SPMAGTF-SC Set to deploy to Central America

MIAMI, FL, UNITED STATES

05.26.2015

Courtesy Story

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South

MIAMI - Special-Purpose Marine, Air, Ground Task Force-SOUTHCOM (SPMAGTF-SC) is set to deploy to Central America over the next several weeks as the first contingency response force assigned to the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility.

The Marines will deploy in various stages starting this week with the majority of the force arriving the first week of June. The unit will be based out of Honduras’ Soto Cano airbase and their temporary deployment will last through November.

SPMAGTF-SC is assigned to respond to and assist partners within the region in the event of a major disaster. This deployment coincides with hurricane season, which is the most likely of emergencies the unit could respond to during their time in the region.

Approximately 180 of the 280 man unit will remain in Soto Cano as part of the headquarters element, logistical element, and air-wing element that will support the four CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopters with the SPMAGTF. The remainder of SPMAGTF-SC will be dispersed among Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to conduct training and security cooperation engagements that are tailored to each partner’s needs.

The Marines are postured to quickly consolidate personnel and equipment throughout the region if called upon to respond to an emergency situation.

In addition to the security cooperation events, Marine engineers with the SPMAGTF will conduct community service projects in Gracias a Dios, Honduras.

For further information on SPMAGTF-SC, please contact the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South Public Affairs Officer, Capt. Armando A. Daviu, email: [e-mail], phone: [phone], or the Public Affairs Chief, SSgt. Earnest J. Barnes, email, [e-mail], 305-437-2554.

• Date Taken: 05.26.2015
• Date Posted: 05.26.2015 10:59
• Story ID: 164531
• Location: MIAMI, FL, US