Contact Information
Homestead is an Air Reserve base and combat unit in Homestead Florida located near the southern end of the Florida peninsula, about 25 miles south of Miami. This wing has 1,600 members in addition to the 1,200 reservists. The 482nd wing is the Air Reserve Component allocated to the Tenth Air Force stationed here at Homestead ARB. This combat unit supplies General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft, along with mission ready pilots and support personnel, for short-notice worldwide deployment. Homestead ARB is utilized as a staging area for operations and palliation efforts in the southern hemisphere and accommodates as the prime focus in bestowing assistance in many natural disasters.
History
In September of 1942, Colonel Plummer was sent to establish a fully functioning military base. The incipiently established Homestead Army Air Field accommodated as a scheduled stop on a known air route from the northeastern Cumulated States. On Jan. 30, 1943, the base postulated a more vital role with the activation of the 2nd Operational Training Unit. This base was under two command; The Homestead Army Airfield, belonging to the Caribbean Wing of Air Transport Command and the War Department’s Domestic Transportation Division. On September 15, 1945, a hurricane destroyed the base along with multiple air crafts. They completely closed the base on December 1, 1945. In 1955, the installation was reactivated and became the residence for the 823rd Air Division. Through many years of tension of ups and downs, tension with the Soviet Union and Cuba, grew in size by thousands in need of help. During the late 80’s is when the 482nd TFW was the largest tenant unit and today is the host unit of the base. Then on August 24, 1992 Homestead ARB was hit by another category 5 hurricane named Andrew and left in pieces but over the last 20 years, it was rebuilt better than ever with the help of the DOD’s $100 million for new construction. Homestead AFF was officially re-named Homestead ARF in 1994 of March. Through many disasters and many other situations, the Air Reserve Base is still strong and active until this day.
Units
Air Force Reserve Command’s 482nd Fighter Wing is the host unit at Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida. There are additionally tenant consortiums that operate at Homestead Air Reserve Base, utilizing the accommodations and infrastructure of the Air Force Reserve installation. The Air Force Reserve Command is one of ten Major Commands (MAJCOMS) in the U.S. Air Force. In AFRC, there are three air forces: 22nd Air Force, 10th Air Force and 4th Air Force. The 482nd Fighter Wing is assigned under 10th Air Force and the headquarters is at Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve Base Forth Worth, T.X.
Schools
Air Base Elementary School
Title 1 Migrant Education Program
Aspira South Youth Leadership Charter School
The Charter school at Waterstone
Dr. William A. Chapman Elementary School
Somerset Academy At Silver Palms
Avocado Elementary
Somerset Academy Charter High School
ECT
Shopping
Commissary: Exchange and Das Station
29242 Coral Sea Blvd, Homestead ARB, FL 305-258-3881