USAF, multinational partners train in fire emergencies and rescues at Soto Cano AB

612th Air Base Squadron

The 612th Air Base Squadron provides air base support to Joint Task Force-Bravo operations and 12th Air Force including air traffic control, logistics, base civil engineering, fire department, airfield operations and personnel functions.

Mission

The 612th Air Base Squadron operates and maintains the Soto Cano Air Base airfield as a critical strategic airlift capable hub in support of the U.S. Southern Command within Central America with day, night, all-weather capabilities. As the Senior Airfield Authority at Soto Cano Air Base, the 612th Air Base Squadron is the sole authority responsible for safe airfield operations, and for the control, operation, and maintenance of the airfield and supporting land and facilities.

The 612th Air Base Squadron's Fire Emergency Services conduct exercise CENTAM SMOKE, a biannual exercise hosted at Soto Cano Air Base that includes participation from multinational firefighters from all across Central America exchanging knowledge with U.S. counterparts, to strengthen partner nation capacities as well as professional and cooperative relationships to maintain regional readiness.

Video Dashboard

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras –

Firefighters with the 612th Air Base Squadron, based out of Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras will conduct a new iteration of exercise CENTAM SMOKE, a training exercise to enhance firefighting and rescue capabilities, March 28 – April 1.

The training will include participation from approximately 35 firefighters and rescue personnel from Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama.

Participants will exercise in training scenarios including live structural and aircraft fires, vehicle extrication and low angle rescue, as well as conduct equipment familiarization and a firefighters obstacle course to test their skills to rapidly and safely move equipment and rescue victims.

Engagements such as these strengthen partner nation relations by integrating U.S. military personnel with local and regional partners to exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices to enhance collective capabilities in support of the U.S. Southern Command area of operations.

As part of U.S. SOUTHCOM’s enduring promise to its regional partners, JTF-Bravo and its supporting commands routinely conduct training with partners to enhance interoperability.

Visit https://go.usa.gov/xzqHA for more information on JTF-Bravo.