Joint Security Forces, Honduran team secures base

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SOTO CANO A --  An Air National Guard unit here recently took extreme measures to keep the people of Joint Task Force-Bravo safe. They had a cook out.

Puerto Rican ANGs 156th Security Forces Squadron is on a 6-month deployment to Honduras as JTF-Bs Joint Security Forces. They invited Honduran military security forces and local law enforcement officers to a Puerto Rican-style feast to foster a greater working relationship with their local partners, which include the exchange of local criminal activities information.

We are guests on this base, so it is very important that we maintain a good relationship to mutually support and protect the personnel and resources of Soto Cano, said Air Force Maj. Jose Iguina, Joint Security Forces deputy commander.

The 156th SFS, which arrived in May, has taken the U.S./Honduran security forces relationship a step further because its members speak Spanish, said Honduran Capt. Carlos Flores, Honduran security forces chief of operations.

Weve been able to work with U.S. service members with the assistance of an interpreter, but when there is no communication barrier, things run smoother and we are able to develop a friendship with each other, Captain Flores said.

Current joint responsibilities include main gate operations, base and perimeter patrol, tower security and access control operations.

Local Honduran law enforcement agencies are also interested in supporting the Joint Task Force Bravo mission.

JTF-Bravo has always been generous in assisting us with our operations so we are prepared to support the mission of JSF, said Jose Ramirez, Comayagua Police Department chief. Hondurans benefit when Americans circulate their U.S. currency into the Honduran economy so we welcome their presence in the region.

JSF provides general guidance in criminal and military police investigations to local Honduran law enforcement agencies.

The 156th currently has deployed members here while also supporting the Homeland Defense mission at MacDill and Patrick Air Force Bases, Fla. Most Airmen work in law enforcement career fields back home while some members carry full-time college loads or work for state, federal and private corporations.

They have been deployed to Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Curacao, Moody AFB, Ga., and Canon AFB, N.M.

Senior Airman Luis Delgado, an architect and student in his civilian life, said despite the similarities of language, the job in Honduras is very different from being at home.

Here, its different every day, he said. We rotate between gate duty, perimeter patrols and securing facilities, so it doesnt get boring. We work well with the Hondurans, so this is a good, safe base.

The JSF unit also has personnel from the Puerto Rican ANG 612th Air Base Squadron and the Georgia Army Reserve.

JSF provides law enforcement and security for JTF-Bravo personnel, facilities, equipment and contingency operations; functions as the liaison between the U.S. government and Honduran military security elements and law enforcement agencies.