Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras –
Joint Task Force-Bravo, a U.S. Southern Command unit at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, will conduct a rapid response exercise with the Salvadoran Military to simulate a natural disaster response in and around La Union, El Salvador from 10-22 May.
The exercise will take place in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador and will integrate interoperability and disaster response training in addition to medical aid and construction projects.
In El Salvador, JTF-B will exercise casualty evacuation and personnel recovery training with U.S. and Salvadoran forces using rotary-wing aircraft to increase their collective readiness to respond quickly and save lives following a natural disaster.
In conjunction with that training, medical teams will perform primary care, preventative medicine, dental, pharmacy, general surgery and veterinary services to Salvadorans at Zacatillo Island, Conchaguita Island, Meanguera Island, Mogotillo, La Union, Jaguey, and Tamarindo.
“The opportunity to participate in this exercise ensures we are ready together for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations,” said U.S. Army Col. John Litchfield, commander of JTF-Bravo. “We are enduring, reliable partners for safety, security and prosperity in the region.”
This exercise will improve U.S., Guatemalan, Honduran and Salvadoran abilities to rapidly respond to crises together. JTF-B promotes regional cooperation and security in Central America.
Approximately 65 U.S. service members will deploy to El Salvador from JTF-Bravo, Honduras for the exercise.