SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras –
In the early morning of February 27, a long line of military vehicles rumbled and snaked its way out of Soto Cano Air Base near Comayagua, Honduras. The line of vehicles was all part of an exercise training soldiers in convoy operations.
Headquarter Support Company, Army Forces Battalion (ARFOR), conducted a 100km convoy operation along with Joint Security Forces and the Honduran Army. This operation simulated an emergency resupply to a forward operating location.
"Training like this supports an essential mission for ARFOR, provide logistics support," said U.S. Army Lt. Col Alan McKewan, ARFOR battalion commander.
As part of the battalion's weekly "Sergeant's Time Training," this convoy operation acted as a culmination event demonstrating the ability of ARFOR's non-commissioned officers to spotlight on core tasks while at the same time, implementing a long range plan to improve the unit. The past training included first aid, preventative maintenance checks and services, communications, convoy procedures and land
navigation.
"What makes this unit so special is the 'joint approach' by our Air Force and Army teammates to accomplish the mission," said ARFOR Battalion Sgt. Maj., U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Thinh Huynh.
In order to maintain operational readiness, training like this is important to ensure everyone has the skills necessary to properly conduct convoy operations in a safe manner.
"It is important we have the right experience for conducting convoy operations," said U.S. Army Sgt. Evelin Rodriguez. "Here in ARFOR we must be prepared to offer our support to Joint Task Force-Bravo at any time."
By early afternoon, the convoy returned to base after a successful operation ready to start preparations for the next mission at hand.