New Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander: Do the right thing, the right way, every time!

  • Published
  • By Jake Shaw
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD ARB, FLA --  Lt. Col June M. Groff assumed command of the 482nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here at Homestead Air Reserve Base July 23.

Col. Groff takes over from Capt. Hugo Villalobos, who now works full time at U.S. Southern Command in Miami.

As squadron commander, Col. Groff is responsible for providing superior support to the 93rd Fighter Squadron's missions of day and night employment of conventional and precision munitions for the F-16 Makos. She also provides trained personnel and support equipment in required response times to deploy and support war plans and Expeditionary Air Force taskings. 

To be successful in the near future, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron must stay focused on fixing and flying safe jets while helping to recruit over 200 new personnel to support nine additional jets due to arrive at the base next year, said Col. Groff.

"We have been making great strides getting back to the basics in maintenance," said Col. Groff.

And the proof is in the numbers.

According to Col. Groff, "Our wing has attained and maintained the highest Fully Mission Capable rate - not only in the Air Force Reserve - but Air Force wide among fighter units. This is a truly amazing feat that could not have been accomplished without the unbelievable hard work and dedication of the fine folks here at Homestead."

Prior to her arrival at Homestead, Col. Groff was the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander for the 944th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.

Col. Groff, originally from New Jersey, joined the Air National Guard in 1982, where she worked as an Airman First Class in computer operations. She graduated from St. Francis University in Loretta, Pennsylvania the same year with a degree in International Information Management with a minor in Education and a minor in Computer Science. She then received a commission and earned her wings as a navigator on KC-135 Stratotankers. She also holds a Masters of Science in Aviation and a Masters in Business Administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Col. Groff previously spent several years with the 301st Fighter Wing at Carswell Airfield, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas as a Maintenance Squadron commander, Logistics Readiness Squadron commander and many other positions.

As the boss, Col. Groff is focused on fixing, flying and fighting safely the best jets in the world, and that requires a dedicated group of maintainers.

"My folks are concentrating on doing the right thing, the right way every time! I am honestly overwhelmed by the passion people here have for maintenance. I am proud to be part of the team," she said.