Commanding Air Superiority and Critical Support at Homestead Air Reserve Base

In our continuing series of articles detailing Homestead Air Reserve Base units, we now turn to one of the serval Groups that make up the 482nd Fighter Wing, the 482nd Operations Group. The Group is commanded by Col. Travis Powell.

We asked Col. Powell to describe the mission of the Operations Group. He responded by email, “The 482nd Operations Group provides two primary functions in support of the Air Force Reserve (and national defense). First, we provide combat ready airmen ready to perform air superiority and precision strike capability available to support national strategy. Second, we operate a geographically critical airfield available to several mission partners supporting homeland defense, law enforcement, and available for contingency operations.”

The Operations Group accomplishes its missions through its two subordinate Squadrons, the 93rd Fighter Squadron and the 482d Operations Support Squadron. The 93rd, known as the Makos, trains its pilots and ground personnel to fly and fight the F-16 fighter in both air-to-air combat, and air-to-ground missions using a range of bombs and missiles. This training allows the deployment of individual airmen, crews, and if required, the entire Squadron in support of either training or combat requirements.

The 482nd Operations Support Squadron, which has both military and civilian personnel, handles Airfield Operations and Air Traffic Control (“ATC”) for all users of HARB. It also provides Intelligence, and Aviation Life Support to the entire wing. The Aviation Life Support includes the maintenance and repair of oxygen systems, flight helmets, G-suits, survival vests, rafts, and parachutes used by F-16 pilots.

The Squadron’s high level of performance was recently recognized as it was selected as the Air Force Reserve Command’s (AFRC) 2023 D. Ray Hardin ATC Facility of the Year. The Squadron’s Airfield Operations Manager, Jonan Fichera, was also named the Colonel Derrel L. Dempsey Airfield Operations Manager of the Year at the AFRC-level. We asked Col. Powell how training has changed for the Group and the 93rd with the shift towards preparing for Major Power conflict, particularly in the Pacific Theater. He responded, “Great question! As the Air Force shifts from the conflicts over the last 20 years, our training and mindset must adapt to counter near and peer adversaries. Much of the F-16 specific training incorporates a high-end threat, but our day-to-day operations should continue to adapt to a degraded environment and be able to effectively project power against a technically adept adversary.”

We concluded our email interview with Powell, who has served as a Navy fighter pilot as well as commanding the 93rd, what his varied experience brings to his current job. He told us, “The good news is that outstanding people are everywhere in the Department of Defense. I am blessed to work with truly exceptional airmen and civilians in the 482d Operations Group – world class talent! I promise – it isn’t the experience I bring, but rather the exceptional talent within the command that keeps the group performing at peak levels.”