US Special Forces, Honduran paratroopers exchange wings after training jump

Photo By Capt. Steven Stubbs | A 7th Special Forces Group jumpmaster directs paratroopers as they depart from a C-130 Hercules aircraft during a joint airborne operations training jump with the Honduran military at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, on April 3, 2014. The 1,500 foot static line jump allowed members from both nations to retain currency, while also strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Honduran forces. (Photo by U.S. Air National Guard Capt. Steven Stubbs)  

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, HONDURAS

04.03.2014

Story by Capt. Steven Stubbs 

Joint Task Force Bravo

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras - U.S. and Honduran service members exchanged jump wings after performing joint airborne operations training consisting of jumping from a C-130 Hercules aircraft at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, on April 3, 2014.

U.S. Special Forces from the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) performed a 1,500 foot static line jump alongside the Honduran 2nd Combat Airborne Infantry Battalion. The joint-training allowed members from both nations to retain currency, while also strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Honduran forces.

“It is a rewarding experience jumping with the Hondurans,” said a U.S. Special Forces member who participated in the training. “The techniques that they use are very similar to ours, so it’s almost like looking in a mirror when I watch them.”

In all, 32 Americans and 52 Hondurans made the jump to parachute safely to the Soto Cano airfield in what was deemed to be a highly-successful training exercise.

“It is a great honor to receive the Honduran jump wings from them but even greater to award them with a pair of ours,” he said.

• Date Taken: 04.03.2014
• Date Posted: 04.16.2014 18:00
• Story ID: 126319
• Location: SOTO CANO AIR BASE, HN