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SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras -- Lt. Col. David T. Hudak, the commanding officer of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Southern Command, visited the Security Cooperation team that is currently working with Guatemala’s marine corps, the Brigada de Infanteria de Marina, in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, June 9.
The SPMAGTF-SC is headquartered in Soto Cano, Honduras, but has security cooperation teams working throughout Central America in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize providing security cooperation support to partner nation’s militaries.
Capt. Timothy M. Sakahara, the officer in charge of the SC team-Guatemala, and Gunnery Sgt. Robert J. Fertal, the team chief, met with Hudak to give him a tour of their living spaces and the BIM’s training areas, including the weapons ranges, a pool, classrooms, the riverine training area and the obstacle course. The team also has access to a jungle training area for practicing patrols and two buildings used to practice room clearing.
“Since the Marines are experts in different subject areas, they get the chance to teach each other as well as our Guatemala partners. At the same time, the Marines get to refresh their skills and stay current on what they already know,” said Fertal.
The BIM is focused on improving their ability to conduct riverine and littoral operations. Their location allows access to the Caribbean Sea which they can use to train. The Marines are helping by providing guidance and training the BIM can use to fulfill their mission.
Recently, the Marines helped the BIM organize their equipment to facilitate their issue. They also cleaned out the pool on base to make it available for water survival training. Since the BIM has such a heavy emphasis on riverine exercises, swimming is one of their top three priorities.
The next big events the SC team Marines are looking forward to are an instructor course and a non-commissioned officer’s course to enhance the BIM’s ability to train and lead their own marines.
“The Marines here are working hard, making real progress, and best of all, building relationships with our partner nation,” said Hudak.
| Date Taken: | 07.09.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.16.2015 08:20 |
| Story ID: | 170007 |
| Location: | PUERTO BARRIOS, GT |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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