Barnes takes part in NORAD exercises

WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The 104th Fighter Wing out of Barnes Air National Guard base tested its response time Thursday.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, held an exercise Thursday to test its system and equipment.

As of last year, the 104th took charge of round the clock defense of the entire New England region against airborne threats.

"It's just a exercise that the NORAD holds, practicing their alert sites across the country to keep us on our toes, if you will, for any real world event that may happen in the future," Maj. Sean Halbrook, 104th Fighter Wing Alert Commander said.

NORAD provides aerospace warning and defense for the United States and Canada.