571st MSAS Strengthens Decade-Long Partnership with Belize Defence Force Through Advanced Airdrop Operations

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

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — Building on the inaugural airdrop mission conducted in May 2025, the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron (MSAS) returned to Belize on February 23, 2026, to further enhance the Belize Defence Force (BDF) Air Wing's aerial resupply and interdiction capabilities. 

This latest collaboration focused on advanced scenario-based exercises, allowing the BDF to demonstrate their growing capabilities in executing airdrop operations aimed at disrupting transnational criminal networks.

The training began at Belize International Airport, where 571 MSAS Air Advisors, including pilots, air crew flight equiptment specialist, and maintenance specialists, worked alongside 19 BDF personnel. Over the course of the two-week period, the teams conducted a series of rigorous drills at multiple drop zone locations, emphasizing precision drop calculations, parachute rigging, and real-time coordination under simulated real world conditions. A total of 40 airdrops were completed, incorporating canned foods, dry rice, and beans to simulate resupply of BDF units deployed in Belize's dense jungles.

A key highlight of the mission was the BDF's ability to leverage the foundational training provided by the 571 MSAS in previous engagements. BDF teams independently led several airdrop sorties, showcasing their proficiency in aircraft configuration, drop zone management, and post-mission evaluations. This self-reliant execution marked a significant evolution from the 2025 mission, where the BDF first achieved independent operational status under U.S. guidance. 

"The skills imparted last year have been instrumental," said Maj. Elder Correa, BDF Air Wing officer. "We've integrated them into our routine training, allowing us to conduct our own airdrop drills."

This mission underscores the enduring partnership between the 571 MSAS and the BDF, which has spanned over a decade. 

Since their initial collaborations in 2015, the 571 MSAS has provided consistent support through multiple exercises every year, technical advising, and joint operations, fostering a robust framework for regional security. These efforts have not only bolstered Belize's defenses against drug trafficking but also contributed to broader hemispheric stability by reducing the viability of criminal infrastructure.

Col. Justin Ballinger,621st Contingency Response Wing commander, emphasized the strategic value of this alliance.

"This longstanding partnership with the Belize Defence Force is vital for upholding regional security and countering transnational threats. The ability to ensure regional stability and disrupt criminal organizations is mutually advantageous.  Building partner capacity also contributes to normalized access, basing, and overflight capability in the Western Hemisphere for U.S. Transportation Command which is key to national security interests. Over the past ten years, we've cultivated a relationship built on mutual respect and shared expertise, enabling rapid global mobility and effective responses to evolving challenges in the region. Not to mention, airdrop in rugged terrain areas is pretty cool.”

Members of the 571 MSAS echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the training. Tech. Sgt. David Rost, 571st MSAS air traffic controller, shared his experience.

"Working with the Belize Defence Force is always a highlight— their enthusiasm and adaptability make the partnership feel like a true team effort. It's gratifying to see how quickly they master complex techniques and apply them in ways that directly enhance their national security."

The exercises concluded on March 8 with a joint debrief where both teams reviewed lessons learned and outlined plans for the future of BDF operations.