County clears land for safer, secure base

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Thomas Davis
  • Chief, 48nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  County crews have begun clearing land north of Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., which will improve security on the property adjacent to the front gate of the military installation.

The property, left vacant since Hurricane Andrew, was once base housing for the old Homestead Air Force Base and is now the property of Miami-Dade County.

Completely overgrown, it poses a potential safety risk for the base and its personnel. The clearing will eliminate any possible illegal activity or surveillance of the base from the 40-acre parcel.

"Clearing that land is significant for us," said Master Sgt. John Frank, NCO in charge of the 482nd Security Forces Squadron. "We were aware of considerable dumping and drug activity. We can make better use of our manpower without having to perform security checks of that area in the future."

Working directly with county officials, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen secured approval and funding for the clearing.

"I realize that our men and women in uniform need and deserve security in the same respect that they provide security and peace for us on a national level," said Rep. Ros-Lehtinen. "This is a small act for security on their behalf and on behalf of the Homestead and South Florida community."

Under direction of the Miami-Dade County Manager's Office, crews began the work on Nov. 13.

"Many thanks to Representative Ros-Lehtinen's office for her leadership in combining resources necessary to accomplish this critical task for us," said 482nd Fighter Wing Commander Colonel Randy Falcon. "The support from her office and the county is important to our own efforts to focus on protecting our nation's security."

Over the years, since the neighborhood's destruction from Hurricane Andrew, the land has become overgrown with tall grass, shrubs and trees, shielding illegal activity from plain view.

"South Dade has three economic generators: tourism, agriculture and this base. I'm happy to see the City of Homestead, Miami Dade County and Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen's office support Homestead Air Reserve Base," said Jim Pierce, Chairman of the Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce.

The overgrowth has invited illegal dumping of everything from old construction materials and trash to old cars. Several homeless persons were known to have taken up residence in parcel as well.

"Miami Dade County, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen and the City of Homestead offices stepped up and took care of something that was a potential significant Force Protection issue for Homestead Air Reserve Base." said Col. Falcon.