About this Unit
The 4th Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment (4-228 AVN) is a U.S. Army aviation unit stationed at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras. Activated in the 1980s, the battalion supports Joint Task Force-Bravo and provides rotary-wing aviation support for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and security cooperation missions across Central America. The unit operates UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, enabling rapid response and mobility in challenging terrain. Over the years, 4-228 AVN has played a critical role in regional stability, disaster response operations, and building partnerships with host nation militaries throughout Latin America.
Historical Facts
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Origins of 4/228 AVN: The 4th Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment (4/228 AVN) is a U.S. Army aviation unit with a long legacy, originally activated in the late 1980s to provide aviation support in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of operations.
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Soto Cano Air Base: The unit is based at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras, a strategically important installation for U.S. military operations in Central America since the 1980s.
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Humanitarian Missions: 4/228 AVN is known for its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, including responses to hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes throughout Central America and the Caribbean.
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Key Role in Hurricane Mitch: The unit played a crucial role during Hurricane Mitch in 1998, helping evacuate thousands of civilians and delivering tons of emergency supplies to isolated communities.
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Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-B): The battalion is a critical component of JTF-Bravo, supporting a range of missions including counter-narcotics, medical outreach, and security cooperation with partner nations.
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Aircraft Fleet: 4/228 AVN operates the UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, providing both utility and heavy-lift aviation capabilities.
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Multi-national Training: The unit regularly participates in exercises and training with Central American militaries, fostering regional cooperation and interoperability.
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Medical Evacuations: The battalion’s MEDEVAC missions have saved countless lives, not only of U.S. personnel, but also local civilians in remote areas with limited access to healthcare.
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Support for Counter-Drug Operations: 4/228 AVN supports U.S. and partner nation counter-narcotics missions by transporting personnel, conducting surveillance, and providing air mobility in challenging environments.
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Cultural and Community Outreach: The unit is engaged in numerous community outreach projects, such as school renovations and medical clinics, helping to build trust and goodwill between the U.S. military and local Honduran communities.
