SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras –
More than 30 representatives and senior leaders from different military and civilian Honduran organizations visited Soto Cano Air Base during Leader’s Day, April 26, 2019.
Visitors included governors, mayors, ministry representatives, commissioners of police and fire departments, as well as senior military officials.
Honduran leaders engaged with JTF-Bravo leadership to gain better knowledge of how the Task Force operates and partners with local organizations to provide assistance in the region, as well as the strategic importance of Soto Cano Air Base.
“Today is a great opportunity for Joint Task Force Bravo to thank everyone for being excellent hosts to our mission here in Honduras,” said U.S. Army Col. Kevin Russell, JTFB-Bravo commander. “We would like to show you the part of the base that we call home. We want you to see the equipment we work with and the people that make up our team. We are lucky to have this time today to show you what we do and who we are.”
Throughout the day, visitors received briefs from all major supporting commands to learn about their capabilities and mission, as well as participated in hands-on demonstrations including aircraft static displays, a medical surgical team display, fire fighter demonstrations and a base tour to gain a better understanding of what life is like for U.S. service members at Soto Cano.
The planning was led by the JTF-Bravo Civil Affairs team who highlighted the importance of engaging with local leaders.
“The purpose is to continue to foster the relationships between JTF-Bravo, Honduran government civil and military officials, and international organizations present in Honduras, and to showcase JTF-Bravo's strategic importance as the partner of choice,” said U.S. Army Maj. Hugo Flores-Diaz, JTF-Bravo civil affairs director. “It’s a great opportunity to come together with the leaders of Honduras and say "Thank you for allowing us to have continuous presence at Soto Cano Air Base.”
Col. Russell also showed his appreciation during his opening remarks. “JTF-Bravo has been in Palmerola for almost 37 years; we hope that our relationship with Honduras and with the rest of our partners in the region lasts for many years to come. I hope to thank each and every one of you for allowing us to live and work in such a wonderful place,” said Russell.
Leaders’ Day provides an important opportunity to show our Honduran hosts and distinguished leaders how JTF-Bravo utilizes each major supporting command’s capabilities to achieve U.S. Southern Command’s goal of ensuring security and stability in the region and how we work together to develop long lasting partnerships.