Tradewinds 2017

​Tradewinds 2017 was a Caribbean-focused training exercise designed to help participants better respond to natural disasters and land and maritime threats. The training was conducted June 6 - 17 in two main phases in Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago with a final key leader seminar phase in Miami. The exercise included U.S. military and security agency personnel who trained alongside counterparts from 19 partner nations.

Members of 1st and 2nd Infantry Battalion, Trinindad and Tabago Infantry Regiment, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, and soldiers from the Belize Defense Force simulate a beach raid during Phase II of Exercise Tradewinds 2017 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, June 13, 2017. Tradewinds, an annual U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise, brings together 20 partner nations to increase Caribbean security and the combined ability to counter transnational terrorism and organize crime, and enhance humanitarian and disaster relief capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Clemente C. Garcia)
A Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force helicopter approaches its landing zone for insert as part of a simulated aerial and maritime raid during Exercise Tradewinds 2017 Phase II in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago, June 13, 2017. Tradewinds, an annual U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise, brings together 20 partner nations to increase Caribbean security and the combined ability to counter transnational terrorism and organize crime, and enhance humanitarian and disaster relief capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Olivia McDonald)
A soldier with Trinidad and Tobago Infantry Regiment, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, takes cover before raiding his objective during Exercise Tradewinds 2017 Phase II in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago, June 13. Tradewinds, an annual U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise, brings together 20 partner nations to increase Caribbean security and the combined ability to counter transnational terrorism and organize crime, and enhance humanitarian and disaster relief capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Olivia McDonald)
Belize Defence Force soldiers take cover while conducting a simulated aerial and maritime raid during Exercise Tradewinds 2017 Phase II in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago, June 13, 2017. Tradewinds, an annual U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise, brings together 20 partner nations to increase Caribbean security and the combined ability to counter transnational terrorism and organize crime, and enhance humanitarian and disaster relief capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Olivia McDonald)
Service members from Belize, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mexican Marines discuss the objective before conducting a simulated raid on a hangar during Phase II of Exercise Tradewinds 2017 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago, June 14, 2017. Tradewinds, sponsored by U.S. Southern Command, is an annual combined exercise designed to increase Caribbean security by enhancing the collective ability of the 20 participating nations to counter transnational organized crime and terrorism, and conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. U.S. Marines are providing training and logistical support for Phase II of Tradewinds. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Luke Hoogendam)
Members of the Belize Special Assignment Group provide security while conducting a simulated raid on an overtaken hangar during Phase II of Exercise Tradewinds 2017 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago, June 14, 2017. Tradewinds, sponsored by U.S. Southern Command, is an annual combined exercise designed to increase Caribbean security by enhancing the collective ability of the 20 participating nations to counter transnational organized crime and terrorism, and conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. U.S. Marines are providing training and logistical support for Phase II of Tradewinds. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Luke Hoogendam)
U.S. Marine Sgt. Olivia McDonald, a mass communicator with II Marine Expeditionary Force, signs a child’s hand at Carenage Boy Government Primary School as part of a community relations event during Phase II of Exercise Tradewinds 2017 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago, June 16, 2017. This year marks the 33rd iteration of the regionally focused, multi-nationally planned exercise, which dates back to 1984. McDonald, a Medford, Massachusetts, native, and other Marines are providing training and logistical support for the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Clemente C. Garcia)
Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Col. Roger Carter, right, the assistant chief staff officer of Headquarters, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, and U.S. Coast Guardsmen pose for a photo with students while at Carenage Boy Government Primary School as part of a community relations event during Phase II of Exercise Tradewinds 2017 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago, June 16, 2017. Tradewinds, sponsored by U.S. Southern Command, brings together security forces and regional civilian agencies from 20 participating countries to strengthen relationships, build partner nation capacity and conduct subject matter expert exchanges in security-related operations. U.S. Marines are providing providing training and logistical support for Phase II of the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Olivia McDonald)
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - Lieutenant-Colonel John Woodgate, Commanding Officer of 1st Field Artillery Regiment, greets Lieutenant-General Joseph DiSalvo from the United States Army during Exercise TRADEWINDS 17 closing ceremony in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago on June 17, 2017. Photo: Avr Desiree T. Bourdon, Canadian Forces Joint Imagery Centre (CFJIC) RE30-2017-0134-080
Steven Celestine, a member of the Commonwealth of Dominica Coast Guard, practices law enforcement techniques during Exercise Tradewinds 2017 at the Barbados Coast Guard Base in Bridgetown, Barbados, June 9, 2017. Tradewinds 2017 is a joint, combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime, and to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Melissa Leake/Released)
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Dave Lanham, 83rd Troop Command, Florida Army National Guard, encourages Guyanese troops prior to their turn on the range. Armed forces personnel from Barbados, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Surinam, Trinidad & Tobago and the U.S. participated in a Tradewinds 2017 range fire training exercise at Paragon Base, Barbados, June 11, 2017. Military personnel and civilians from 20 countries are participating in this year’s exercise in Barbados, and Trinidad & Tobago which runs from June 6-17. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 1st Sgt. Paul Meeker)
Armed forces personnel from Barbados, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Surinam, Trinidad & Tobago and the U.S. participate in a Tradewinds 2017 range fire training exercise at Paragon Base in Christ Church, Barbados, June 11, 2017. Military personnel and civilians from 20 countries are participating in this year’s exercise in Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago, which runs from June 6-17. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 1st Sgt. Paul Meeker)
170610-N-CM227-190 Fire officers from the Bridgetown Fire Department assess and assist a volunteer actor during a mass casualty drill at the site of the former Glendairy Prison. The scenario was based on the idea that an earthquake caused a hotel to collapse and local emergency services and Barbados Defence Force (BDF) personnel were working together to rescue and treat survivors. Tradewinds 2017 Regional Observer and Assessment Team (ROAT) members from multiple countries watched the exercise to take notes and create an assessment for Barbadian officials. The report will contain ideas of ways emergency services might be able to improve response procedures. Tradewinds is a joint, combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime, and to conduct humanitarian and disaster relief operations. This year’s exercise includes 20 partnering countries. (U. S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Marie A. Montez/ Released)
Fire officers from the Bridgetown Fire Department assess and assist a volunteer actor during a mass casualty drill at the site of the former Glendairy Prison. The scenario was based on the idea that an earthquake caused a hotel to collapse and local emergency services and Barbados Defence Force (BDF) personnel were working together to rescue and treat survivors. Tradewinds 2017 Regional Observer and Assessment Team (ROAT) members from multiple countries watched the exercise to take notes and create an assessment for Barbadian officials. The report will contain ideas of ways emergency services might be able to improve response procedures. Tradewinds is a joint, combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime, and to conduct humanitarian and disaster relief operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Melissa K. Russell/Released)
Members of the Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Vincent, and Grenada police forces march toward a staged riot during a training event in Bushy Park, Barbados for Exercise Tradewinds, June 10, 2017. Military personnel and civilians from 20 countries are participating in this year’s exercise in Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago, which runs from June 6-17. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Renee Seruntine)
BARBADOS - Able Seaman Neil Parsons from the Royal Canadian Navy swims to rescue a simulated casualty as Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship KINGSTON conducts a Diver Recovery Position training during Exercise TRADEWINDS 17 in Barbados on June 09, 2017. (Canadian Forces Joint Imagery Centre photo by Avr Desiree T. Bourdon)
Seaman Mia Mauro, stationed on the Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser, prepares to shoot the .50 cal machine gun during a joint gunnery exercise between allied and partner nations in the Caribbean Sea, June 8, 2017 during Tradewinds. Tradewinds 2017 is a joint combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime and to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Adam Stanton
Students from Combermere School climb into a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter from Florida Army National Guard B Company, 1-185th Assault Helicopter Battalion, on board Barbados’ Paragon Base. The students visited the base to participate in a Tradewinds 2017 community relations (COMREL) event that allowed local school children to meet with members of the armed forces from multiple participating countries, ask them questions, and check out their equipment up close. Tradewinds is a joint, combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime, and to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Melissa K. Russell/Released)
A 33-foot boat from the Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard participates in training during Tradewinds 2017 near Bridgetown, Barbados, June 8, 2017. Tradewinds 2017 is a joint, combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime, and to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations. (U.S. Coast Guard by Petty Officer 1st Class Melissa Leake/Released)
A 33-foot boat from the Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard is shown in the water near Bridgetown, Barbados, June 8, 2017. The Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard is participating in Tradewinds 2017, a joint, combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime, and to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations. (U.S. Coast Guard by Petty Officer 1st Class Melissa Leake/Released)
Sgt. 1st Class Samuel Amador, an Infantryman with the 1/124th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Combat Brigade Team, Florida Army National Guard, distributes training ammunition to a member of the Barbados Defence Force who is participating in Tradewinds 2017 at Paragon Base, Barbados, June 8, 2017. Tradewinds is a joint, combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime, and to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations.
Florida National Guard Sgt. Randall Green stands guard with a member of the Barbados Defence Force during defensive position training during Tradewinds 2017 in Barbados, June 8. Military and civilians from over 20 countries are participating in this year’s exercise in Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago, which runs from June 6-17, 2017. (US Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. Garrett L. Dipuma)
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - A member of the Maritime Tactical Operators Group (MTOG) mentors Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) members as they conduct infiltration drills for boarding party training at the TTCG base in Chaguaramas, Trinidad as part of Exercise TRADEWINDS 17 on June 8, 2017. (Canadian Forces Combat Camera photo by Leading Seaman Zachariah Stopa)
Sapper Lee McAulay of the British Army guides members of the Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard through a simulated first aid scenario during first aid training at Exercise Tradewinds 2017 in Bridgetown, Barbados, June 7, 2017. Tradewinds 2017 is a joint, combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime, and to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations. (Royal Bahamas Defense Force photo by Marine Seaman Michael Turner/Released)
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser, homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico, transits toward the pier in Bridgetown, Barbados, June 7, 2017. The cutter is part of Tradewinds 2017, which is a joint, combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime, and to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Melissa Leake/Released)
Surgeon Lieutenant Nathaniel Roocroft of the Royal Navy demonstrates how to use a defibrillator during basic first aid familiarization training for Exercise Tradewinds 2017 in Bridgetown, Barbados, June 7, 2017. Tradewinds 2017 is a joint, combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime, and to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations. (Royal Bahamas Defense Force photo by Marine Seaman Michael Turner/Released)
Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Matheson, a maritime enforcement specialist assigned to the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy in Charleston, South Carolina, observes a member of the Antigua Coast Guard practice a use-of-force technique during exercise Tradewinds 2017 at the Barbados Coast Guard Base in Bridgetown, Barbados, June 6, 2017. Tradewinds 2017 is a joint, combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime, and to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Melissa Leake/Released
Coast Guard Rear Adm. Daniel Abel, director of operations for U.S. Southern Command, and Linda Swartz Taglialatela, ambassador for the United States of America, depart the opening ceremony for Tradewinds 2017 in Bridgetown, Barbados, June 6, 2017. Tradewinds is a joint, combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime, and to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Melissa Leake/Released)
Participants from different countries stand at parade rest during the opening ceremony for Tradewinds 2017 in Bridgetown, Barbados, June 6, 2017. Tradewinds is a joint, combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime, and to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Melissa Leake/Released)
Mexico's Naval Infantry Force Marines arrive in Barbados to train in a Tradewinds Exercise, June 5, 2017. Military and civilians from over 20 countries are participating in this year’s exercise in Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago which runs from June 6-17, 2017. Tradewinds is a joint, combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter terrorism and transnational organized crime, and to conduct humanitarian and disaster relief operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Garrett L. Dipuma)
Different countries' flags are shown during the opening ceremony for Tradewinds 2017 in Bridgetown, Barbados, June 6, 2017. Tradewinds is a joint, combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime, and to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Melissa Leake/Released)
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Tradewinds 2017 Overview

Tradewinds 2017 was a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-directed, U.S. Southern Command-sponsored annual exercise conducted in cooperation with Caribbean Basin partner nations. This exercise marked the 33rd iteration of the regionally focused, multi-nationally planned exercise, which dates back to mid-1980s.

Tradewinds supports the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), as well as U.S. Southern Command’s goal of building partner nation capacity at the tactical and operational levels. 

The exercise was designed to conduct joint, combined and interagency training which focuses on increasing regional cooperation for complex multinational security operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

Participants

About 2,500 personnel participated in all phases of the exercise. 

Nations Involved

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, United States, Canada, France, Mexico, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Participating regional organizations included the Regional Security System (RSS), Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and CARICOM.

U.S. Forces Involved

U.S. participation included U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Transportation Command, U.S. Army South, U.S. Marine Forces Southern Command, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command; Special Operations Command South, U.S. Air Forces Southern, Joint Staff J7 South, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army National Guard Units from Florida (83rd Troop Command), Louisiana, and Missouri, U.S. Air National Guard Units From Delaware and Rhode Island, USMC 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, USMC 4th Civil Affairs Group, and USMC Operations Group 5. 

Training

Phase I

During Phase I in Barbados, regional civilian agencies, security forces and a Regional Observer/ Assessor Team focused on building participating nation capacity of the Barbados Security Forces, the nations of Regional Security System (RSS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), specifically Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Agency for the Implementation of Crime and Security (IMPACS), in conducting humanitarian assistance/disaster relief training while focusing on related security concerns in cooperation with U.S., Canadian, French, and British forces. U.S. Coast Guard supported partner nations and focused on building participating nation capacity of the CARICOM maritime forces in counter- illicit trafficking operations in cooperation with other regional, U.S., British, Mexican, Canadian, and French forces.

Phase II

During Phase II in Trinidad and Tobago, regional civilian agencies, security forces and a Regional Observer/ Assessor Team focused on building participating nation capacity of the Trinidad and Tobago Security Forces, the nations of Regional Security System (RSS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), specifically Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Agency for the Implementation of Crime and Security (IMPACS) focusing on related security concerns in cooperation with U.S., Canadian, French, and British forces. U.S. Coast Guard supported partner nations and focused on building participating nation capacity of the CARICOM maritime forces in counter- illicit trafficking operations in cooperation with other regional, U.S., British, Mexican, Canadian, and French forces.

Phase III - Key Leader Seminar

Phase III will consist of a Key Leader Seminar in Miami, Florida for SOUTHCOM and participating countries to discuss Phase I and II After Action Reviews and the way ahead for future Tradewinds exercises.

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