Oretha Clayton-Ortiz

Homestead Air Force Base (AFB), located in southern Florida, was originally established in 1942 as Homestead Army Air Field to support World War II efforts, primarily as a training and transit base for bombers and fighters. After a period of deactivation, it was reactivated during the Cold War era and became a Strategic Air Command base, hosting bomber and later fighter units to support U.S. defense and deterrence missions. The base played a significant role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, serving as a critical staging and support location for U.S. forces. In 1992, Homestead AFB suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Andrew, leading to its realignment and subsequent transition to Homestead Air Reserve Base, where it continues to support Air Force Reserve and joint operations.