571st MSAS leads Belize Defence Force in historic airdrop, redefines regional security

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Levi Reynolds
  • 621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

Deep in the jungles of Belize, where clandestine airstrips fuel the flow of illicit drugs between South American producers and North American consumers, the strengthened partnership between the U.S. and Belize has reached new heights. In a strategic effort to deny drug cartels the ability to operate from covert airstrips, the U.S. Air Force’s 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron (MSAS) partnered with the Belize Defence Force (BDF) Air Wing to conduct a groundbreaking airdrop training mission. The operation will enhance Belize’s capability to conduct aerial resupply missions while supporting their efforts to target and destroy cartel makeshift airfields using air-delivered explosive materials—specifically, fertilizer-based munitions.

"This mission marks a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting our Belizean partners," said Lieutenant Colonel Mary Lea Bordelon, 571 MSAS Commander. "By working together, we're not only enhancing their capabilities and building a stronger, more secure region, but also addressing transnational threats that impact the security of the U.S. homeland."

U.S. Airman talks with Belize military service members
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Historically, delivering the fertilizer required for these operations has been a dangerous and manpower-intensive task. BDF troops often haul up to 1,000 pounds of fertilizer by foot through austere  jungle terrain—often over 12-hour treks—just to reach isolated forward positions. The new aerial delivery method changes the game. By airdropping bulk quantities of fertilizer into these areas, Belize can now stage operations to destroy clandestine landing zones with significantly less risk to personnel. This not only saves time and resources, but also protects the lives of Belizean soldiers, allowing them to focus on securing their nation.

"Belize's location as a natural corridor for drug trafficking presents unique security challenges," said Captain Valentin Garcia, 571 MSAS Air Advisor and Instructor Pilot. "This mission directly strengthens Belize’s ability to degrade trans-national criminal organization infrastructure. Airdropping demolition material into hostile areas gives the BDF a fast, flexible way to strike illicit airfields, mitigating the risks to their personnel in these dangerous environments."

The airdrop training exercise was conducted in May at the Hattieville Range Drop Zone, with aircraft launching from Belize International Airport. In total, 24 airdrops were conducted, the bundles dropped onto a designated zone marked by U.S. and Belizean personnel who underwent Drop Zone Control training. Notably, the final sortie was executed entirely by the Belizean team—including pilots, loadmasters, and drop zone controllers—marking a major milestone in their transition toward independent operational capability.

Airman fixes aircraft
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The success of the final Belizean-led sortie was no accident—it was the result of months of planning and coordination, culminating in days of deliberate, methodical hands-on instruction led by 571 MSAS Air Advisors. From planning and aircraft configuration to rigging, drop calculations, and ground coordination, the Belizean Defence Force Air Wing demonstrated their ability to safely and effectively execute the full airdrop mission cycle. Their performance validated the entire training construct and demonstrated the mutual benefits of this partnership, showcasing their expertise and readiness to conduct tactical airdrop operations. This success exemplifies the strength of collaborative training and its impact on regional security.

A comprehensive approach was used in the training, covering all aspects of airdrop operations. To reinforce practical skills, training was  focused on scenario-based execution, with each bundle drop treated as a live mission. This included Computed Air Release Point (CARP) calculations performed by the flight crew, accurate timing and safety coordination by the loadmasters, and precise drop zone management by Belizean ground personnel using radios, visual markers, and wind reading tools. Belizean personnel also received intensive drop zone control training covering wind readings, weather calls, radio coordination, and the setup of raised angle markers to enhance pilot accuracy. An air transportation specialist trained BDF personnel on rigging parachute systems for the bundles, laying the foundation for future operations with increased payloads using dual-chute systems. Critical aircraft configuration changes, such as removing internal seating and installing the air deflector system to enable safe and efficient bundle deployment, were also covered. These modifications replicated real-world airdrop conditions and gave the Belizean team hands-on experience in preparing aircraft for mission execution, further solidifying their skills.

This intensive training engaged 20 BDF personnel and was supported by 12 MSAS Air Advisors and two AETC augmentees, encompassing a wide range of expertise, including pilots, loadmasters, aircraft maintainers, airfield operations specialists, air transportation specialists, and communications personnel.

The 571 MSAS Air Advisors plan to return later this year to advance this mission with the BDF, reinforcing best practices and solidifying their airdrop capabilities. The ultimate goal is to build a long-term deterrent that makes Belize an inhospitable environment for transnational criminal networks.

This partnership between the U.S. and Belize is a clear example of how focused, practical training can yield immediate operational benefits strengthening the enduring bonds of our security cooperation. As the Belizean Defence Force continues to build capability and confidence, so too does the region’s collective ability to combat transnational threats—making the skies safer, and the ground less accessible, for those who would exploit it.