Reservists deploy to support Global War on Terrorism

  • Published
  • By 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Staff
HOMESTEAD ARB, Fla. --  Approximately 100 Air Force reservists from the 482nd Fighter Wing departed Homestead Air Reserve Base June 22 enroute to Southwest Asia to support combat operations in the region.

The deployment marks the second time in the past 18 months that the South Florida reservists have supported Department of Defense missions in the region. More than 200 Homestead-based reservists deployed 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 did say 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 deployed before, Like Staff Sgt "Roberto", an F-16 avionics technician who deployed to Afghanistan in the past as a Marine but is participating in his first deployment as an Air Force reservist.

"I was more nervous about telling my family about the deployment than actually going myself," said Sergeant Roberto. "I just wanted to make sure they had everything they needed and everything was in order for me," he said.

Taking care of family matters was a priority for many of the deploying Airmen, like Senior Airman "F", an F-16 weapons loader assigned to the 482nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron who treasured a few moments with his two-year-old daughter before departing the base.

"When I found out I was deploying I started taking care of things little by little so I didn't have to go through a last minute rush," said Airman F.

"It's overwhelming at first," said Staff Sgt. "D", an F-16 avionics technician and three-year veteran of the unit who is participating in her second deployment with an Air Force Reserve unit.

"There's a lot to think about - family, finances, who will take care of my pets," said Sergeant D. But Sergeant D says she feels confident and her previous deployment prepared her for this one. But her experience doesn't make it any easier for her family.

"It's heartbreaking for them, but they understand I have a job to do," she said.

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 reservists at Homestead have trained diligently for the past several months preparing for the deployment.

From air-to-air dissimilar aircraft combat training with Canadian Air Force counterparts to close air support training with the Army and Marines, the 482nd Fighter Wing is ready for whatever mission comes their way, said Colonel Falcon. "We are a part of the total force and this is what we train for. 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," he said.

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.