MIAMI – The second phase of a yearly U.S. Southern Command-sponsored joint combined exercise is set to take place in Trinidad and Tobago, June 13-17.
Phase II of exercise Tradewinds 17 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.
The list of countries participating in the exercise includes: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Dominican Republic, France, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, St. Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the United States.
The initial phase of Tradewinds 17 took place in Barbados June 6-12 and focused on improving interoperability during multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Phase III will consist of a leadership seminar in Miami, Florida, June 18-20.
The overall objective of Tradewinds is to enhance the collective ability of the regional security forces and civilian agencies involved to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations and counter transnational organized crime. This year marks the 33rd iteration of the regionally focused, multi-nationally planned exercise, which dates back to 1984.