JTF-Bravo rescues victims of Hurricane Eta

Photo By Capt. Rachel N Salpietra | A U.S. HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter assigned to the 1-228th Aviation Regiment, Joint Task Force-Bravo rescued victims of Hurricane Eta stranded in floodwaters following the effects of Hurricane Eta in Honduras, Nov. 5, 2020. JTF-B’s training and strategic location allows them to mobilize and respond to an emergency with very short notice, enabling them to rapidly respond to the needs of our partners. (Courtesy photo)  

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, HONDURAS

11.04.2020

Story by Capt. Rachel N Salpietra 

Joint Task Force Bravo

A U.S. Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopter crew assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-B) in Honduras rescued victims of Hurricane Eta stranded in floodwaters earlier today following the effects of Hurricane Eta.

At the request of the governments of Honduras and Panama, the task force is supporting immediate, life-saving efforts in Honduran and Panamanian communities impacted by the disaster.

“As partners and neighbors to Honduras and Panama, we are assisting our friends in their time of need,” said U.S. Army Col. John D. Litchfield, JTF-B commander. “Our hearts go out to everyone who has lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods in this disaster. We are determined to save as many lives as we can.”

The JTF-B Situational Assessment Team of approximately 27 military personnel, two UH-60 Black Hawks and two CH-47 Chinooks rapidly deployed from Soto Cano Air Base to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, where they are providing immediate life-saving support to the people of Honduras in areas devastated by the recent hurricane.

In Panama, JTF-B is supporting rescue efforts with approximately 36 military personnel, a UH-60 Black Hawk and two CH-47 Chinooks.

Department of Defense commanders are authorized to direct assigned forces at or near the immediate scene of a foreign disaster to take prompt action to save human lives.

The mission of Joint Task Force-Bravo includes being prepared to support disaster relief operations in Central America, South America and the Caribbean, when directed by SOUTHCOM. JTF-B’s training and strategic location allows them to mobilize and respond to an emergency with very short notice, enabling them to rapidly respond to the needs of our partners.

For more information, please contact U.S. Air Force Capt. Rachel N. Salpietra at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 11.04.2020
• Date Posted: 11.05.2020 21:17
• Story ID: 382466
• Location: SOTO CANO AIR BASE, HN