SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras –
“This is your home, your tool, your future. You have operated under challenging conditions for far too long. You’ve earned this hangar and more.”
These were the words Maj. Gen. Phil Ryan, U.S. Army South (USARSOUTH) commander shared with junior maintainers from the 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment who were provided the honor of cutting the ribbon during the dedication ceremony of a long-awaited aviation hangar, on April 30, 2025.
This ceremony marks a major milestone for the 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment and its mission readiness as the primary air component for Joint Task Force-Bravo and U.S. Southern Command, supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations across Central America.
“As we cut this ribbon today, we celebrate more than a structure,” said Ryan. “This hangar stands as a powerful symbol of continued security cooperation between two democratic nations, Honduras and the United States, bound by shared values, mutual trust, and a vision for regional stability.”
Ryan presided over the ceremony and was joined by senior leaders from the Army Support Activity, Joint Task Force-Bravo, 1-228th Aviation Regiment, the Honduran Air Force and Soldiers, Foreign Service Nationals (FSN).
The event marked the culmination of more than 15 years of planning and development for the $44 million project.
“Today, we officially dedicate this state-of-the-art, hangar, marking a milestone not just in infrastructure, but in capability, readiness, and regional cooperation,” Ryan said.
The hangar provides modernized aircraft maintenance facilities, administrative offices, a covered hardstand, and upgraded concrete aprons to support 14 UH and HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and five CH-47 Chinook helicopters. It includes a built-in fire suppression system and additional infrastructure upgrades that will significantly improve operations and safeguard aircraft from the elements.
Previously, much of the battalion’s maintenance was conducted in temporary clamshell structures or on open aprons, where helicopters were exposed to heat, rain and other environmental hazards. The new hangar addresses long-standing infrastructure challenges faced since the unit relocated its headquarters from Panama to Honduras in 1990.
“For years, the mission was carried out in makeshift spaces for administration, operations, storage, and even aircraft maintenance,” said Ryan, a Special Operations UH-60 Black Hawk pilot who understands the importance of modernized facilities.
The construction of the hangar contributed to the local economy, creating 350 direct jobs and 100 indirect jobs. Of the total $44 million contract, $39 million was awarded to a Honduran construction company, emphasizing continued collaboration between the United States and our host nation.
"The new hangar represents a significant force multiplier for the 1-228th," stated Col. Daniel Alder, Joint Task Force-Bravo commander. "Consolidating their operations under one roof streamlines command and control, enabling seamless coordination — crucial for rapid response and mission execution."
Prior to the hangar dedication ceremony, Ryan held a town hall with FSNs to share insights into his leadership philosophy and recognize outstanding performers for their hard work.
Six FSNs were awarded Meritorious Civilian Service Medals (MCSAs) for significantly contributing to the success of U.S. military operations.
Several FSNs were awarded USARSOUTH command coins as a token of appreciation for their exemplary service to the command.
He closed the town hall by sharing the following words of encouragement, “Don’t judge your importance to the mission based on your proximity to it. You are all vitally important to the mission here.”
With over forty years of service, JTF-Bravo stands as the longest-standing U.S. military task force in the region. Our continued presence underscores the deep, enduring friendship and partnership between the United States and Central America, reinforcing our commitment to regional security and cooperation.
Check out pictures of the event here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCcnVX