Exercise Tradewinds 2017, a multi-national maritime security and disaster response exercise in the Caribbean, kicks off with an opening ceremony in Barbados, 6 June 2017, welcoming 18 partner nations and nearly 2,500 participants.
This annual Caribbean-focused exercise includes executive level leadership and provides an opportunity for participating nations to collaborate on challenges and ensure regional security.
Admiral Kurt W Tidd, US Southern Command commander, said the US truly values the strong relationships forged during Tradewinds.
“The exercise helps ensure a seamless partnership, and, by cross-training with service members from all over the globe, ensures a better response to natural disasters, and land and maritime threats, including illicit trafficking in the critical region,” Tidd said.
Two phases of the exercise will be conducted in the Caribbean. Tradewinds Phase I is in Barbados 6-12 June, and Phase II will be conducted in Trinidad and Tobago 13-17 June.
Tradewinds, sponsored by United States Southern Command, headquartered in Miami, Florida, is a joint, combined exercise, conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defence forces and constabularies to counter transnational organised crime and terrorism, and to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
Partner nations participating in the exercise include Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago as well as military personnel from the United States, Canada, France, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
For updated coverage on Exercise Tradewinds when it officially kicks off on 6 June 6, please click on this link https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/Tradewinds
US Embassy, Barbados
