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Homestead reservists deploy to support war on terror

  • Published
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  About 100 reservists from Air Force Reserve Command's 482nd Fighter Wing left here June 22 to go to Southwest Asia.

Their deployment marks the second time in the past 18 months that the South Florida reservists have gone overseas to support combat operations in the region. More than 200 Homestead-based reservists went to Balad Air Base, Iraq, in the fall of 2005.

While the mission and duration of the deployment are not releasable for security reasons, the wing commander, Col. Randy Falcon, said the reservists will support air operations, including reconnaissance and close-air support.

Although the experience level of the deploying reservists varies, many of them have gone to the region before. For example, an F-16 avionics technician who went to Afghanistan in the past as a Marine, is participating in his first deployment as an Air Force reservist.

For the families of the reservists, the deployment means they may be separated during the hurricane season, which adds to the stress of the situation. But the families can rest well knowing their loved ones in uniform are well prepared for the mission.

That's because the Homestead reservists trained for the past several months preparing for the deployment.

From air-to-air dissimilar aircraft combat training with the Canadian Air Force to close-air support training with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, the 482nd Fighter Wing is ready for whatever mission comes its way, said Colonel Falcon.

"We are a part of the total force and this is what we train for," said the wing commander. "I am confident in the abilities of this unit and I am standing by along with members of the base to support those who are deployed and their families."

F-16 fighter jets from the Air Force Reserve have flown more than 5,000 hours in support of the Global War on Terrorism, according to Air Force Reserve Command official documents. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service from a 482nd FW news release)