National Security at Home
Keeping our community safe.
My district is home to the Homestead Air Reserve Base (HARB) which is maintained and operated by the 482nd Fighter Wing, Air Force Reserve Command. The 482nd Fighter Wing is a fully combat-ready unit capable of quick worldwide deployments and also provides support to several other military and federal agency units including:
• Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH). SOCSOUTH is a joint Special Operations headquarters under U.S. Southern Command, and works with interagency and international partners to stop transnational elements that threaten the security and stability of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (USCG MSST). The USCG MSST at HARB is responsible for disaster and recovery operations in South Florida, and provides assistance with drug and human trafficking interdiction in our region.
• Florida Air National Guard Detachment of the 125th Fighter Wing out of Jacksonville, Florida. This unit operates the most active North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) Command alert site in the continental United States.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Branch.
The 482nd Fighter Wing also assists the Air Force Reserve’s “Hurricane Hunters” weather observation and monitoring efforts during the Atlantic hurricane season and partners on joint relief operations with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). HARB’s geographic location makes it an essential part of our nation’s air defense readiness and allows the United States to provide a rapid response to any emergency or disaster in South Florida and the Caribbean region.
My district is also home to Miami International Airport (MIA). MIA is one of the largest international passenger and freight airports in the world, and is the main gateway for flights to Latin America and the Caribbean from the United States. MIA contributes substantially to local jobs and the economy, but must be closely guarded to protect our residents and visitors. United States Customs and Border Protection agents work constantly to detect and confiscate illegal drugs, weapons and explosives, trade-restricted endangered plants and animals, invasive pests, and disease vectors. I am determined to protect this vital part of South Florida’s economic infrastructure, and prevent its misuse for illicit activities and as the entry point for potential terrorist, human health, agricultural, and ecological threats that could negatively impact our community.