On Monday, July 22, 2024, the 104th Fighter Wing donated an F-15 Eagle to the New England Air Museum as the unit transitioned to the F-35A Lightning II. Col. Michael “Shot” Glass, 104th Operations Group Commander, piloted the F-15C aircraft 85-101 on its final flight, landing at Bradley Air National Guard Base in East Granby, Connecticut, before its arrival as a static display at the museum.
Colonel David Halasi-Kun, 104 FW commander, highlighted the importance of this donation. “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 Halasi-Kun. “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.”
Glass expressed his sentiments about flying aircraft 85-101 for the last time and the honor of donating it to the museum. “It’s a bittersweet feeling, 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 2020, I was lucky to have my name placed on 101.”
The donation of this F-15C preserves the history and air dominance the aircraft has displayed since 1979. “The New England Air Museum does not currently possess an F-15C, so enshrining 101 at the 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.”
(U.S Air National Guard Photos by Jay Hewitt)
The green star on the side of the F-15C signifies an aerial victory during air-to-air combat, 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 ‘Kluso’ Tollini shot down an Iraqi Air Force MiG-25,” Glass explained. “Tollini’s callsign that day was CITGO 21, so to honor ‘Kluso’ and aircraft 85-101, I chose to use that callsign for the aircraft’s final flight from Barnes Air National Guard Base to Bradley Air National Guard Base.”
Mr. Mike Thornton, curator for the New England Air Museum, expressed his 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 Thornton. “As an aircraft, it has such a rich legacy from the lessons of the Vietnam War to 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.”
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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