ZAMBRANO, Honduras –
Eleven personnel from Joint Task Force-Bravo’s U.S. Southern Command Situational Assessment Team (SSAT) mobilized in support of a deployment readiness exercise here, Feb. 21 through 23.
The SSAT is a quick-reaction deployable team comprised of experts that provide the commander of USSOUTHCOM an immediate assessment of conditions and unique Department of Defense requirements which might be needed during a Humanitarian Assistance, Disaster Response event within the Central American Area of Responsibility.
“The SSAT gives JTF-Bravo and SOUTHCOM the ability to support the affected country's U.S. Embassy Country Team during the crisis and provide real time analysis on what Department of Defense capabilities are required to help save lives and ease human suffering,” said Lt. Col. Danford Bryant, Army Forces Battalion commander.
The SSAT is a tailor made package of personnel and cargo postured to deploy within 18 hours of notification. As the eyes and ears of the commander, they assesses and provide recommended courses of action for sustainability 72 hours pre or post-disaster. The SSAT coordinates directly with United States Government agencies to lessen effects of a disaster on a local community.
“This exercise enabled the team to train on deploying within 18 hours and executing their mission in an austere environment,” said Maj. Steven Lanni, Army Forces Battalion SSAT Operations Officer.
SSAT members are selected from a variety of career fields across the Mission Subordinate Commands to ensure every possible aspect of disaster response can be addressed. In order to stay current, training occurs twice a month in all areas of expertise ranging from logistics to water purification.
The exercise successfully tested the rapid deployment and expeditionary capabilities of all equipment and personnel in preparation for the next real world event or exercise.