15 flyover and presentation of colors," said Col. James Keefe, commander of the 104th Fighter Wing. "We thank the Patriots for the opportunity to share our support and demonstrate our nation's military strength to the millions of viewers. Of course, we also want to say 'Go Pats!' "
In addition to Sunday's flyover, members of the 104th Fighter Wing's color guard will present the nation's flag during the National Anthem prior to the game.
The 104th, assigned to the Air Force's Air Combat Command, provides continuous protection of the Northeast corridor of the U.S. The 104th is also one of the oldest flying units in Massachusetts.