104th Fighter Wing Hosts Assumption of Command Col. Robert Brooks to become new Commander Saturday, August 23, 2008 Published Sept. 13, 2008 By 050908 BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Massachusetts -- Westfield, MA (Thursday, August 21, 2008)--The 104th Fighter Wing will host an Assumption of Command on Saturday, August 23, 2008, appointing Col. Robert T. Brooks Jr. as the new commander. The event will commence at 3:30 p.m. Col. Robert Brooks (bio attached) is from Birmingham, Alabama, and formerly commanded the 159 Operation Group with the Louisiana Air National Guard in New Orleans. He is a seasoned F-15 pilot with over 3,100 flight hours, 500 hours in combat. The Assumption of Command will include the ceremonious passing of flags and presentation of awards. Notable speakers will include Maj. Gen. Michael Akey, Massachusetts Air National Guard Commander; and Brig. Gen. Scott Rice, the Assistant Adjutant General for Air Distinguished visitors will include Westfield Mayor Michael Boulanger, Brig. Gen. Andrew Turley and Maj. Gen. Richard Platt (ret.).