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News | June 19, 2014

Joint Security Forces' new commander; unit takes charge

By Capt. Steven Stubbs Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs

The Joint Task Force-Bravo Joint Security Forces welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony June 18, 2014 at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. U. S. Air Force Maj. Andres Lopez assumed command from U. S. Air Force Maj. Robert Shaw, Jr. with U. S. Army Col. Thomas Boccardi, Joint Task Force-Bravo commander, presiding.

"When I found out I had the opportunity to come here and lead this unit, I was very humbled and excited to come here and join this fine group," said Lopez. "The last two colonels I worked for were former commanders of the Joint Security Forces so I am very well storied and aware of the long history and legacy of this fine unit."

The Joint Security Forces not only gained a new commander but also finished the transfer of authority to the new group of security troops who arrived a week ago. Lopez congratulated the outgoing group for a job well done.

"Just a few days on the ground here, I could tell you are a tight-knit group and professional individuals. I know that you will go back with your heads held high and proud that you have done a fine job and you can go back with the satisfaction that you made the partnership with the Hondurans and our local partners here in law enforcement that much better going forward."

Lopez gave his speech in front of more than 100 Joint Task Force-Bravo Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors which included other commanders from the Army Support Activity, 1-228th Aviation Regiment, Medical Element, Army Forces Battalion, 612th Air Base Squadron and representatives from the Honduras armed forces and local police force.

Lopez is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he earned his Bachelor's degree of Aerospace science in 2000 and received his Master's of Business Administration from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2007. He also graduated the Air Command and Staff College in 2012.

The mission of Joint Security Forces is to conduct installation security and provide security support for personnel recovery, search and rescue, counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics terrorism, disaster response, noncombatant evacuation order, and humanitarian/civic assistance in support of Joint Task Force-Bravo theater-wide operations.

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