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Press Release | May 16, 2011

U.S. Military, Honduran and Panamanian firefighters to conduct exercise at Soto Cano

By 030511

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras   –   Media are invited to cover "CENTAM SMOKE," a multi-national firefighting exercise involving multiple U.S. forces in cooperation with firefighters from Honduras and Belize, here, June 9, at 10:00 am.

CENTAM SMOKE occurs once per quarter and comprises firefighting exercises, including: personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, fire hose evolutions, helicopter egress, aircraft fire and structural fire operations, medical and medical evacuation procedures.

The exercises are conducted in a cohesive and unified environment, designed to building interagency relationships and facilitate information sharing between U.S. forces and Central American firefighters, increasing the mutual aid posture.

U.S. forces stationed at Soto Cano Air Base are committed to a full partnership with the people of Central America and their governments by conducting exercises and missions to support security, stability and prosperity throughout the region. To date, CENTAM SMOKE has conducted exercises with 513 Honduran, 10 Guatemalan, 10 Panamanian and 10 El Salvadorian firefighters.

Media interested in covering the event should call Mrs. Yaneth Talon at 2-234-4634 ext 4150.

Members of the teams will be available for interviews.