482nd Fighter Wing deploys to support wartime operations

Friends and family members line up, waiting to wave goodbye as the bus, full of deploying Airmen, drives past on the way to the aircraft at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., in January. More than 300 Airmen from the base deployed to Southwest Asia and Europe in support of contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by/Tech. Sgt. Lionel Castellano)

482nd Fighter Wing deploys to support wartime operations

Published Jan. 27, 2014
482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- More than 300 Airmen from Homestead Air Reserve Base deployed to Southwest Asia and Europe in support of contingency operations in January.

While deployed, reservists from the 482nd Fighter Wing, along with active duty Airmen from the 495th Fighter Group 93rd Detachment, will provide aircraft maintenance, intelligence, and close air support for the International Security Assistance Force, Task Forces and NATO.

Prior to deploying, Col. Chris Funk, 482nd FW commander, spoke to troops and their family members during a farewell gathering.

"Supporting wartime operations is what we train for and it is our mission," said Funk. "Thank you for all that you do, from gearing-up for the deployment to preparing your families for a period of separation. For spouses and children of our deploying members, I want all of you to know that the local community and base is here for you. We are your military family and will be your side."

The 482nd FW is part of the Air Force Reserve Command and is a fully combat-ready unit capable of providing F-16C multi-purpose fighter aircraft, along with mission ready pilots and support personnel, for short-notice worldwide deployment.