SOUTHCOM provides solar equipment for Honduran, Nicaraguan remote outposts

MIAMI, FL, UNITED STATES

02.11.2015

Story by Michael Wimbish   

U.S. Southern Command

MIAMI - U.S. Southern Command recently provided small renewable energy equipment to Honduras and Nicaragua that will help the Central American nations’ forces fight transnational criminal organizations and drug traffickers in remote areas.

SOUTHCOM purchased and delivered the renewable energy equipment to both nations that will provide energy to operate radios and mission critical equipment at patrol outposts in very remote locations where energy is either in short supply or not available.

The energy equipment is Solar Photovoltaics (PV) modules with battery storage capacity. Solar PV modules convert sunlight into electricity and come in various sizes and configurations. The systems given to Honduras and Nicaragua are small-scale with rooftop-mounted solar panels that increase the outposts’ energy capability up to 7,000 watts.

SOUTHCOM also coordinated training and initial system setup for the Honduran and Nicaraguan forces.

Supporting Central American nations’ security efforts is a major SOUTHCOM priority because of the crippling and pervasive threat posed by well-resourced transnational criminal organizations and drug traffickers.

U.S. military support to Central America falls under the U.S. government's comprehensive assistance to the region known as the Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI). Support includes training and assistance to improve maritime, aerial, and land security efforts, information sharing and the provision of equipment and technology. The United States also provides operational and detection and monitoring support in the form of Operation Martillo, a U.S., European, and Western Hemisphere partner nation effort to disrupt transnational criminal activity in the coastal waters of Central America.

• Date Taken: 02.11.2015
• Date Posted: 02.11.2015 16:44
• Story ID: 154237
• Location: MIAMI, FL, US