1-228th Alpha Company provides simulated covert training for junior pilots

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Martha Hugo, a 1-228 Aviation Regiment Alpha Company pilot, flies one of the two Utility Helicopter-60 Blackhawks from Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, to the Island of Utila in order to comply with her training scenario June 11, 2012. During the mission the pilots had to rely on their instruments and training as they fly through mountains and over the Caribbean Sea.

JTF-Bravo helps save 9 passengers off coast of Honduras

Published July 10, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Jarrod Chavana
Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras -- A UH-60 helicopter crew from Joint Task Force-Bravo's 1-228 Aviation Battalion rescued two Americans, one Canadian and six Hondurans today from a vessel reported missing off the coast of Honduras, near the island of Roatán.

JTF-Bravo supported U.S. Southern Command's coordinated search and rescue efforts that began on July 2. United States Coast Guard aircraft and Honduran surface vessels participated in the search.

Last seen boarding a boat in Roatán, on June 30, the individuals were hoisted into a U.S. Army Utility Helicopter-60 (UH-60) and flown to Roatán for medical attention.
"In close coordination with U.S. Coast Guard and Honduran authorities, we were able to combine our abilities, which attributed to the successful rescue," said Thomas D. Boccardi, JTF-Bravo commander.

"The passengers have been adrift for several days," said Boccardi. "According, to one of my pilots it was one of the hardest rescues he's been a part of during his 20 year career. The waters were choppy and the boat was swaying, but the highly trained aircrew members were prepared for the very technical rescue. Although the individuals were dehydrated they were ecstatic to see their rescuers."

Joint Task Force-Bravo, as guests of our Honduran host-nation partners at Soto Cano Air Base, conducts and supports joint operations, actions and activities throughout Central America.