SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras -- The "Winged Warriors" of Joint Task Force-Bravo's 1-228th Aviation Regiment conducted live hoist training with Special Boat Team 22 (SBT 22) and Honduran soldiers in Puerto Castilla, in the Department of Colon, Honduras, Oct. 30.
One HH-60 Black Hawk from C Company, 1-228th Aviation Regiment, repositioned to Puerto Castilla to conduct the hoist training with 12 members of SBT 22, who are in Honduras conducting training and advising their Honduran counterparts. The day's training included hoist operations, landing zone set up, and a brief of 1-228th's MEDEVAC capabilities.
"Hoisting is a critical skill to train, not only for our MEDEVAC aircrews performing the hoist, but for those who may find themselves in a situation requiring a hoist for immediate extraction", said U.S. Army Capt. Christopher Morisoli, C Company commander and pilot of the mission. "Successful hoisting requires detailed coordination between the aircrew and ground personnel, and can't be taught in a PowerPoint class."
The day culminated with each member of SBT 22 having a chance to practice live hoist. The team conducted a simulated raid on a building, resulting in a simulated casualty. The SBT personnel practiced calling in 9-line reports for evacuation and assisted their Honduran counterparts in securing a landing zone and preparing the simulated casualty to be hoisted.
C Company, 1-228th Aviation Regiment provides 24 hour MEDEVAC coverage from Soto Cano Air Base all year round, with a crew capable of being airborne within 30 minutes of notification. They routinely participate in medical readiness exercises, providing medical relief throughout Honduras and Central America.