Seabees Perform Construction Operations at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras

By Lt. j.g. Teresa Bustamante, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27 Public Affairs

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27 continue construction operations at Soto Cano Air Base, the Republic of Honduras supporting construction operations for the base and U.S. Special Operations Command South while assigned to U.S. 4th Fleet.

Located in Honduras, Soto Cano Air Base is home to U.S. Southern Command's Joint Task Force Bravo.

Established in 1983, JTF-B is one example of the longstanding partnership between the United States and Honduran governments and the enduring commitment by the U.S. military in Central America. JTF-B's multifaceted outreach is highlighted in the command's mission statement:

"Joint Task Force-Bravo, as guests of our Honduran host-nation partners and the senior representative for USSOUTHCOM at Soto Cano Air Base, conducts and supports joint operations, actions, and activities throughout the joint operations area maintaining a forward presence in order to enhance regional security, stability, and cooperation."

The Seabee Detachment is tasked with approximately six rehabilitation projects to improve both the quality of life for service members and the serviceability of the base. Excited to take on this new challenge, the team has started work on several projects: a 20 foot by 12 foot concrete pad, the construction of wall partitions at the Special Forces compound and the construction of a steel pole barn.

The team's work is already being noticed by the Soldiers and Airmen stationed here and is fueling additional work requests. The Seabees said they are used to being in demand after working at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and welcome the challenge of new work in a different location.

In addition to working here, the team will forward-deploy to a U.S.-Honduran training site to make interior building renovations, repair a base electric grid, install a new roof, and take care of plumbing for the troops currently occupying that space.

The Seabees are part of a larger group of Navy Reservists from NMCB 27, Chicopee, Mass., who were recalled to active duty in July and deployed throughout South and Central America in support of U.S. Naval Forces