Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter, The 317th Is Now The Only AFA Chapter Present At The Most Historical Sea Plane Base Within The U.S.

The AFA-317th appears to be the ONLY Chapter within the entire AFA organization that has a relationship and presence with a sea plane base and a connection to a little known history of the USAF dealing with amphibian sea planes

The AFA-317 banner proudly displayed for all to see when visiting Watson Island

The rafters shown in this photograph are the original ones which installed when the terminal building was constructed back in the early 1930's to support operation for Chalk's Airlines

Captain Roberto Gomez proudly hoisting the AFA-317th banner within the terminal building 

The AFA-317 relationship with the Watson Island Sea Plane Base provides the Chapter an alternate meeting place by the waters edge with a tremendous view of the Miami skyline

Miami, Florida / Watson Island 18th June 2010: Always thinking outside of the box, the leadership of the AFA-317 are always seeking to establish new venues and relationships with local business to help promote the AFA and the USAF.

That mission has been achieved with the AFA-317 new relationship with the Waston Island Sea Plane Base in Miami, Florida. Officially known on the aeronautical charts as X-44, dating back to the 1930's this site is the oldest operational sea plane base within the U.S. The former home of Chalk's airlines who operated at the site in providing commercial flights to and from the Bahamas, Watson Island is a little unknown aviation treasure of American aviation history.

The AFA-317th appears to be the ONLY Chapter within the entire AFA organization that now has an established relationship and presence at and active and historic Sea Plane Base.

It should be noted that the USAF at one time successfully operated amphibian aircraft's such as the Grumman Albatross in the Search and Rescue (SAR) role in picking up down aircrews, which was instrumental during the Vietnam War within the South China Sea and the Mekong Delta water ways.

The Grumman Goose, N119AA based at Watson Island is but one of the many variants that the Grumman Aircraft Company created and kept increasing the design that ended with the Albatross version, which was successfully used by the USAF and USCG.

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter, The 317th President Benny F. Benitez Establishes A Summer Paid Internship for Miami Aviation Students

Shown in sunglasses is Captain Roberto Gomez, the Manager of the Watson Island Sea Plane Base conversing with Dr. Sean Gallagan, Principle of the George T. Baker Aviation School

Chapter President Benny Benitez with Captain Gomez and the three George T. Baker Aviation School students who were the candidates for the intern program at Watson Island

The three selected students shown with the Grumman Goose, N119AA which their technical ability will help keep the aircraft in an airworthiness condition

The group shown inside the historical building that once was the terminal for Chalk's Airlines

AFA-317th Chapter President sitting in the right-hand cockpit seat prior to an engine run up

Miami, Floirda / Watson Island 18th June 2010: As a member of the local aviation community of South Florida and strong supporter of education for the youth of Miami-Dade, AFA-317th Chapter President, Benny Benitez along with industry colleague, Captain Roberto Gomez and in working closely with the George T. Baker Aviation School of Miami-Dade, established the first ever paid, Summer internship for three aviation technical students at the Watson Island Sea Plane Base in supporting a Grumman Goose amphibian aircraft..

The AFA-317 leadership structure consisting of Col. Stan Boder USAF (Ret.) former Chapter President and Lt. Col. Rodrigo "Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.) Vice President along with Benny Benitez are always in search for creating and establishing opportunities within the community for aviation student to obtain experience and industry exposure. 

Working closely with the leadership at the George T. Baker Aviation School, Principle Dr. Sean Gallagan the connection beneficial toward three selected students was achieved.

Watson Island Sea Plane Base, dating back to 1927 and the George T. Baker Aviation School, dating back to the 1950's are one of the two oldest aviation sites in Miami, Florida. The vision of the 317th resulted in these two organization coming together for the benefit of local aviation students.
The selected students are currently enrolled within the FAA Airframe & Powerplant program and have basic aircraft maintenance experience that will be apply in supporting the Grumman Goose for continued operation.

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter, The 317th Leadership Embeds Itself With The Greater Miami Aviation Association (GMAA)

Shown above is the Greater Miami Aviation Association "Banner Plane" which was created by the AFA-317th past Chapter Secretary Catherine Smallwood who operates and manages the Digital Aircraft Factory the aviation marketing arm / subsidiary of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group and who flys as an ERJ-170 Regional Jet First Officer for Republic Airways

Shown above are AFA-317th President, Lt.Col. Rodrigo Huete (left) and past Chapter President Benny Benitez (right) with past Greater Miami Aviation Association (GMAA) President, Mr. Marc Henderson. The AFA-317th Leadership has embedded themselves via elected positions into the (GMAA).

Miami, Florida 14th April 2010: Founded in 1927, the Greater Miami Aviation Association, commonly known in South Florida as the GMAA is the Nations oldest, professional aviation association. Founded four years before what is now a days Miami International Airport, the GMAA 83 year span has seen the progressive development of the U.S. commercial aviation industry, whose roots were established in Miami with such famous airlines as Pan American World Airways and Eastern Airlines.

The "Relevent" leadership and mindset in which Benny and Rod have implemented within the AFA-317th since November of 2009 and having worked in a sort of "wing-man" concept is now being "exported" to another Miami based organization. It should be noted that with the election of Rod onto the GMAA it marks the first time in the organization 83 year history that it has had a dual Military & Civilian Test Pilot as an elected official on it Board of Directors. Benny has been a member of the GMAA since he stood up his organization, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group back in 2003 and has held previous positions within the GMAA as a member of the its Board of Directors and was formerly 1st Vice President.

In 2009, Benny took a leave of absents due to operational commitments, as he applied time and effort to other ventures of which included the ramping up of the AFA-317th, but maintained his contacts with the (GMAA) as an advisor to the past President Mr. Dan Sullivan.

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter, The 317th Vice President Speaks at the Miami Quite Birdmen Association Meeting About Flight Testing

Shown is the famed "Century Fighter" the Convair F-106 "Delta Dart". Aside of the two common platform which both Rod and Eric flew, thus being the F-16 & F-15, they too share flight experience with the F-106. The F-106 was flown by the Florida Air National Guard.

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter, the 317th, President Lt.Col. Rodrigo "Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.) speaks to the audience of the Miami hangar of the Quite Birdmen Association about the realm of military and civilian test flight and the requirements of test pilots.

Lt.Col Rodrigo "Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.) a former F-16 & F-15 test pilot poses for a picture with "Eric" also a former F-16 & F-15 pilot who was formerly with the Florida Air National Guard. Eric a member of the Miami hangar of the Quite Birdmen Association and who like Rod for flew THE famed Convair delta wing F-106 "Delta Dart". Lt.Col Huete USAF (Ret.) explains to the audience comprised of both civilian and military pilots of his experience as a member of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and as a test pilot for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) while based out of the FAA Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) New York

Miami, Florida April 6th 2010: AFA-317th Chapter member Bernie Schumacher, who is an active member of the Miami Quite Birdmen Association, extended a special invite to AFA-317th Chapter President Lt. Col. Rodrigo "Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.) who spoke about the realm of military and civilian flight testing and test piloting at the Quite Birdmen Association April meeting, which was held at the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant.

Also, present by invite was AFA-317th Chapter President, Benny F. Benitez, who along with Rod proudly represented the 317th and provided copies of AFA magazines to the attendees.

Rod's speech present an in depth look at what is often a secret and unknown world of the test pilot. From the days of our Nation's space exploration "The Right Stuff" to today's corp of American and foreign test pilots, both military and civilian, the audience was able to obtain a detailed briefing as to how it all plays out. Rod's ability to blend his real life experience as test pilot with the USAF and the FAA with formulated instructional visuals cues and slides, provided a brilliant, informative and entertaining evening for all who attended and gave yet another positive exposure to the AFA-317th within the community.

A special thanks goes out to the member's of the Miami Quite Birdmen Association for extending a warm welcome to the AFA.

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter, The 317th Visits Opa Locka Airport For New Memebership and Surveys The "Round Engine Classics" Aircrafts

One could only imagine the untold numbers of passengers that this aircraft a Douglas DC-7C has carried in its glory years, when the commercial airline industry was very different from today and yet after all those years this aircraft still earns a living, as it soldiers on as a cargo carrier for Florida Air Transport an established and experienced Opa Locka, Florida based FAR 125 operator A veteran of the recent Haitian earthquake relief fleet of aircraft that transported endless amount of supplies and relief equipment from South Florida to Port Au Prince airport sit poised ready for its calling. Note the "Grasshopper" logo on the forward section, as the flights to Haiti were called and identified by the USAF combat controller who managed the airspace as "Grasshopper" due to the fact that such aircraft's landed on the grass area along the main runway to save the "asphalt" for the heavy jets AFA-317th Chapter Vice President Lt. Col Rodrigo "Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.) stand next to an RD4, the U.S. Navy version of the venerable Douglas DC-3. This aircraft too earns its living by hauling cargo to the local islands within the Bahamas as well as other destinations within the Caribbean Another Classic a Douglas DC-7B that was saved from the torch of the scrapper and restored to its former glory as Silver Falcon airliner for Eastern Airlines. This aircraft will soon be flying the national airshow circuit, as a flying museum belonging to the Historical Aircraft Flight Foundation. This is the ONLY DC-7B in the world to have been restored to its original airliner condition A far cry from the supersonic jets that Lt. Col Rodrigo "Rod" Huete once flew as a former USAF Test Pilot, but nonetheless it was aircraft's such as these classic "round engines" that fueled "Rod's" love and admiration for aviation as a boy. He commented on the amazement that was seeing the engines of Braniff's DC-6's & 7's chug to life by belching out smoke and sputtering oil at his local hometwon airport

Opa Locka, Florida 26th March 2010: Working within the "wing man" concept the President and Vice President of the Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter, the 317th are becoming a common site through out the greater Miami area. Benny and Rod have coordinated their efforts and professional schedules to bring and promote the AFA to many of their clients and colleagues. Being that both of them operate well established, recognized and respected aviation consultant firms within the greater Miami / South Florida area, the task of blending their efforts to advocate for the support of the Miami-Homestead Chapter within their daily operational schedule is fairly easy.

Their trip to Opa Locka took them to visit Wisetouch Interiors an aircraft interior service provider company and a prospective supporter of the AFA. It has become standard operating procedures between Benny and Rod to be pro-active and aggressive when promoting the AFA and seeking community / industry support. The high lite of the visit to Opa Locka airport was nonetheless the ability to tour the flight line and walk among the classic "round engine" aircraft's of which there are not too many still left operationally or still earning their keep.

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter, The 317th Meets With the Mayor Of The Village Of Key Biscayne

AFA-317th the Miami-Homestead Chapter Vice President Lt. Col Rodrigo "Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.) meets with the Honorable Mr. Bob Veron, Mayor of the Village of Key Biscayne. The AFA-317th continues their effort to reach out and embrace the local community as they stride for relevance within the public eye Shown with the Honorable Mr. Bob Veron, Major of the Village of Key Biscayne and Lt.Col Rodrigo "Rod" Huete, AFA-317 Vice President is Ms. Martha Kelly a prominent citizen of Key Biscayne and Director of Events for the Miami based, American-Nicaraguan Chamber of Commence which Rod serves as Chamber President

Village of Key Biscayne, Florida 17th March 2010: AFA-317th Vice President Lt. Col. Rodrigo "Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.) met with the Mayor of Key Biscayne, the Honorable Mr. Bob Veron. Rod's mission was to properly introduce the Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter, the 317th to the Key Biscayne Village local Government. In addition, they discussed the participation of the AFA-317th Miami-Homestead Chapter in their 4th of July Parade.

The Key Biscayne 4th of July parade is the only formal parade in the entire Miami-Dade area honoring our Nation independence, the parade initiates with the playing our Nation anthem along with an impressive flyby of F-16 from the 482nd Fighter Wing / 93rd Fighter Squadron, "The Makos" based at Homestead Air Reserve Air Base.

In the Chapter pursuit of being "Relevant" within the local community, its is befitting that our Chapter be properly represented within this notable event. The AFA-317th plans to show its colors by parading in a yet to be determine classic model automobile to be provided by a local dealer.

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter, The 317th Provides The Students of George T. Baker Aviation School With A UAV Model Training Aid

Within his "Aero Work Shop" AFA-317th President Benny Benitez holds the "WR-09" concept UAV model while still under production and prior to painting. The concept model was designed, created and finished within 48 hours over the weekend of March 13th / 14th by the AFA-317th President for presentation to the students to use as a design mock up / training aid

The 'WR-09" UAV concept model which was designed and created by AFA-317th Chapter President Benny Benitez was created to serve as an inspirational prototype for the students of George T. Baker in which the AFA-317th is closely working with and supporting their Hydrogen Powered UAV projectGeorge T. Baker Aviation School Students and members of the project team shown from left to right are Christopher Paz, Juan Dorado and Christian Harris hold the "WR-09" concept model provided to them by the President of the AFA-317th so as to help them facilitate their ideas and production methods In the constant quest toward being "Relevant" the AFA-317th leadership is shown with the George T.Baker Aviation Team. Shown from left to right are AFA-317th Vice President Lt. Col Rodrigo "Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.), Mrs. Noami Pascual Project Teacher, Christopher Paz, Juan Dorado, Christian Harris and AFA-317th Chapter President Benny Benitez Student Christian Harris explains to Lt. Col Huete USAF (Ret.) the idea for their twin boom design for the proposed Hydrogen power UAV as the students use the demo "WR-09" as a focal reference point AFA-317th Vice President Lt. Col Rodrigo "Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.) looks at the plans for the proposed UAV design. Utilizing his discipline in Aeronautical Engineering and his experience as a USAF Test Pilot Lt. Col Huete brings a tremendous wealth of knowledge for the students to tap into for the benefit of mentoring their aeronautical studies

Miami, Florida 16th March 2010: The leadership of the Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter, the 317th consisting of the Chapter President, Benny Benitez and its Vice President Lt. Col. Rodrigo "Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.) visited the students at George T. Baker Aviation School to continue showing the Chapter support toward the students project concerning the creation of a proposed Hydrogen powered UAV for a National science competition. Lt. Col Huete background as a former USAF Test Pilot and Aeronautical Engineer, coupled with the Chapter President background in aircraft design and maintenance as an FAA Licenced Technician are a wealth of support and inspiration for the students.

In their effort to motivate and inspire the students at George T. Baker AFA-317th Chapter President Benny Benitez over the weekend of March 13th and 14th dedicate his time to design, create and produce a concept UAV model called the "WR-09" for the students to have as a concept design model so as to have as a focal point, as they commence to take their idea from the drawing board to production. The AFA-317th is the only organization within Miami, Florida to have stepped up and answered the call to assist, foster and encourage the aeronautical interest and studies of our Nations future aerospace leaders.

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter, The 317th Financially Supports The University of Miami Air Force ROTC Cadet Flight Training Hours

Miami, Florida 11th March 2010: (Pending Story)

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter, The 317th World War II Caribbean 6th Air Force Veteran Member Mr. David Bernstein Shares His Story

AFA-317th Chapter Member, Musician and Songwriter Ted Miller is proudly shown with Chapter World War II member Mr. David Bernstein, U.S. Army Air Corp. 6th Air Force which was station and operated in PanamaChapter World War II member Mr. David Bernstein proudly shows off his original U.S. Army Air Corp issued A-2 leather flight jacket, which was fully and conditionally restored by his Daughter Michell who is a world known Miami based International Chef and proud of her Father service
A close up of Mr. David Bernstein sleeve of his "Eisenhower Jacket" which shows the U.S. Army Air Corp. Radio-Gunner rating patch which was worn and displayed on the lower section of the right jack sleeve. Just like the A-2 leather jacket shown above, the Eisenhower jack was in great shape The logo for the U.S. Army Air Corp the Air Force, which was based in Panama during World War II and which was primarily tasked with the duty of coastal and deep water patrols for German Navy submarines "U-Boats". The cloth patch was worn on the upper left hand shoulder sleeve. Note the sailing ship which depicts Christopher Columbus ship, which was the logo for the Caribbean U.S. Army Air Corp. Command during World War II Telling his story as the lone and sole U.S. Army Air Corp. radio operator of a coastal observation station, Mr. David Bernstein show off his original U.S. Army Air Corp. "Eisenhower Jacket" still in great condition with unit and speciality patches. It should be noted that after all these year the jacket shows like new issue from the Army Quarter Master
With great pride AFA-317th Chapter President Benny holding the Eisenhower jacket and Chapter Vice President Rod holding the A-2 leather flight jacket proudly stand with Mr. David Bernstien the Chapter World War II Veteran. We the AFA-317 salute and admire Mr. Bernstein for his service and are proud to have such an individual within our Chapter as its truly an honor

Miami, Florida 11th March 2010: We would like to commence this article by saying that we at the AFA-31th Miami-Homestead Chapter are honored to have Mr. David Bernstein as one of our Chapter member. With that said, on 11th March 2010 at the scheduled meeting, Chapter members were treated to a wonderful and informative presentation given by Mr. Bernstein about his World War II U.S. Army Air Corp, 6th Air Force experience in Panama.

Shown above were two uniform articles which Mr. Bernstein brought in and proudly showed off and allowed members at the meeting to inspect these items concerning the history of the U.S. Air Force. His story was both informative and amusing, as Mr. Bernstein has an amazing way of capturing your attention when speaking of his experience in World War II while stationed in Panama with the 6th Air Force. His duties consisted of operating a one man coastal radar site which monitored for German submarines (U-Boat) activity and which was relayed to 6th Air Force patrol aircraft's. For 18 months he operated and sustained himself totally independent from any other support units expect for the occasional support air drops. As he comically put it "the placed me out there and forgot about me".

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter, The 317th Financially Supports George T. Baker Aviation School Student Hydrogen Powered UAV Project

Shown above is a Boeing example of an experimental Hydrogen Powered UAV aircraft which the students at George T. Baker Aviation School have inspired to built their own design and concept for competition within a Florida State Science competition. The AFA-317th currently is the major contributor to the project and will rally and provide further community support from within the Miami aviation industry for the students

Shown from left to right is Miami-Homestead Chapter AFA-317th President Benny Beintez with Sean Gallagan, Principle of George T. Baker Aviation School and Rodrigo "Rod" Huete AFA-317th Chapter Vice President. Sean Gallagan attend the Chapter March meeting as the Chapter special guest. Under Benny's administration the AFA-317th has become and will continue to be a strong supporter of George T.Baker Aviation School

George T. Baker Aviation School students and project team members proudly hold up and display the the Air Force Association March 2010 magazine which the AFA-317th provides in numbers to the student body and foster a strong Air Force / Air Power presence among the school students.

Miami, Florida 11th March 2010: "Relevant" is the new adopted word within the AFA-317th Miami-Homestead Chapter. Under the leadership of its Chapter President, Benny Benitez and through his aviation consultant firm, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group and its subsidiary, the Digital Aircraft Factory, which is overseen by Ms. Catherine Smallwood who is the Chapter Secretary and one of two Chapter active commercial airline pilots, the AFA317th has been an instrumental source of technical, inspirational and financial help to an outstanding group of students from the George T.Baker Aviation School who have a keen eye for aerospace.

At the 317th schedule lunch board / member meeting held on 11th March, the Miami-Homestead Chapter advised Mr. Sean Gagallan, Principle of George T. Baker Aviation School that the 317th shall be donating US$1,000.00 to the student for their first phase of the project. An event is being planned for the formal presentation of support to the school.

This marks the 317th as the first group in Miami to step up to the plate and establish a solid start to the students project.

The Chapter leadership has marked this as their first major community contribution since taking office last November and with many more to follow, as the 317th Miami-Homestead Chapter of the AFA takes the lead within the community. Another benefit to which the students at George T,Baker Aviation School will draw from comes from the Chapter Vice President Lt.Col Rodrigo "Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.) who was not only a USAF but also an FAA test pilot as well and whose experience in the concept of design and flight testing will be a plus to the students.

Air Force Association Miami Chapter, The 317th Teams Up With University of Miami AFROTC Det 155 To Assist In Haitian Earthquake Relief Effort

Shown with the leadership of the AFA-317th (center) is Mr. Felipe E. Madrigal, the Founding President of the Rotary Club of Doral. Mr. Madrigal was truly thankful to the AFA-317, especially to Lt.Col Huete USAF (Ret.) for his effort in coordinating with the Cadets and their leadership for the contribution of their time and effort

Celebrating a successful mission and showing their sign of support, the AFROTC Det 155 Cadets again unfurled and proudly hoisted the Air Force Association banner under the earthquake relief banner to show their support and being proud of assisting toward a worth effort in giving of their time and talent

Shown with the AFROTC Det 155 Cadets (center) is Benny Benitez, the President of the Air Force Association Miami Chapter, the 317th with his Wing-Man / Vice President Lt. Col Rodrigo "Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.) to his right. Rod was the mission planner for this event, as he heard about the need that the Rotary Club of Doral needed and got the Det 155 leadership and made it happen. Good Job Rod!

The Founding President of the Rotary Club of Doral, Mr. Felipe E. Madrigal in the blue cap personally thanks the AFROTC Det 155 Cadets for an outstanding job and explained the role to which the Rotary Club of Doral has and continues to play concerning their concentrated effort toward the Haitian relief effort.

The result of a proper and well organized effort by the AFROTC Det 155 Cadets, as this one pallet was nearly completed and awaiting but a few last boxes before it was to be wrapped in clear shrink plastic so as to awaiting shipping to Haiti

A group of AFROTC Det 155 Cadets assembled themselves into four person crews and manned three sorting table work stations as shown above within the 10,000 square foot warehouse. The task at hand was to organize the many pounds of donated clothing for packing and shipping

Recognizing an environment of organization, the AFROTC Det 155 Cadets automatically dove into the job at hand by organizing, identifying and sorting the many different type, sizes and amount of donated clothing items for the Haitian relief effort

AFROTC Det 155 Cadets listen as the Rotary Club of Doral site coordinator briefs the Cadets on the mission plan consisting of the sorting and packing of the large amounts of donated clothing, shoes and canned food items to be sent to the Rotary Club in Haiti for proper distribution to the localsCadets from the University of Miami United States Air Force R.O.T.C Detachment, the 155th gather for a group shot while proudly displaying the Air Force Association banner of the Miami 317th Chapter

Doral, Florida 6th March 2010: The word "Relevant" is fast becoming the buzz around the Chapter, with its members and within South Florida, as the 317th reaches out to the needs of the community. Under the direction and mission planning efforts of the Chapter Vice President Lt.Col. Rodrigo "Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.) and in a joint effort with the leadership at the University of Miami Air Force ROTC Detachment "Det-155" under Lt.Col Theo Theodor Detachment Commander, the 317th and Det-155 showed their support toward the Haitian Relief Effort. Fourteen (14) Cadets from AFROTC Det-155 gave up five (5) hours of their free time on Saturday March 6 to assist in the sorting, packing and labeling of a vast amount of items being sent to Haiti by the Rotary Club of Doral.

The material handled by the Cadets consisted of all sorts and sizes of donated clothing. Shoes had to be paired up and secured to each other for packing with all material sorted in manner that would make any military logistic and supply Officer proud. The organization among the Cadet was nothing less than professional and to the highest standards of USAF Officer Corp. Mr. Felipe E. Madrigal, the Founding President of the Rotary Club of Doral was impressed by the effort and dedication shown by the 317th and the Cadets. We at the 317th are proud of our Cadets who are the future of our Air Force Officer Corp and our Nations Air Power!