SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras –
U.S. Army pilots and crew assigned to the first Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment (1-228), Joint Activity Pressure-Bravo accomplished deck touchdown {qualifications} with the Freedom-variant littoral fight ship USS Billings (LCS 15) off the coast of El Salvador, July 15 and 16, 2022.
In all, 14 pilots and 14 crew chiefs achieved the deck touchdown qualification. Coaching was performed utilizing 4 Black Hawk UH-60 helicopters.
The coaching came about roughly 50 miles off the coast of El Salvador and concerned 5 landings by every crew throughout two-days of coaching. The deck touchdown functionality is considerably distinctive for U.S. Army aircrew who primarily function over land.
“The aptitude to be prepared when known as upon for over-water mission assist is vital in Central America,” stated U. S. Army Lt Col. Charles Corridor, commander, 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment. “The abilities and confidence these aviators gained by our Joint relationship with the Navy prolong {our capability} to assist our Central American companions within the area we dwell and function.”
Deck touchdown {qualifications} improve each functionality and readiness of the 1-228th to function in an inherently Joint surroundings alongside the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and coalition vessels all through america Southern Command space of accountability. The collective operational capability of those forces permits for a unified response within the occasion of a pure catastrophe on land or an emergency at sea all through the area.
The aviation regiment is one in all three main assist elements assigned to Joint Activity Pressure-Bravo at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. Finishing the deck touchdown qualification improves assist a joint functionality not solely United States Southern Command however a mess of companions throughout the Western Hemisphere.
“Joint service qualification occasions like this have implications past our unit and this area,” stated Corridor. “Having certified aviators that might assist within the occasion of a pure catastrophe is essential year-round, and it’s incumbent upon us as skilled aviators, The Winged Warriors, to supply that assist when known as upon to these in want.”
The 1-228th operates Black Hawk UH-60s, Black Haw HH-60s, and Chinook CH-47s which stay prepared to reply when known as upon throughout america Southern Command space of accountability.
Billings is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet space of operations to assist Joint Interagency Activity Pressure South’s mission, which incorporates counter-illicit drug trafficking missions within the Caribbean and Jap Pacific.
The Black Hawk UH-60 is the U.S. Army’s utility tactical transport helicopter. It offers air assault, basic assist, aeromedical evacuation, command and management and particular operations assist to fight, stability and assist operations.
