Homestead Air Reserve Base

Maj. Kevon McNichol assumed command of the 482d Communications Squadron during an Assumption of Command Ceremony held June 7, 2026, at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida. During the ceremony, Col. Nathan J. List, commander of the 482d Mission Support Group, passed the squadron guidon to McNichol, symbolizing the transfer of authority, responsibility, and accountability for the unit.

Please join us in welcoming Maj. McNichol as commander of the 482d Communications Squadron.

June Airman of the Month

Please join us in congratulating Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Mast, Unit Deployment Manager with the 482d Maintenance Group, on being selected as the 482d Fighter Wing Airman of the Month for June.

Since joining the Air Force in 2003, Mast has played a vital role in ensuring Airmen are prepared to deploy and support the mission whenever called upon. He enjoys seeing the direct impact his work has on mission success and the readiness of those around him.

A husband, father of five, and dedicated leader, Mast is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity while preparing for an upcoming deployment. He is also a strong advocate for children with special needs and credits his autistic daughter with teaching him valuable lessons in resilience, patience, and joy.

Congratulations, MSgt Mast, and thank you for your dedication to the 482d Fighter Wing and its mission.

Congratulations to all of our airmen who will be promoted in June 2026.

Airman (Amn)
Dale Demetrius – 70 APS

Airman First Class (A1C)
Maria Aquino Mata – 70 APS
Jovany Orival – 70 APS

Senior Airman (SrA)
Theodore Adrian – 482 AMXS
Shania Edwards – 482 SFS
Felipe Figueroa Casco – 482 AMXS
Xavier Gordo – 482 AMXS
Yenisbel Hernandez – 482 AMXS
Franklin Jones III – 70 APS
Lushana Joseph – 70 APS
Joel Perez – 482 AMXS
Marcos Perez – 482 AMXS
Brian Perri – 482 AMXS
Gavin Taylor – 482 AMXS

Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
Bruce Estrada – 482 AMXS
Oliver Gonzalezmarcial – 482 OSS
Alejandro Martinez – 70 APS
Tyler McKoy – 70 APS

Technical Sergeant (TSgt)
Esduar Gomez – 482 SFS
Gianfranco Guevara – 482 SFS
Aaliayah Montgomery – 482 MXG
Zachary Palmer – 482 AMXS
Valentina Ricaurtecabas – 482 OG
Kaylin Rodriguez – 482 SFS
Nicolas Smith – 482 AMXS
Adrian White – 482 MXS

Master Sergeant (MSgt)
Jordan Anthony – 482 AMXS
Jaimely Torres Alvarez – 482 OSS

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach visited Homestead Air Reserve Base during Memorial Day weekend to personally thank the Airmen and support personnel working behind the scenes to support air show operations across South Florida.

During the visit, Wilsbach met with aircrew, maintainers, security forces personnel, and support teams from multiple units staged at Homestead ARB for the weekend’s air operations. He also discussed mission readiness, operational capability, and the importance of maintaining combat-capable forces ready to respond anytime, anywhere.

Aircraft and personnel supporting the weekend’s operations included the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, B-52H Stratofortress aircrew, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, A-10C Thunderbolt II Airmen, KC-135 Stratotanker crews, and the 93rd Fighter Squadron “Makos,” along with additional Total Force support personnel.

(U.S. Air Force photos by Master Sgt. Lionel Castellano)

The Department of the Air Force recently announced Homestead Air Reserve Base as a candidate location for future F-35A Lightning II basing as part of the Air Force Reserve Command strategic basing process.

The announcement marks an important step in recognizing the strategic value of Homestead Air Reserve Base, the 482d Fighter Wing, and the Airmen who support the mission every day. The proposed recapitalization would replace the wing’s current F-16 Fighting Falcons with F-35A aircraft pending the completion of the strategic basing process and environmental impact analysis before a final decision is made.

“We appreciate the continued support and advocacy from our elected officials, community leaders, and mission partners who recognize the importance of Homestead Air Reserve Base and the 482d Fighter Wing to the defense of our nation,” said Col. Brandon M. Kelly, 482d Fighter Wing commander. “Being identified as a candidate location reflects the professionalism, readiness, and operational capability our Reserve Airmen demonstrate every day.”

According to the Department of the Air Force announcement, the process will continue through the strategic basing evaluation and environmental review before a final basing decision is finalized.

Department of the Air Force announcement:
https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4482210/department-of-the-air-force-announces-homestead-arb-as-candidate-for-future-f-3/

In recognition of National Police Week, the 482d Security Forces Squadron hosted a recruitment expo bringing together law enforcement professionals from local, state, and federal agencies to connect with Airmen and share insight into their missions and career opportunities.

The event began with a 5K ruck-run-walk before transitioning into the expo, where attendees had the opportunity to engage with officers and agents from multiple agencies, learn about the roles they play in protecting their communities, and gain a broader understanding of careers in law enforcement.

The event highlighted the strong partnership between military and civilian law enforcement while recognizing the dedication and service of those who wear the badge.

Lt. Col. Michael Maise, commander of the 482d Maintenance Group, was promoted to the rank of colonel during a ceremony recognizing his leadership, dedication, and continued service.

As the 482d Maintenance Group commander, Maise leads Airmen responsible for ensuring aircraft readiness and sustaining the wing’s ability to generate combat airpower.

Maj. Michael Allan Brown assumed command of the 482d Security Forces Squadron during an assumption of command ceremony presided over by Col. Nathan J. List, commander of the 482d Mission Support Group.

The ceremony formally transferred authority and responsibility to Brown, marking the beginning of his leadership of the squadron. Assumption of command ceremonies are a long-standing military tradition that reflect the trust and confidence placed in a commander while reinforcing the unit’s commitment to mission readiness and excellence.

As commander, Brown will lead Airmen responsible for protecting personnel, resources, and assets, ensuring the wing remains ready to respond to any contingency.

The 5K for the Fallen brought Reserve Airmen, families, and community members together in a shared act of remembrance.

Participants chose to run, walk, or ruck, honoring all service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation. Each step carried purpose, reflecting a commitment to ensure their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

Moments like this reinforce what it means to serve and to remember.