The Texas Wing’s South Fort Worth Diamondback Squadron is transforming its airport home into a fully operational incident command post and immersive learning environment for cadets, aiming to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure to support mission operations while enhancing aerospace education and leadership training for youth.
“This facility will serve a dual purpose: it’s where the members can coordinate real-time and practice emergency responses and where cadets can gain the hands-on experience they need to become tomorrow’s leaders,” said Capt. Michael McDade, who commanded the squadron — based at Fort Worth Spinks Airport — when the project began and for most of its progression.
McDade, who’s also a U.S. Air Force master sergeant within the 301st Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, has proven instrumental in the planning and execution of the upgrades. Drawing on his military experience in logistics, operational expertise, and history of involvement in the Diamondback squadron as a cadet since the 1990s, he directed his staff to ensure the facilities lay a strong foundation for cadet programs and emergency services support, both locally and at the group and wing levels.
The new incident command post will feature upgraded communications systems, integrated mission-planning areas, and rapid deployment support capabilities. It will also provide a modernized training space for cadets, equipped with a functioning classroom, flight simulators, and emergency services labs.
Squadron leaders hope the enhanced space will attract new members and increase retention by providing cadets with meaningful, real-world training.
Members of other squadrons have participated during the three-year build-out, with the neighboring Fort Worth Phoenix Composite Squadron regularly providing volunteers to help and other squadrons pledging equipment and expertise.
“This expansion isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about capability,” said Capt. Roman Vitanza, Fort Worth Phoenix Squadron commander. “They are building a space where cadets can grow into confident leaders and where their team can respond to missions with professionalism and precision.
“It’s a game-changer for their squadron and for the community we serve.”
The Diamondback squadron is also exploring partnerships with local emergency management agencies, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and airport management to expand the facility’s impact with the goal of becoming a one-stop-shop for aerospace education and being able to simulate emergency response in a controlled learning environment.
“This is a very exciting time to be a Diamondback,” McDade said.
“We’re not just investing in walls and wires — we’re investing in capability, training, and future success here in South Fort Worth,” he said, adding that members “can take pride in the new vision for our organization, the foundation they helped set, and the Diamondback legacy (to which) they’ve contributed a new chapter.”____1st Lt. Scott PerkinsCommanderFort Worth Phoenix Composite Squadron Texas Wing
