Summary and Key Points: The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, has added a historic F-15C Eagle to its collection, transferred from the 104th Fighter Wing after its final flight.

-This particular F-15C, aircraft 85-101, is notable for its Gulf War history, where it scored an air-to-air victory by downing an Iraqi MiG-25.

-As the U.S. Air Force retires the F-15C in favor of the F-35 Lightning II, this display honors the aircraft's legacy and those who served with it.

Historic F-15C Eagle Lands at New England Air Museum

The museum is excited to preserve and share the F-15C’s story with future generations.

The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, doesn't have as many aircraft as larger institutions such as the National Museum of the United States Air Force or the Smithsonian's Air & Space Museum. But this regional museum recently added another prize to its collection – a historic F-15 Eagle.

The 104th Fighter Wing transferred its last operational F-15C to the museum after the jet took its final flight to Bradley Air National Guard Base, East Granby, Connecticut. Aircraft 85-101 will now be on static display for the public to enjoy.

"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 Col. David Halasi-Kun, the 104th Fighter Wing’s commander.

"Donating this remarkable aircraft to the New England Air Museum ensures that its history of air superiority will be remembered for generations to come," added Halasi-Kun. "In the future, our Barnstormers 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."

A Truly Special F-15C

It is always special when a military aircraft can be preserved for future generations. These displays honor those who served in the cockpits and maintained the old warbirds.

F-15C 85-101 is noted for the presence of a "green star" decal on the side of the fuselage – signifying that the aircraft scored an air-to-air victory. This occurred on January 19, 1991, during the Gulf War, when U.S. Air Force pilot Rick Tollini shot down an Iraqi Air Force MiG-25.

"The New England Air Museum does not currently possess an F-15C, so enshrining 101 at the New England Air Museum provides them with an amazing addition to their collection," said Col. Michael "Shot" Glass, 104th Operations Group commander.

"Additionally, being able to tell 101's aerial victory story in a local museum is very compelling," added Glass, who flew the F-15C in its final flight on July 22. "I am honored that 101 is going to a museum, especially one that is in the local area. When I took command of the 131st Fighter Squadron in October of 2020, I was lucky to have my name placed on 101."

Though the 104th Fighter Wing didn't specify when it received aircraft 85-101, the single-seat F-15C variant entered service with the Air Force in 1979. The aging warbirds are being retired, and the 104th FW is transitioning to the F-35 Lightning II.

The retired Eagle will now call the museum home, and its location could hardly be more appropriate.

"Collections Manager Josh Taylor and I could not be happier about a good old 101 F-15C from the 104th coming into our collection," said Mike Thronton, curator of the New England Air Museum. "As an aircraft, it has such a rich legacy from the lessons of the Vietnam War onto 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."

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu 

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].