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News | July 11, 2017

JTF-Bravo welcomes new commander

By Maria Pinel Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs

U.S. Army Col. Keith McKinley assumed command of Joint Task Force-Bravo July 10, 2017 during a Change of Command ceremony at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras.

Local government officials, U.S. Embassy personnel, including U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Heide Fulton and U.S. Army South Commander Major General Clarence K.K. Chin attended the ceremony presided by Admiral Kurt W. Tidd, Commander of the U.S. Southern Command. Honduran Military officers also joined the Soldiers, Airmen and Marines to witness the passing of the colors from Col. Brian Hughes to Col. McKinley.

Hughes assumed command of JTF-Bravo on July 07, 2016 and during his tenure he led a diverse staff, formed by five Major Supporting Commands and eight directories, consisting of more than 500 service members. Under Col. Hughes’s leadership, the Task Force participated in numerous multinational engagements that promoted mutual trust, effective communications, and enhanced interoperability between Central American nations and the United States.

During his closing remarks, Hughes highlighted his appreciation for Honduras and his military counterparts as well as the military and civilian staff that makes up JTF-Bravo, thanking them for their support and trust.

“I leave today feeling incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a part of your formation. Be proud of who you are, what you represent and your value to the success of this JTF,” said Hughes during his speech. 

Col. McKinley, new commander of JTF-Bravo, assumes command of the task force following his assignment as the Deputy Chief of Staff – G3 for U.S. Army Japan at Camp Zama, Japan.

“I am very pleased to be back in this beautiful country and to be able to serve the Honduran people,” said McKinley, who had previously visited Honduras in the early 90s as part of an assignment with the Indiana National Guard.

“During my time as the Joint Task Force-Bravo commander I hope that the friendship between our military families stays stronger than ever,” said McKinley during his inauguarl speech.

COMMANDER'S PRIORITIES