MIAMI –
Special-Purpose Marine, Air, Ground Task Force-Southern Command (SPMAGTF-SC) is set to deploy to Central America over the next several weeks as the rapid response force assigned to the U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility.
The Marines will deploy in various stages starting this week. With the approval of the Government of Honduras, the unit will be based out of Soto Cano Air Base and their deployment will last through November.
SPMAGTF-SC-16 is assigned to respond to and assist partners within the region in the event of a major disaster. This deployment coincides with hurricane season, which is the most likely emergency the unit could respond to during their time in the region.
Approximately 180 of the nearly 300-member unit will remain in Soto Cano as part of the headquarters element, logistical element, and aviation element that will support the four CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters with the SPMAGTF. The remainder of SPMAGTF-SC will be dispersed among Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, at the invitation of their governments to conduct training and security cooperation engagements that are tailored to each partner's needs.
The Marines are postured to quickly consolidate personnel and equipment throughout the region if called upon to respond to an emergency situation.
In addition to the security cooperation events, Marine engineers with the SPMAGTF will conduct community service projects in Gracias a Dios, Honduras.
For more information on SPMAGTF-SC, please contact the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South Public Affairs Officer, Maj. Armando A. Daviu, email: armando.a.daviu.mil@mail.mil, phone: 305-437-2554, or the Public Affairs Chief, GySgt. Zachary Dyer, email, zachary.s.dyer.mil@mail.mil, 305-437-9014.