Soto Cano Air Base
Soto Cano Air Base PCS Guide
Military Base History
A CH-47 Chinook with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment, takes off during Unit Maintenance Aerial Recovery Kit training at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Nov. 2, 2023. The training further built confidence between the maintainers and aviators supporting U.S. Southern Command,...
Soto Cano Air Base sits near Comayagua, Honduras, and began as a joint Honduran and U.S. military installation in the early 1980s. Its original mission supported regional security and humanitarian operations, especially during the Cold War’s political instability in Central America.
The base was first called Palmerola Air Base, named for its local geography, before it became Soto Cano Air Base to honor a Honduran Air Force officer. This name change reflected its growing significance in Honduran military history.
Construction and expansion accelerated in the 1980s, as U.S. engineers upgraded runways, hangars, and support facilities. These improvements allowed both Honduran and American forces to operate more effectively from the base.
The base evolved into a strategic hub for U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) operations. It hosts Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-Bravo), which leads regional training, disaster relief, and counter-narcotics missions.
Throughout its history, Soto Cano has supported U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine units, along with Honduran Air Force squadrons. The base was especially active in the 1980s, aiding U.S. operations during conflicts in Nicaragua and El Salvador.
Over time, the base’s mission shifted toward humanitarian assistance and disaster response. It now emphasizes regional cooperation exercises and support for local communities.
Today, Soto Cano Air Base remains a vital platform for U.S. and partner nation engagement in Central America. It enables rapid disaster response, medical outreach, and security cooperation across the region.
The installation serves as a key site for joint training and logistics, strengthening ties between the U.S. and Honduras. Its enduring strategic importance continues to shape regional security and cooperation.
Major Units & Training Programs
U.S. Army Soldier, Maj. Sean Buchanan (right) and Chief Warrant Officer Juan De Leon, remove a generator grounding stake during the Army South CCP deployment exercise at Army Support Activity Soto Cano, Honduras, May 16, 2022. During the nine-day forward exercise, over 60 Soldiers from Army...
Major Units
Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-Bravo)
JTF-Bravo conducts joint, combined, and interagency operations in support of U.S. Southern Command objectives, focusing on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and regional security cooperation throughout Central America.
1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment
This unit provides aviation support including airlift, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance missions to support JTF-Bravo and partner nation operations in Central America.
Arrival & In-Processing
U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. LaShonda McDonald, Joint Task Force-Bravo, 352nd Combat Support Hospital, screens incoming personnel at the Soto Cano Air Base front gate in Comayagua, Honduras, April 13, 2020. The JTFB medical and security personnel rigorously screen all gate traffic, including a smell...
Welcome to Soto Cano Air Base. Arriving prepared helps you and your family transition smoothly and ensures a quick check-in. Review all requirements before your travel to avoid delays. For the most current updates, visit the official Soto Cano Air Base website.
The main entry point for Soto Cano Air Base is the Primary Gate, located at the base's main entrance. This gate operates 24/7 for authorized personnel. Always have your Military ID or CAC ready for inspection. All adults in the vehicle must present valid identification. State driver’s licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act—non-compliant IDs will not be accepted for access. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections as part of the base’s strong security posture. To sponsor visitors or family members, report to the Visitor Control Center outside the main gate with valid identification and supporting documents. Visitor passes are issued after a background check and sponsor verification.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Passports (for all family members)
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical and Dental Records
Soto Cano Air Base offers a sponsor program for all incoming personnel. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit or the base's Military Personnel Office as soon as you receive your orders. Your sponsor will guide you through arrival, in-processing, and local orientation.
Formal in-processing takes place at the Welcome Center, located near the main entrance of Soto Cano Air Base. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 0800 to 1600. Key steps include check-in at Personnel, Finance, Housing, Medical, and your assigned unit. Plan for in-processing to take 2–3 business days, depending on your needs and document readiness.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Primary Gate of Soto Cano Air Base. The VCC operates Monday through Friday, 0700 to 1700. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and processing guest sponsorship requests. Arrive early and bring all required documentation for efficient service.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
U.S. Army Pfc. Fredrick Swingle, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, loads a moving truck with bags during the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks move out at Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 28, 2022. Fort Bragg is in a process of moving Soldiers out of the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks and into more suitable barracks on the installation. (U.S. Army Photo By Pfc. Austin Robertson)
Arriving at Soto Cano Air Base starts with receiving official PCS orders and connecting with your losing installation’s Transportation Office. You’ll need to register your move in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS), which is the DoD’s portal for scheduling and tracking household goods shipments. Choose between a government-coordinated Household Goods (HHG) move or a Personally Procured Move (PPM, also called DITY). Each option has different reimbursement rules and responsibilities, so review the details in DPS before making your selection.
Service members are entitled to Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) to help cover lodging and meals while securing permanent housing, as well as Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to offset relocation costs. Be sure to keep all receipts and documentation for reimbursement. Soto Cano Air Base has unique in-processing requirements and limited on-base lodging, so coordinate your arrival and temporary housing early. Visit your gaining unit’s sponsor or the base’s newcomer resources for help navigating local procedures.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Keep hard copies of orders and important documents with you during travel.
- Review weight allowances to avoid excess baggage charges.
- Contact the Base Transportation Office early to schedule your HHG shipment.
- Take photos and inventory your belongings before pack-out.
- Coordinate temporary lodging as soon as possible; options are limited on base.
- Check entry requirements for dependents and pets well in advance.
Important Forms & Links
Register and manage your household goods move.
Official DoD rates for TLE, DLA, and travel.
Guides and checklists for every step of your move.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance (DLA).
Official arrival and in-processing information.
Space-A Travel & Passenger Terminal
Terminal Contact Information
Terminal Location
Soto Cano AB, Honduras Passenger Terminal.
Please verify the exact building number, operating hours, and directions upon arrival or by contacting the terminal directly using the information provided.
Terminal Amenities
Waiting Area
Air-conditioned seating area with TVs and power outlets.
Restrooms
Clean and accessible restrooms available for passengers.
Wi-Fi Access
Free wireless internet available throughout the terminal.
Snack Bar/Vending Machines
Light snacks and beverages for purchase; vending machines available 24/7.
Space-A Eligibility & Signup
For detailed Space-Available (Space-A) travel eligibility requirements and the most current sign-up procedures for flights from Soto Cano AB, Honduras, please refer to the official Air Mobility Command (AMC) website or contact the passenger terminal directly.
Information can typically be found regarding travel categories (DoD Categories I-VI), necessary documentation (e.g., CAC, leave forms, dependent IDs), and any specific local policies.
It's always recommended to confirm details well in advance of your intended travel dates.
Common Destinations
Joint Base Charleston, SC
Flights can fill up quickly; plan for flexibility and bring snacks for the long flight.
Homestead ARB, FL
Check for connecting flights to other U.S. destinations; hurricane season may affect schedules.
MacDill AFB, FL
Arrive early for roll call and bring valid travel documents, including passports for dependents.