Free Republic

Then and Now

Andrew. Around these parts, no need to put "hurricane" in front of it. We know the name refers to the most destructive storm ever to hit the Gold Coast's tri-county area, wreaking most of its wrath on Miami-Dade County. It happened 15 years ago today. Millions of people throughout South Florida still vividly remember the horrific early morning hours of Aug. 24, 1992. Compact and destructive as a buzz-saw, Andrew slashed ashore near Homestead with sustained winds of 165 mph, and gusts topping 200 mph. Roofs were torn from the sturdiest homes. Buildings were shredded. Neighborhoods were reduced to rubble....

Special Operations Command South Announces Move to Florida By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2003 -- U.S. Special Operations Command announced plans Nov. 18 to relocate its headquarters that provides command and control for special operations in Central and South America to Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., by March 31, 2004. U.S. Special Operations Command South is currently based at Roosevelt Roads Naval Base, Puerto Rico, which is slated to close. The 150-member Special Operations Command South staff — about 90 military members and 60 civilians — and their families will move to the new headquarters,...